Written By: Kevin Crowley
On Date: 15/9/2005
GALWAY WEIR Fishing in Galway was reasonably good for the time of year, with a good number of salmon still in the fishery. There were 9 fish caught for the week, all on the fly. Scottish visitor John Brody was top rod, with 3 fish weighing 4, 5 and 6lbs. Erriff fishery manager Jim Stafford landed 2 fish of 5 and 6lbs, one of which he released, and Declan O’Reilly from Dublin had 2 fish, one also released. Philip Campion landed a fine 7-pounder on fly, and Kevin Crowley had a grilse of 4lbs which was released. Water levels are perfect for late season fly fishing and there is always the chance of a big late-running salmon here.
LOUGH MASK
Fishing was described as good on Mask this week, and I received numerous reports of good fishing out in the deep water. 118 anglers landed 177 trout in 214 rod-days, with the best fish 4.6lbs. Sedge patterns, dabblers and particularly flies with a bit of red in them were successful in deep water for the daphnia feeders. The 2005 Inter Bank competition was held on the 10th, and was won by First Trust, with a great total of 22 trout for 40.6lbs between 6 anglers. The winning team was led in by Robert Deane, with 7 fish for 12.6lbs, and Robert also won the individual prize for his catch. Second place went to Bank of Ireland ‘B’ with 13 trout for 21.85lbs, and third were Northern Bank ‘A’ with 10 trout for 20.9lbs. The heaviest fish was caught by Pat Carson of the Northern Bank, with a trout of 4.6lbs. Top boatman was Richard Cameron, whose anglers had 11 trout for 17.55lbs, and he was followed by Frank Hession and Michael Shovelin.
The Tom Murphy Cup was held by the Tourmakeady Anglers on the 11th, and was sportingly fished as a catch-and-release competition. With so many competitions now taking place, Tourmakeady Anglers are showing the way to other clubs by promoting conservation while still running a good competition. Local angler Mick Dunne took first place with 6 trout for a total length of 233cms, way out ahead of the rest of the field. Sean Dolan from Westport was second with 2 trout for 71cms, and third place went to John Burke of Tourmakeady, with 1 trout for 44cms.
LOUGH CARRA
Fishing could only be described as slow on Carra this week, with just 4 keepable trout caught by 13 anglers in 16 rod-days. There were fair hatches of sedge at times, and sedge patterns worked best, with a good number of undersized trout also caught and returned.
MOHER LOUGH
Anglers again reported good fishing on Moher this week, with most catching several stocked fish and more wild brownies, certainly enough to keep anyone happy. George O’Malley from Louisburgh and Dublin had 3 fish, and Noel Holian from Castlebar had 2 stocked fish. Leslie Burke From Clogher had 3, and Tom Davin from castlebar, who fished with a friend, reported great fishing, both of them catching their limit and more, with all the fish sportingly returned.
Boats on Moher are available for day or evening fishing from McDonnell’s in Liscarney, telephone 098 21638.
AILLE LOUGH
Aille was quiet this week, with just one angler reporting his catch, Ray Broughton from England catching 4 trout on Connemara Black and Bibio patterns. The lake is well stocked with quality brown trout, and with so few anglers fishing the trout are certainly not hook-shy.
For boats and fishing permits contact Mr. Edward Mannion at 098 35366.
KINLOOEY LOUGH
Kinlooey Lough is a small scenic lough set in rolling countryside at Aughagower, Westport. This lake was recently restocked with brown trout, and should provide good fishing. Boat hire and permits from Scott’s Shop, Aughagower, telephone 098 25119.
LOUGH INAGH
Colin Folan reports from Lough Inagh. Water levels rose 8 inches in the last week, and in doing so brought some more fish into Lough Inagh. High winds have limited lake angling, but the water temperature has cooled and improved fishing.
Notable catches included Michael and Joseph Maloney with 12 browns to 1.5lbs and 6 sea trout from Lough Inagh on a Camasunary killer and a Delphi. A very good return in bright conditions. George Templeman and Ronan Creane had 8 sea trout and 2 browns -average weight 1lb. Top fly was a Claret Daddy. Brian & Fiona Power caught 5 sea trout and 2 browns to 1.5lbs from Lough Inagh, best fly was a Red Daddy and Claret Bumble.
There are 4 boats for hire on Lough Inagh, and boatmen available upon request from Colin Folan, Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel, Recess, Connemara, Co. Galway.
095-34706, 0868679459, inagh@iol.ie
Kevin Crowley
WRFB
WESTERN ANGLING REPORT Ireland