LOUGH OWEL: Once again, as in 2018, Lough Owel water levels are on the decline. Last season it had a big knock on effect on the Royal Canal and the supply coming from Owel, as it was almost dry on some stretches. What the long term effect these low water levels will have on Owel is not known, but last season, many of the aquatic life forms along the shore line of Owel were lost. I was on Owel last week and in Baxter’s Garden, as it is known to Owel Anglers, the old boat is starting to reappear. We photographed this last season in dry dock. As far as the trout fishing is concerned, the fish are keeping tight lipped, but still a few nice fish are being caught on fry imitations such as Minkies, which are tied to look like small fry such as Sticklebacks and Perch fry. At Tullaghan and Mullallys you best check your boats if you are heading out for the evening fishing, as many are now almost on dry land.
LENE: Another few cracking photographs this week from Lough Lene in North Westmeath, where some of our younger anglers were enjoying the wonderful sport of angling. The O’Mara brothers from Gaulsmoylestown were out with their dad John and really enjoyed the few hours fishing. The Byrne brothers Des and Hugh of Mullingar were also down with their nephew Hugh Clark of Kiliney. The lads are sons of the late Danny Byrne of the Pub and Hugh Daniels Menswear shop. Naturally, that leaves young Hugh Clark a Grandson of the late Danny. Des lives in Mullingar, Hugh is in Dublin and their older brother Danny is up in Belfast, but they always make time to get back to their roots. If this fine weather keeps up the Byrne Brothers will be back out on the lakes quite soon.
MICHAEL HEALY MEMORIAL CUP: This Friday night, July 12th, Lough Lene Anglers will host the Michael Healy Memorial Cup. This Trout Fly only competition is for club members only and will be fished from 7pm-11:15pm. Start and finish is at Fagan’s Point and sponsored by CLF Transport, Ashbourne.
WORLD CUP ON MASK: Like many of my fellow Midlanders, we received the entry forms for this years 63rd World Cup Trout Fly Angling Championships on Lough Mask. It kicks starts Thursday August 1st, with qualifiers until Sunday and the final day Monday August 5th. Entry forms are available on www.worldcuptroutfly.com or give World Cup Secretary Esther Sweeney a bell on 087-2222867. Entry is 140 Euro and it’s limited to 500 Anglers. It’s a cracking weekend of angling and all boats will be heading out of Cushlough Bay if you are holidaying near Ballinrobe or across Co. Mayo. Once again, there is a huge array of prizes, not just for the final day, but also for all qualifying days. Plus Top Overseas Angler, Top Lady Angler and Top Junior Angler (U21). The first prize is mind blowing, with the winner taking home a new 19ft Anglers Fancy Comfort Lake Boat, sponsored by Angler Fancy Boats and the World Cup Committee, a 15HP Yamaha Engine, sponsored by RS Marine and World Cup Committee, a Sage Rod & Reel sponsored by Gowan & Bradshaw of Galway plus the World Silver Perpetual Cup.