Angling Notes/Derek Evans: In double-quick time I accepted the invitation from the North Western Fisheries Board (NWFB) to sample the great run of grilse on the river Moy in Co Mayo.
The Moy is, after all, one of the most prolific salmon rivers in the country. Last year's recorded catch amounted to a staggering 6,000 fish.
Dawn was breaking (4.15 a.m.) as I arrived at the Ridge Pool to be greeted with a shout "Have you got a landing net?" A 4 a.m. starter was into a salmon but neither of us had brought a net - this amenity, along with ghillie, is supplied by the fishery office which opened sometime later.
After at least 15 minutes, the fish was finally brought into the shallows and carefully lifted out. It was a beauty of 10lb and fell to a fast sinking line on a size 6 Cascade fly pattern.
My preparations this year were spot on, or so I thought. All the latest salmon fly gear (including Cascades), and with 90 fish from the Pool the previous week, how could I go wrong. It was not to be, however. Two more smaller fish within the hour (not by me) and that was it, the fishing was over at 6 a.m. By 11 a.m. both the Cathedral Beat and Ridge Pool, with the exception of yours truly, was devoid of anglers up until the session ended at 2 p.m.
The reason for the downturn is easily explained. A downpour the previous day at the river's source in the Ox Mountains created a deluge of coloured water and weed at Ballina, resulting in water levels reaching an all-time high - conditions totally unsuitable for the fly fisher.
That's fishing. A retreat to the local hostelry was your only man. My thanks to chief executive officer, Vincent Roche, and Moy Fishery manager Declan Cooke, for their kind invitation. I look forward to my next visit.
While in the locality, I took time to check on preparations for the forthcoming World Cup Trout Fly Fishing Championships on Lough Mask. The five-day event commences on Thursday, July 29th, with four heat days and finals day on August Bank Holiday Monday. At least 700 anglers are expected to attend.
A magnificent banner straddles the main street of Ballinrobe; posters glare in shop windows and an air of excitement is evident among locals as the town braces itself for the biggest trout fly fishing competition in Ireland.
I was in the company of well-known angler, ghillie and ambassador for Mask Ronan Cusack who resides in a magnificent house on the shores of Cushlough Bay, the focal point for the championships, with his wife Linda and two small children.
I accompanied Ronan for a day's fishing on Mask and tested all the hot spots as a warm-up to the competition. Overhead, cloud and a stiff breeze made angling conditions perfect. However, as trout continue to feed on perch fry, they were slow to take our presentations. Nonetheless, we did manage to land two nice trout.
The return of this event after an absence last year is a huge boost to the local economy and eagerly awaited by anglers throughout the State and further afield. Safety will be high on the agenda this year and all anglers are required to wear a life jacket as a condition of entry, according to Cusack.
My thanks to Ronan for a great day's fishing - it was much appreciated. I look forward with great eagerness to the world cup.
Mount Juliet Conrad, located on the River Nore, near Thomastown, Co Kilkenny, has arranged a fly-fishing package for beginners and improving anglers keen to learn the elegant art of fly-fishing.
With expert tuition from certified instructor Noel Molloy, anglers can enjoy three days of demonstrations and lessons from August 17th to 20th in the luxurious surroundings of Ireland's premier sporting estate.
The package includes three nights' accommodation in Mount Juliet House with full Irish breakfast; dinner on two evenings and light lunch on three days. Demonstrations will include tackle set-up; casting lessons and river tactics (wet-fly, dry-fly and nymph fishing). All-in cost €1,600.
Unexploited for four decades, the waters of the river Nore and Kings River, which run through Mount Juliet Estate, boast wild Atlantic salmon and brown trout angling. As an added treat, anglers who reel in a catch can bring it to executive chef Peter Brennan who will prepare and serve a mouth-watering dish to you and your fellow guests that evening.
For information or reservations, visit website: www.conradhotels.com or tel. 056- 777 3000.
On Day 1, most boats headed to the channels off Dalkey and Greystones and found good fishing across 10 varieties of species, including ray, tope, plaice, gurnard, whiting and codling. Anglers adapted similar tactics for Day 2 with more emphasis on Mustelus asterias, otherwise known as smoothhounds.
Results: (Overall winners): 1, J. Davies; 2, A. Poutch; 3, B. Whelan. Sufix League after four rounds: 1, A. Poutch (Bray); 2, T. Markey (Balbriggan); 3, J. Byrne (Castleknock); 4, W. Doyle (Bray); 5, J. Gough (Blanchardstown).
The final two legs are scheduled for Skerries, Co Dublin, on July 24th and 25th.
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