Angling Notes/Derek Evans:The Draft Consultation Document for Wild Salmon and Sea Trout Tagging Scheme Regulations (No 2) 2006 announced last month by the Minister of State for the Marine John Browne is bound to make the hair stand up on the heads of most salmon anglers and draft netsmen across the country.
The 26-page document consists of mostly regulation jargon, but the last four pages spell out, for me anyway, the true meaning of salmon conservation from an angling perspective. Out of 151 Irish salmon rivers, only 45 are listed where salmon or sea trout can be taken by rod and line or commercial means.
Granted, 74 of these 151 rivers produce just 0.5 per cent of the total angling catch but 77 are rated as "reasonable to excellent". This means, in effect, that more than 40 per cent of potential salmon rivers will be closed next season.
Of course there can be no gain without pain, but no more fishing on the Boyne or Slaney or Nore, to name a few, is a bitter pill to swallow!
On a brighter note, the Feale River in Limerick is allowed a maximum quota of 4,688 salmon and sea trout; Munster Blackwater in Waterford, 4,728; the Laune in Kerry, 7,170; and, of course, the jewel in the crown, the Moy in Mayo, a staggering 20,267. Only two rivers in the eastern region are sustainable, the Fane and Castletown, both in Dundalk and with an allowance of 223 and 42, respectively.
It must be remembered this regulation is still at consultation stage and open for negotiation prior to presentation to the Oireachtas for ratification later this month. Meanwhile, a marine spokesman has confirmed to The Irish Timesthat a policy document on catch-and-release will be issued on or before December 18th.
So, it will be quiet at Islandbridge on the River Liffey for opening day next month. No New Year's Day festivities, no craic and no fishing. But then it was five and half months into the season this year before the first salmon was caught on the Liffey. Surely that statistic epitomises the whole salmon conundrum in one foul swoop.
• By popular demand, Ireland's most qualified female casting instructor, Glenda Powell, is returning to Ballyhass Lakes, Mallow, Co Cork, early in 2007 to present her Introduction to Fly-Fishing course. Adding to her impressive list of qualifications, Glenda recently qualified as an APGAI-Ireland instructor, and this year became the Ladies World Salmon Fly Distance Casting Champion at the Emerald World Masters Championships at Carton House, Maynooth, Co Kildare.
Ballyhass consists of two superb lakes stocked with rainbow and brown trout. The main lake of 12 acres is fly-only and best fished by boat. A fleet of new five-metre boats are fitted with electric engines and accommodate three anglers. The smaller lake of 2.5 acres can be fished from the bank with fly, worm or spinners.
The one-day course is limited to eight people and covers rod and line preparation; essential knots; fly selection and casting practice. All equipment is supplied for the course and a handbook of invaluable notes is available to each participant.
The two days confirmed are January 20th and February 10th, 2007. Times: 9.30am-4.30pm. Cost: €125 per person including lunch. To reserve a place, call Tom on 087-2248097 or 022-27773. It would make an ideal Christmas gift.
Around the fisheries
Annamoe Trout Fisheries, Co Wicklow:Ray Geraghty from Dodder Anglers' Club won the fifth and final heat of the Scierra Fly-Fishing Winter League last Saturday week. A brown Muddler Minnow lure on a floating line with sink tip was sufficient to net four rainbows, all over 1.5kg. The final of the Scierra sponsored league will take place next Saturday.
Corkagh Park, Dublin:Wonderful things happening at Corkagh this weather. Last week the best rainbow reached 6kg and three Italians (Pepe, Luca and Sammi) were delighted with their catch, mostly on Minkies and Zonkers. The lake was stocked again last week and included more double-figure fish. The winter league, which got under way yesterday, will carry a prize fund of €800. For details, contact Godfrey at 01-4592622 or 087-2650495.