As the game angling season finally draws to a close, reports from the last week of the season on Lough Corrib was one of mixed fortunes with some having great success. Cian Murtagh (Cavan) enjoyed two days on wet flies catching five trout out of Lydons Lodge in Cong.
In the Oughterard area, Frank Doyle (Cork) boated four trout along with James and Aidan Kelly, all on wets flies. Basil Shields of Ardnasillagh Lodge reported his client Peter Boyle caught six on dry sedges.
Larry McCarthy said Corrib was extremely kind to his guests. Tim Rowley from Cumbria and Peter De Pree from Edinburgh had amazing fun over five days catching 14 trout with an average weight of 1.1kg including five over 1.6kg, and all sportingly released.
Lough Inagh
n Dublin fruit traders were in good hands last weekend during their annual fishing pilgrimage to Lough Inagh – the group were blessed before setting out by Deacon Derek Leonard.
The blessing obviously helped Stephen O’Reilly to win with five sea trout and Neil Redden to catch the heaviest fish of 1.1kg (2.5lb). “We took no chances, the deacon works with us the markets.” Laurence O’Reilly said. n Young anglers from Belfast Islamic Centre received certificates for being among the first participants in Northern Ireland Cross Community Angling’s Baits Project which is underway at the Beechhill Fishery near Newtownards.
The programme, which runs until March 2016, is aimed at introducing under-represented groups to sport. It is funded by Belfast City Council and run in partnership with Northern Ireland’s Department of Culture Arts and Leisure. n At a recent sitting of Drogheda District Court, Judge William Hamill convicted a track machine owner for causing extensive damage to the bed of a tributary of the Nanny River in Co Meath. The machine owner was fined €500 and ordered to pay full costs of €1,555 to Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI).
In November 2014, fisheries officer Dr Maureen Byrne observed that a track machine had been used to divert river flows away from the natural course of the channel and permanently re-align 80 metres of the Annesbrook River, a tributary of the Nanny.
Dr Ciaran Byrne, CEO of IFI, said: “Destruction of fish habitat is an environmental crime. Such destruction impacts the potential of rivers to contribute to our social and economic wealth. Recreational salmon and sea trout angling is estimated to contribute €210 million to the Irish economy and supports over 3,000 jobs.” n Due to a cancellation, bass angling guide John Quinlan has one spot available for his special “Fishing with Henry Gilbey” in October. If interested, tel: 066-9474721. n Waterville Lakes and Rivers Trust hosted the annual Lough Currane sea trout two-day competition which again was a resounding success with 84 fish caught and released by 24 anglers. At close of play Colin Wilson from Belfast took top rod, closely followed by Dublin angler Enrico Fastasia.
The Appleby Cup for the longest trout went to Colin Wilson and Liam Ellis, both with fish of 50cm.
Menteith Lake
n Well done to the Irish Trout Fly Fishing Association (ITFFA) team who claimed third placing in the home international championships on Menteith Lake in Scotland.
Local knowledge paid off with Scotland claiming victory beating England into second place. Ireland were just seven fish off the leaders with Wales taking the wooden spoon. RESULTS: 1, Scotland, 91fish, 94kg; 2, England, 92f, 91kg; 3, Ireland, 84f, 83kg; 4, Wales, 63f, 63kg. n Waterford and District Trout Anglers’ Association is holding its annual competition from October 24th to 26th on Knockaderry Reservoir, near Kilmeaden, south Waterford.
The three-day festival is open to first 80 anglers, 40 of whom will fish on Saturday and 40 on Sunday. The overall top 20 qualify for finals on Bank Holiday Monday.
First prize includes €800 tackle voucher plus perpetual cup. Knockaderry has a large head of fish with some close to double figures. For further details, contact Michael Drinan 087-235 3885 or Michael Sheehan 086-107 3086. angling@irishtimes.com
