A SIGNIFICANT fish-kill was discovered in the River Bandon in Cork after a member of the public alerted staff of Inland Fisheries Ireland.
More than 350 salmon and trout were found dead over a one-mile stretch of the river. The fish kill included salmon of up to 2.7kg (6lb). Many of the fish were decomposing.
An extensive search revealed no source of pollution and it was concluded that the event that caused the kill had passed by the time investigations began.
Head of fishery operations Dr Greg Forde, said: “During the summer, rivers are particularly vulnerable and factories and farmers must be particularly careful. There have already been three fish kills in the Cork and Kerry area.”
Inland Fisheries is calling on the public to be alert to the threat to waters by pollution and to report any instances immediately to local IFI offices or the 24-hour hotline 1890-347424.
Fishing greatly improved on Mount Falcon waters last week with more than 50 salmon taken, of which 15 were released. Three generations of the Diccon family from England all caught fish. For bookings, tel: 096-74472 or mountfalcon.com
Despite the low numbers of anglers, fishing really picked up at Kylemore Abbey with 13 salmon and 37 sea trout caught, according to Nigel Rush. “The fishery tends to fish very well in September and is well worth a throw,” he said. To book a rod, tel: 095-41178 (fishery office).
Heavy rain on Lough Inagh brought falling levels up to flood level. “We are experiencing our best catch of salmon on record. There are some very big fish about, September should be magic,” Colin Folan said.
Ballyhass Lakes in Mallow, Co Cork, is offering each adult ticket paid for by Wednesday, a free Buddy Pass to bring a friend fishing, free of charge anytime during September. Tel: 022-27773 or info@ballyhasslakes.ie
The Mayfly Hotel Charity Cup Competition on the River Moy last weekend raised €3,055 towards the purchase of a cardiac monitor in the Children’s Unit at Castlebar General Hospital, Co Mayo.
The event attracted 96 competitors and included a barbecue and auction of tackle items and weekend holiday vouchers.
Keith Gleeson from Dublin Salmon and Trout Anglers’ Association scooped first prize with a 3kg (6.49lb) salmon caught in Gannon’s Fishery on a Purple Shrimp. Nine salmon were returned for weigh-in.
The 40th International Open Boat Competition hosted by Belmullet SAC and Broadhaven Bay Hotel attracted 40 anglers from Ireland and Britain. More than 16 species were recorded.
Results: (Greatest variety of two days): 1, A Matterson (Belmullet); 2, B Turtle (East Belfast); 3, S Gilvarry (Newport).
The Jungle Bunny Hopper (above) is a popular pattern at this time of year for sea trout and brown trout. It is a fly assembled in different colours, though black is the most popular shade with a red or blue pearl flash rib .
“I use a stiffer cock hackle as I prefer the fly to sit in the surface film. The smaller sizes work well for sea trout and 14s are the norm. You can fish two or three in different colours on a cast or with a Bibio,” according to fly tyer Jimmy Tyrrell. Available at irishflycraft@gmail.com and 086-8451257.
angling@irishtimes.com