Yep we have plenty of water as we drift into January, and its hard going as our Lakes and Rivers are in flood. Mind you Owel is still quite low for this time of year, I am told. The salmon season kick started on January 1st and in the first few days we received no reports of any fish being caught. I was chatting to Paul Burke Information officer with IFI, and the main Salmon Rivers are all over the shop with floodwater. Also on the salmon scene Ian Powell of the Blackwater has some great deals for his opening day which is Febuary 1st.On the local scene its next to impossible to get a calm day to venture out for some Perch & Pike fishing on Ennell or Derravaragh.Plus the Inny is in flood, and would be hard going. The Royal Canal is in great shape and crystal clear along some section, it’s a great banker when the fishing is hard going. Lough Lene Anglers got off to a very bad start for the New Year with the death of legendary Angler and Shooter Paddy Dolan. Paddy was Vice –Chairman of Lough Lene Angling Association, and also had a very popular competition running yearly on Lene.
SALMON ON LINE. The Salmon season has started on some rivers across Ireland, and this year eighty-seven Rivers will open for 2014. Mr. Fergus O’Dowd T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, has approved a suite of regulations and byelaws that will govern the wild salmon fishery in 2014. These came into effect on Opening day Tuesday January First. Their are quite a few regulations, and I will have them up on my site later in the week. I spoke to Paul Burke Information officer of IFI, and the first few days of the season has produced no salmon, with all Rivers in high flood. Hopefully next week we will have news of the first Rod caught salmon of 2014.
BLACKWATER SALMON. If any of my fellow Midlanders fancy a day on the famous Blackwater Salmon Fishery, Upper Ballyduff, Co Waterford, now is your chance to check out special offers for 2014.Ian Powell runs a very successful salmon fishery and also has an excellent Angling Lodge where you can relax after a hard days fishing. The river is open for fly anglers, and also you can spin to your hearts content. The Fly salmon Angling is a sport in its own rights, and Ian’s wife Glenda is one of Ireland top fly-casting instructors. Glenda is available for tuition through out the season, which starts on February 1st on the Balckwater.Moreon this info@ireland-salmon-fishing.net or give Ian a bell on 087-2352120.
PIKE ON LINE. It certainly tough going for our local Predator anglers, and the floodwater on our Lakes and Rivers are playing havoc with Anglers. The Rivers are high and discolored with all the recent rain, and the Lakes are also quite high with fish reluctant two feed in these conditions. Plus the gale force winds have us Anglers anchored up at home, much to the delight of our wives and partners? It was back to the old banker last week as we done a few hours fishing along the Royal Canal. Its in great shape, and crystal clear along some sections. The Royal Canal produced some fine Pike all year round, and its very simple fishing. Go light few lures or pike flies in you Tackle Box, light spinning gear, and Forceps for unhooking your prized catch, plus your camera. I had a few lovely canal pike last week on small lures, and it was mighty sport fighting these super fish on light tackle.
PADDY DOLAN R.I.P. Over the Christmas break the Sporting World here in the Midlands was rattled with the news of the death of Paddy Dolan of Ginnell Terrace. Paddy loved his fishing & shooting and was also Vice- Chairman of Lough Lene Angling Association, where he hosted his annual Paddy Dolan Trophy every June for pike. On behalf of Angling Focus we send our deepest sympathy to the Dolan family and all his many friends.
THAT’S IT. Hopefully the high winds will settle in the coming week, and we might just get out on the Lakes. I have a few new lures for the Ennell Perch, and I am sure they will work. News just in on the dates for the 2014 Lough Ree Pike Festival, they are set for April 9th – April 11th more on this next week. The Shooting game finishes on January 31st, so it will be Screaming Reels from February on. Tight Tiles till next week.