Criticism for bringing brown trout for weigh-in purposes on Mask and elsewhere is answered

A pair of trout spawning on gravel that was put into the River Robe on the outskirts of Ballinrobe Town, Co Mayo, last year
A pair of trout spawning on gravel that was put into the River Robe on the outskirts of Ballinrobe Town, Co Mayo, last year

FOR the past number of years, the World Cup fishing competition on Lough Mask, and indeed, many other competitions around the country, have come under criticism for bringing in brown trout for weigh-in purposes.

Ronan Cusack, from the World Cup Committee, said the one thing these critics overlook is the vast amount of work and investment made by local clubs towards development of our rivers and streams.

“Annual in-stream development work is essential and plays a vital role in ensuring our great western lakes maintain healthy stocks for all to enjoy. This, of course, involves both money and expertise. Thankfully, Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) and many local angling clubs have worked closely over the years and carried out numerous successful projects,” he says.

“This year alone, Partry, Carra, the World Cup and Ballinrobe & District clubs have invested more than €3,500 on spawning gravel, introduced by IFI, into three sites in the Carra / Mask catchment.”

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These sites will be closely monitored by IFI officers over the spawning season and any additional information will be relayed back to the respective clubs at their agm.

Lower survival rate

Following a comprehensive review of scientific research to protect wild salmon, Natural Resources Wales (NRW) intends to phase out salmon stocking by 2015. The research found that hatchery-reared young salmon have a much lower survival rate than young wild fish, and can harm existing wild salmon populations.

Consequently, NRW will close its hatcheries at Mawddach and Maerdy in north Wales. The Cynrig hatchery, near Brecon, will remain open with the possibility of developing a freshwater research centre on the site.

Money raised from the sale of the hatcheries will be used to improve rivers previously stocked, including work to open new migratory routes.

The decision to close followed a wide range of scientific evidence which suggested there are more effective ways to support salmon. (A public consultation did not come up with any evidence to the contrary.)

During the Industrial Revolution salmon became extinct on the River Taff and stocking played a part in its recovery along with other industrialised rivers.

However, a study has revealed that while stocking provided that initial boost, more salmon would be produced if fish were left to spawn rather than taken for hatchery rearing.

Dr Stephen Marsh-Smith, Director of The Wye and Usk Foundation, says: “NRW has been very courageous in these proposals, challenging what are some extremely entrenched beliefs.”

Bio-security conditions

The hot-water stretch at Lanesborough, Co Longford, has reopened to angling under strict bio-security conditions, according to Inland Fisheries Ireland.

Four disinfection units have been installed, two above and below Lanesborough Bridge, one at Lanesborough boat slipway and the fourth on the Ballyleague bank. Anglers must disinfect all fishing equipment on departure.

Due to the continued presence of Asian Clam, the use of keep-nets in this area is prohibited.

Cascade salmon fly

Fly-tyer Jimmy Tyrrell said the most common salmon fly he is asked to tie these days is the cascade. The pattern (see below) is the original tying with yellow and orange head hackle silver and black body. “It’s just the colours than can vary and the different sizes,” he says. See irishflycraft@gmail.com or 086-8451257.

Galway Fly Fair

Don’t forget to visit this weekend’s two-day Fly Fair and Angling Show at the Galway Bay Hotel in Salthill which will be a fantastic spectacle of fly tyers and game angling stands including a host of fly dressers, casters and celebrities.

Annamoe Trout Fisheries

Nineteen anglers, including two from Japan and three from Slovakia, took part in last weekend’s Annamoe Trout Fisheries second heat winter league, sponsored by Southside Angling Centre.

Results: 1, M Gillman, 11 fish; 2, J Gerry, 8f; 3, A Duran, 8f. Next heat is Saturday. . To enter, contact Brian at 086-2598563.

angling@irishtimes.com