THE Eastern Regional Fisheries Board (ERFB) has reiterated that commercial salmon fishing on the east coast remains closed for 2008. This is in response to strict conservation measures introduced in 2007 to protect Irish salmon stocks.
Within the region, salmon stock levels are extremely low. Take, for example, the River Boyne. Here, the total commercial catch in 1998 was 7,226. By 2006, this figure had declined to 818 salmon, a massive reduction of 88 per cent. As a result, conservation measures were introduced that included closure of commercial fishing from Dundalk to Wexford, closure for angling of the River Liffey and catch-and-release for anglers on the Boyne, Castletown and Slaney rivers.
On the Boyne, the rod-angling catch in 1998 was 871; this, however, plummeted to 377 in 2006. Findings from a recent study by the Central Fisheries Board on catch-and-release showed that 98 per cent of salmon caught reached their spawning grounds, proving that the practice can provide recreational anglers with the opportunity to fish, and thereby keep angling clubs alive in the local community.
When sufficient salmon return to their respective rivers to make them sustainable, the rivers may then be opened for salmon fishing for both commercial and angling sectors, subject to a quota. However, this is dependent on compliance with conservation measures and a range of external factors which affect the survival of salmon at sea.
Pat Doherty, ERFB chief executive officer, said: "The most significant contribution a commercial fisherman or angler can make to a fishery is to comply with these regulations. Whilst all sectors have to make sacrifices, I hope these regulations will help improve salmon stocks, which are currently at unsustainable levels in most of the eastern region."
• On the western lakes, anglers await the arrival of the mayfly in all its fanfare. Up to last Wednesday Mediterranean conditions contributed little to mayfly fishing and reports to hand suggest hatches were localised, with some anglers reporting good fishing, while others resorted to buzzer nymphs in the absence of surface activity.
Roy Pierce and Malcolm Patrick, fishing on the Corr na Mona-Greenfields side of Corrib, accounted for 23 fish to the boat on one day to dry mayflies, including 10 oversize, of which all but two were returned. Tom "Doc" Sullivan fished with Patrick over two evenings and caught four for 5kg. Next day Sullivan landed two fine fish on dry mayflies of 1.9kg and 2.2kg.
Mask has yet to see large mayfly hatches as trout continue to opt for olives. However, hot humid conditions contributed to excellent buzzer fishing late into the evening. Carra produced sparse hatches of mayfly mixed with dark sedge, mainly in the Moorehall- Brownstown area. Fishing conditions were difficult, with bright sunshine during the day, but the calm evenings produced large hatches of buzzer and very good fishing.
A warm and sunny week on Conn and Cullin saw south-easterly winds over both loughs. Mayfly hatches were slower than expected with Sooty Olive, Bibio and wet Mayfly patterns most productive. Anglers fishing out from Pontoon Bridge Hotel reported five trout for 2.5kg and one salmon of 4.5kg for Brian Hall of Hampshire. Michelle Moss had her first trout close to Glass Island on a Dabbler fly.
Lough Conn and Cullin Anglers hosted the ITFFA-sponsored Connaught Cup Competition last Sunday at Gortnorabbey where 55 anglers competed. Results: 1, G Binnley, Foxford, 3 trout, 2.7kg; 2, P Traynor, Crossmolina, 4f, 2.1kg; 3, R Reilly, Loughrea, 3f, 1.7kg.
• Despite poor conditions Carrowmore Lough produced some good fishing, with 10 salmon caught. Locals Michael Noone and Gerry Coyle boated two fish of 3.1kg each while Dr Flynn and his South African fishing partner took a salmon of 3.6kg. Fishing on this prolific spring salmon fishery can be arranged by contacting Bangor Sporting Club at www. bangorerrisangling.com.
• The fly proved successful on the Ballisodare River, with 30 salmon landed and 24 of these released. Club secretary Dermot Glennon caught and released three on the fly.
• Anglers who are interested in competing in the Traynor and Tolan Memorial Cup (fly-fishing) on Lough Conn on May 31st and June 1st are asked to submit entries to Padraig Traynor (086-6052687) by May 23rd. Entry fee is €130 and accumulated bag weight over the two-day event will decide winner.