Irish Angling Update

 

After some bitter weather in April, weather is now much more pleasant with the easterlies being replaced by milder air mass from the south. Pike fishing has been mixed. A Dutch party reported some good fishing on the Shannon and the River Suck from Shannonbridge to Ballinasloe, recording a total of� 81 Pike during trip. The Athlone Anglers Association announce� the competition for the Poyntonia Cup which will take place next Sunday next the 27th April.

It’s been a very cold spring to date with harsh north and north-easterly winds and this has hampered coarse angling at times. Water levels have been rapidly dropping on the Shannon over recent days after a relatively dry spell over the past week or so. While fishing was mixed due to the conditions, there were some very good reports. The Shannon at Lanesboro was a hot spot at times with the first ‘ton’ recorded and some cracking specimen size Roach and Bream recorded. Paul Waghorn’s daily diaries make for some very interesting reading and invaluable info for intending visiting anglers to this part of the region. Kevin Clarke and friends, a regular to Athlone was back in action, fishing on the inner lakes of Lough Ree with some success. The lakes around the Strokestown and North Longford areas are showing some signs that fish are beginning to feed. Light pre-baiting to start with has attracted mainly Roach, Hybrids and skimmers along with a few Bream to 4lbIn the mid� Shannon region fishing has been slow and patchy overall. After the arctic blast a couple of weeks ago, fishing did improve for Mark Llewellyn on the Lower sections of Lough Derg and the Scariff River near Killaloe.�Weather is gradually getting warmer and consequently coarse fishing is expected to pick up over the coming week.

Fly-tying and fly fishing tips to reel in the big ones! Your resource for guides, fishing tours including fishing maps and supplies such as fishing poles, fly reels and bait.

Fly Fishing Tips: Fly-tying isn’t the easiest part of fly fishing, so take a few fly fishing tips from these experienced experts. They’ll show you everything from fly tying finishes to how to cast your fly fishing reels and take precautions when you wade. If you need more advice like this, please contact one of our fly fishing guides. A fishing map can’t always take you where you want to go, but a fishing guide knows where to find a hot catch.
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Fly Fishing Knots:
Before your next tournament, be sure you’re familiar with the best fly fishing knots.

The Albright Knot is primarily used for joining monofilament lines of unequal diameters, such as your main line to a fluorocarbon leader or shock leader. It is not an easy knot to tie but a good tight Albright is small and won’t catch on the rod guides during a cast.

Surgeon’s Knot This is the knot surgeons use to put you back together so its a safe bet it is a good one. If you tie it good and tight it is an excellent knot for joining your main line to your shock leader. With practice you should be able to tie it in the dark. This works well for salmon fishing.

The Snell Knot provides a strong connection when fly fishing with bait and using a separate length of leader. You can only use this fishing knot with a leader. For more information on fishing tips, click here.

Fly tying Finishes: You’re not alone, even the professional fly fishing guides have trouble with fly tying finishes. The secret: when you’re done tying the fly and tie it off by your one personal preference place a thick piece of fishing line through the eye, then use your head cement even if you do cover up the eye, so you can pull the line out of the eye.

Having difficulty tying your fly to the tippet? The next time you’re on the water with the light failing, the fish rising, and having trouble fly tying, try holding the fly up against a light single-colored background. A good candidate for this is the sky overhead. It is one of the last things to go dark if it is not a terribly cloudy day. Even if it is cloudy, you can usually find a cloud big enough to use as a solid color. Sometimes the solid glare from the low light on the water does the trick. Look around. It might be solid color leaf that does the trick. Using any of these backgrounds makes it much easier than trying to see and tie on a fly against the multi-colored, multi-edged background of streamside vegetation. This is not a cure-all, but it helps and it sure beats not fishing!

Recycled Flies: You can recycle flies, which have been chewed, or otherwise look a little ratty. A great fly fishing tip and money saver would be to razor blade off old material then just re-tie new flies. Daiichi hooks are the best since they never have to be resharpened. Now if I can just find a way to retrieve flies from trees without having to cut down the forest, and it makes fly tying a new art form.

Always Cast to a Target! When practicing your cast, don’t just blindly cast into the air. Pick a target, use a small piece of yarn on the end of your leader, and try to get your yarn to land in the target each time you cast. The target can be the classic hula-hoop, a rock in the pond, a bucket in the yard, a hat, or just about anything. Use a tea-cup if you’re really good like some fly fishing guides. This will help you develop the eye/hand coordination necessary to get your fly on target consistently. Another good exercise is to practice opening your loop up at various heights by casting at a tree. Try to tap your yarn on branches at the bottom, mid, and top of the tree. Mix it up. You’ll be surprised at how little movement it takes to accomplish this and how quickly you will become proficient at it. If you let the cast fall to the ground, you’ll also notice that casts to different heights result in different amounts of slack in the leader when it falls to the ground.

If You Wade Aggressively, Don’t Be Stupid - Be Safe. Wading aggressively will usually get you into more and better fish simply because fewer people can get to these fish through the tough wading conditions. If you have decided to attempt to cross an area that looks like it may well knock you over despite your best wading efforts, look downstream and see where you will go when you fall. If there is some quiet water nearby that will allow you to swim out and you are confident in your ability to do so, cinch you’re wading belt up tight and go for it. If there is no safe area, but waterfall or class IV rapids, then pass it by. Fishing maps: Sportsman’s Connection is the Midwest’s leading publisher of regional fishing maps and guidebooks. We offer high quality contour lake maps with detailed fishing information for over 3,000 lakes in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Illinois. Click for digital fishing maps to use on your computer or paper fishing maps, check out these resources.

What Fly Fishing Reels work best for beginners?
Over the years Battenkill fly fishing reels have proven themselves to be the standard by which all other fly reels are compared. The Battenkill Large Arbor Reel combines the great attributes of traditional Battenkill fishing reels for saltwater or freshwater. They are dependable and rated highly for innovation, value and arbor design. Another recommended fly reel is the Clearwater fly reels, which are highly used. This is a single-action spring-and-pawl reel with a full-metal frame and easy spool rem.

The Shannon Regional Fisheries Board coastal boundaries extend from Hags Head on the Co Clare Coast, and includes all of the Shannon Estuary to Limerick on the north side of the river, to Kerry head on the south side of the river. See map The region’s scenic and rugged coastline offers exceptional shore angling. There are 40 shore angling marks where excellent Ballan Wrasse can be taken as well as Mackerel, Pollack, Dogfish, Bull Huss, Ling and Conger. The current Irish record Bass of 17lbs 13ozs was landed at Doughmore strand near Doonbeg Co Clare on the 21st October 2000. There are many piers along our coastline with miles of sandy beaches to tempt you. Good sign posting to the popular angling marks, will assist locating fishing spots. Our guides here can be accessed via our Interactive Map or use the drop down menus above to select. If you need further assistance, please contact the Angling Section by Emailing Brian Mc Manus info@shannon-fishery-board.ie

CHARTERING BOATS

For those who would rather do some Deep Sea Fishing, chartering angling boats is never a problem and can easily be arranged - see listing locally from the right hand column. Many of the Angling Charter Boat operators offering services for Deep Sea and inshore fishing carry all the tackle on board which can be hired for a small fee.

ACCOMMODATION AND ANGLING SERVICES

Many guest houses and other accommodation hosts are very often specialist facility providers, so do ask their advice on fishing in the area. Sea Angling Charter operators frequently arrange local accommodation for groups - see right hand column for local listings.

Season - best times to fish: Sea angling is available all year round with the exception of bass which is subject to a closed season from 15th May to 15th June.

ANGLING REGULATIONS

BASS
It is prohibited to take and kill more than two bass on any one day. (Bye-law No.667)
� Minimum overall size limit of 40cm. From tip of snout to end of tail. Closed season from 15th May to 15th June.

Note: Penalties for breach of the above laws include confiscation of tackle and heavy fines.

�coarse fish� means any fresh water fish other than pike, salmon, trout , eels or minnow;

It is prohibited to kill more than 1 pike in any one day,

It is prohibited to kill any pike greater than 50 cm in length,

It is prohibited for any person to have in their possession more than 1 whole pike greater than 50 cm or more than 0.75 kgs of pike flesh.

i) It is prohibited for a person to have in his or her possession more than 12 fish for use as bait in fishing for pike

ii) Where a person has more than 4 coarse fish in his or her possession for use as bait in fishing for pike, the person, in respect of fish in excess of that number and subject to the paragraph i) above must have -

(a) Obtained the fish from a fish tackle dealer or fish bait supplier registered with the regional board in whose fisheries region the dealer or supplier carries on business, and

(b)Obtained and retained a receipt of their purchase.

A person shall not take and kill by any means more than 4 coarse fish on any one day.

A person shall not take and kill by any means any coarse fish greater than 25 cm in length measured in a straight line from the tip of the snout to the fork of the tail.

Any coarse fish taken inadvertently in contravention of this Bye-law must be handled carefully and returned without avoidable injury to the waters from which they have been taken

It is prohibited for any person, other than in the Louth Area or Moville Area, to sell or offer for sale any coarse fish caught by any means.

�Louth Area� has the meaning assigned to it by section 31 of the British �Irish Agreement Act 1999 (No.1 of 1999);

�Moville Area� has the meaning assigned to it by section 2 of the Foyle Fisheries Act 1952 (No.5 of 1952).

It is prohibited to use or attempt to use live fish as bait in fishing in fresh water.

It is prohibited to transfer for any purpose live roach (Rutilus rutilus) from any waters to any other waters

It is prohibited to fish for pike and coarse fish by any means whatsoever other than by rod and line

A person may not attempt to fish for pike or coarse fish in freshwater with more than two (2) rods at any one time
�coarse fish� means any fresh water fish other than pike, salmon, trout , eels or minnow;

It is prohibited to kill more than 1 pike in any one day,

It is prohibited to kill any pike greater than 50 cm in length,

It is prohibited for any person to have in their possession more than 1 whole pike greater than 50 cm or more than 0.75 kgs of pike flesh.

i) It is prohibited for a person to have in his or her possession more than 12 fish for use as bait in fishing for pike

ii) Where a person has more than 4 coarse fish in his or her possession for use as bait in fishing for pike, the person, in respect of fish in excess of that number and subject to the paragraph i) above must have -

(a) Obtained the fish from a fish tackle dealer or fish bait supplier registered with the regional board in whose fisheries region the dealer or supplier carries on business, and

(b)Obtained and retained a receipt of their purchase.

A person shall not take and kill by any means more than 4 coarse fish on any one day.

A person shall not take and kill by any means any coarse fish greater than 25 cm in length measured in a straight line from the tip of the snout to the fork of the tail.

Any coarse fish taken inadvertently in contravention of this Bye-law must be handled carefully and returned without avoidable injury to the waters from which they have been taken

It is prohibited for any person, other than in the Louth Area or Moville Area, to sell or offer for sale any coarse fish caught by any means.

�Louth Area� has the meaning assigned to it by section 31 of the British �Irish Agreement Act 1999 (No.1 of 1999);

�Moville Area� has the meaning assigned to it by section 2 of the Foyle Fisheries Act 1952 (No.5 of 1952).

It is prohibited to use or attempt to use live fish as bait in fishing in fresh water.

It is prohibited to transfer for any purpose live roach (Rutilus rutilus) from any waters to any other waters

It is prohibited to fish for pike and coarse fish by any means whatsoever other than by rod and line

A person may not attempt to fish for pike or coarse fish in freshwater with more than two (2) rods at any one time

Coarse Fish Species
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BREAM, (Abramis brama): This species is easily recognised with its deep bronze colour, black fins and protruding mouth. They can be found in rivers, lakes and canals. Bream are usually a shoal fish and forage for food in large groups, however solitary fish are not uncommon. Small immature bream are called skimmers and are silver in colour. bream usually spawn in May and June but this can vary occasionally due to weather and water conditions. These fish are more active in the warmer summer periods when they feed actively. During the colder winter months the fish are to be found in the deeper areas of water often partially burrowed into the soft mud on the bottom of the river lake or canal. Bream feed on invertebrates and other aquatic bugs but are opportunist feeders. This is evidenced by the array of angling baits which are regularly taken by bream. The specimen weight for bream is 7.5lbs and many such specimens are recorded annually in Moynalty Lake in Carrickmacross Co. Monaghan.

ROACH, (Rutilius rutilius): Roach are very handsome fish being silver in colour with red fins and red eyes. They are avid feeders and can be caught at any time of the year. Like many other coarse species roach live in rivers, lakes, ponds and canals. They normally spawn in May and will breed with other species such as rudd and bream. The resulting offspring is referred to as a hybrid. Roach feed on aquatic insects but will readily accept an assortment of baits properly presented by anglers.

RUDD, (Scardinius erothropthalmus): This species is quite similar to the roach but closer inspection provides some major and obvious differences that assist in its identification. The rudd has a golden appearance as opposed to the silver coloration of the roach. Its superior mouth position is also characteristic of this species. Rudd can be found in rivers lakes, ponds and canals and are willing surface feeders. They often reside high in the water table during the warmer summer months where they can be seen feeding avidly on the surface flies and insects.

TENCH, (Tinca tinca): Tench are a beautiful fish and appear almost smooth because of their small scales. Their fins are rounded and the tail is almost straight. It is possible to tell whether a fish is male or female by examining the fins. The male has rounded spoon shaped pelvic fins whilst the females fins are more triangular in shape. Tench are bottom dwellers can be found in rivers, lakes and canals. Spawning is confined to the summer due to the requirement high water temperatures. Tench often give away their presence by disturbing the bottom and vegitation which results in trails of small bubbles coming to the surface. Fizzing bubbles on the surface are a good indication that tench are present and feeding.

PERCH, (Perca fluvialtilis): Perch are piscivourous but the also feed on aquatic insects. They can be very agressive. Perch are easily recognised with their striped bodies and reddish coloured fins. The spiny dorsal fin is also a feature that facilitates recognition. Perch usually spawn in April and May in the weedy margins of lakes. This species can be found in rivers lakes ponds and canals. Care should be taken when handling this species to avoid injury on the spiny dorsal spine.

Carp, (Cyprinus carpio): These are by far the largest coarse fish species in the area with the exception of the pike. There are three main types of carp the common carp, the mirror carp and the leather carp. They are mainly found in lakes and canals. carp require very high water temperatures and consequently this only occurs occasionally in Ireland. This species are extremely long lived and are much sought after by specimen hunters. Carp generally bottom feeders but can be encouraged to feed from the surface by careful placement of assorted floating baits such as bread and dog biscuits.

FISHERY DESCRIPTION: The River Fergus rises in the heart of the Burren Region in North Co Clare, flowing through about 7 lakes before it reaches Ennis town and tidal water. This is a sizable angling district providing salmon fishing in season and good fishing for brown trout both on the river and some of the lakes in the Catchment.

TROUT FISHING:� With a limestone base the river also produces nice brown trout fishing with fish averaging about 1lb. Many fish of over 2lbs and larger are caught each year. Dry fly fishing is a very popular method with flies used as associated with rich limestone rivers. The best trout waters are up river of Ennis on the lower stretches of the river particularly around the vicinity of Knox’s Bridge. The river tends to weed up in mid summer limiting fishing at these times.�

Many of the lakes in the Catchment are primarily coarse fisheries but trout can be taken on some, especially Inchiquin Lake, Dromore and Ballyline Lakes. Bank fishing is limited on most lakes and a boat is necessary to access these waters. See our section below on the Lakes on the Fergus system. Access to the river is at the road bridges.��

 

 

 

LAKES - RIVER FERGUS SYSTEM: There are a number of lakes on the system which are well worth a visit. They are generally brown trout fisheries and some have salmon in season.�

LOUGH INCHIQUIN

Lough Inchiquin is located about one kilometre outside Corofin village, 10 kilometres from Ennis. The lake is currently being developed by the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board as a trout fishery. This is primarily an early season lake and fishes best from March to May. This is a deep lake and consequently the most productive areas are along the shore line or adjacent to the islands. Popular stretches are Bog Bay (opposite the carpark) and also the bay where the River Fergus enters the lake. The best times to fish are from open season mid February� to May and again in September. Over recent years excessive weed growth can limit fishing during high summer in some areas of the lake. The best time to fish Lough Inchiquin is during late evening with wet flies such as the Cock Robin, Olives and Greenwells Glory, Hares Ear, Peter Ross and Claret & Mallard, these being among the better flies. Midge chironomids are often prolific and should be in your fly box in April. Other flies associated with limestone waters also work well. The lake can fish particularly well after a flood and is well worth a visit for a day or two on a dropping flood.�

The river as it flows into Inchiquin has some very nice deep pools where trout lie and are worth fishing. Further downriver there are fast flowing sections which are productive trout waters and are especially good for fishing dry fly during the summer.

Trout fishing is free and no permit or licence is required to fish the lake or the river. For more information on fishing the area contact Mr Michael Cleary who will arrange Ghillie/Guide and boat hire and offer further advice. Burkes shop in Corofin is a local tackle store, who stock suitable flies etc for the fishery. Also call to tackle suppliers Tierney’s in Ennis who provide a good stock of tackle for the local market. See reference to contact details� at the bottom of this page.

DROMORE LAKE ( and Black and Ballyline Lakes)

These lakes which are linked together are located on the Fergus system near the village of Ruan, north of Ennis. They hold a small stock of good sized trout. The River Fergus and the Millbrook River flows into Ballyline Lake. Both of these are good spawning waters and anglers have a good chance of encountering wild brown trout here. Trout range from about 1lb to 3lbs, with occasionally larger fish present. Fly hatches are similar to those earlier described. It too tends to fish best earlier in the year from open season up to the end of May or early June. Midge chironomids are often prolific and is recommended you have a supply in your fly box in April. Other flies are similar to those mentioned for Lough Inchiquin above

There is a good chance of connecting with a salmon on these lakes, so be prepared. While trout fishing is free, you will need a salmon licence if pursuing salmon.

To get there -� from Ennis take the N18 for about 2 kilometres. Turn left at� ‘Ennis Supply Shop’ and take the