Angling Notes/Derek Evans:Annamoe Trout Fishery lived up to its reputation as one of the finest rainbow trout fisheries in Ireland following the media fly-fishing competition, held the weekend before last in the beautiful setting of the Wicklow mountains.
Now in its fourth year, the event has grown in stature down the years and is now highly rated among angling media personnel.
The weather this year was ideal with light winds and overcast conditions that, no doubt, had a bearing on catches. At close of play, a total of 97 hard-fighting rainbows, some to 55cm, had succumbed to the glittering array of lures offered by the 28 hacks. In true conservation spirit all were released to fight another day.
Competitors included Derek Davis and Fergal Keane from RTÉ; David Gray and Terry McGeehan from the Star;Paddy O'Flaherty and Diarmaid Fleming from BBC Ulster; Michael Flanagan from the Sunday World; Denis Goulding and Karl O'Toole from Irish Anglers' Digestand Campbell Baird and Bill McIlroy from Trout Fisherman.
Deciding on a winning duo proved intricate as The Irish Timesteam of Denis Coghlan and myself, and the Trout Fishermanteam both shared 21 fish. However, on total length The Irish Timesteam won the day with just five points to spare. Irish Angler's Digesttook third place and Goulding also collected a Shimano rod, sponsored by the Eastern Regional Fisheries Board (ERFB), for the longest fish of 55cm.
Over dinner in the Glendalough Hotel, the proprietor of Annamoe, Brian Nally, thanked the media for making the day a resounding success. He also thanked Des Chew and Hazel Dobbyn from the ERFB for their assistance.
Marie McCormack of Fáilte Ireland presented the prizes, which included the Fáilte Ireland Dublin Crystal Perpetual Trophy to the winning team and specially inscribed Dublin Crystal bowls to the first three teams.
Annamoe Trout Fishery is a quality fly-fishing lake offering rainbow trout up to 4kg and situated on the main road between Roundwood and Laragh. Set in a natural scenic environment, the lake is open all year round from 10am until dusk.
Fly-casting tuition is available and there's a children's fishing pond open from today until September. Contact annamoefishery@eircom.net or tel: 0404-45470.
Results: 1, Irish Times(21 fish); 2 , Trout Fisherman(21f); 3, Irish Angler's Digest(10f); 4, Daily Star(7f); 5, Irish Angler, 7f, 6, RTÉ (6f).
And there's more. The following morning a guided tour of Wicklow Gaol and Avondale House, with lunch at Avondale, was informative and enjoyable. The afternoon was eagerly awaited, as it included wild brown fishing on the nearby Avonmore River in Rathdrum.
As the group assembled at the Lower Street Bridge stretch, members of the local club and Dundalk club provided advice on suitable flies and technique required to fish the river. I paired with local angler Seán McLoughlin as we tested the Sandy Hole and Viaduct beats with March Browns, Hares Ear and Water Nymphs patterns.
Ideal fishing conditions beckoned as we settled in for an afternoon of quality fishing. Alas, after about an hour the water clarity began to deteriorate until eventually it became impossible to continue. Seemingly, construction work upriver resulted in a brown cloud completely overtaking the river. What a pity!
• The first salmon at Galway Weir was caught last Tuesday by local angler Seán O'Toole fishing a spinner. The fresh-run cock fish, estimated at 6kg was quickly unhooked and released. Water levels have dropped rapidly in Galway over the last week, and two gates are now open at the weir. Fishing conditions are perfect and hopes are high for more fish over the coming week.
• The first Irish heat of the Lexus European Fly-Fishing Team Championships will take place on Lough Lene in Co Westmeath on April 21st.
For further details, contact Gregory.white@btconnect.com.
• An open pike competition in aid of Special Olympics Ireland will be held at Lough Derravaragh on April 22nd. Anglers should meet at Donore Shore for fishing (11am until 6pm). Entry fee is €100 per boat with a first prize of €1,000. Contact Peter Smyth at 086-246 3324.
• The first trial for the Irish Ladies Flyfishing Association to form the team for the 2008 Home International Championships was held on Ballyhass Lakes in Co Cork. Results: 1, O. Walsh (3 fish); 2, M. Scorer (3 f); 3, J. Gerry (3 f). The second trial is scheduled for Bilberry Lake, Co Mayo, May 12th.