2008-09-03
by Kevin Crowley
Western Lakes
Fishing on Mask improved a lot over the past week, with water levels dropping and more settled weather. Ballinrobe and District Anglers held their annual club competition last Sunday, with Noel Fay from Kildare taking top spot with 2 trout for 4.20lbs. Second was Aidan Heffernan from Dublin, with 2 trout for 3.04lbs, and third was Tim Hannon from Ballinrobe with one trout for 2.95lbs. Local guide Denis O’Keefe landed 5 trout on dry fly over 5 outings with the best fish at 3.5lbs (all returned alive). Harold Schmidt from Ballinrobe had a fine fish of 5.5lbs on Friday, while Sean Maloney from Ballinrobe had 6 trout over 4 days to 1.75lbs.
No news from Corrib this week, although fishing should pick up soon, as it usually does in September.
Anglers are reminded that new byelaws are now in place on the western lakes and all tributaries. A 4 fish bag limit now applies, as well as a 13-inch size limit. It is also prohibited to take more than one fish over 10lbs weight. The Cong River, Canal and Finny River will be closed to fishing in September, and the Maam River will be fly-only for September. There are also restrictions on the numbers of rods that can be used by individual anglers. Full details of the byelaws are available at www.wrfb.ie
Connemara
Fishery manager Colin Folan reports from Lough Inagh:
The highest water levels in years have ensured that we got our full run of fish safely into Lough Inagh. September is primarily the top month for Inagh and with water levels dropping I forecast a great month ahead. So far this season we are way ahead on our 2007 catch figures, both salmon and sea trout. The catch book for August 08 contained 28 salmon and 187 sea trout
Notable Catches included Vincent Foley (Dublin) who landed 9 salmon in total for the month of August including a fantastic day at Corloo beat in which he caught 5 (four of them in the 7-8lbs mark). Michael Heery and Dennis Murphy boated 17 sea trout and a grilse for a day on Inagh, nearly all were caught on a Claret Dabbler.
I am delighted to announce a special deal with www.loughinaghlodgehotel.ie for anglers wishing to stay in September. For €260 you can avail of 2 nights B&B + 1 Five course gourmet meal and a days fishing, that's a saving of €140!!!!
For information and bookings contact inagh@iol.ie or telephone 095 37406
Sea Angling
Its almost that time of year again, when the annual Westport Skate Festival takes place. This year the festival will be held over the weekend of the 4th/5th of October, from the Helm in Westport. Two days of fishing and craic is guaranteed, with the top rod who catches the largest skate in line for a huge cash prize.
There are still a few places left for anglers who want to take part in this prestigious competition. If you would like to book a place, contact Vinny Keogh at the Helm, telephone 098 26194 or email thehelm@eircom.net
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