A new year and a new salmon season

Angling Notes: Salmon fishing gets underway on a limited number of rivers and lakes around the country this Thursday. Traditionally, the two prominent rivers, the Drowes in Co Donegal and Liffey in Dublin, compete for the coveted title of yielding the first spring salmon of the year.

In all but four instances over the past two decades, the Drowes has come up trumps on opening day. This prolific fishery, linking Lough Melvin and flowing into Donegal Bay on the Leitrim and Donegal border, attracts up to 250 anglers on opening day.

However, last year the honours fell to Gerry MacNulty from Letterkenny, Co Donegal, who caught the first salmon of the year four days into the season on the River Lennon, a spring salmon river which flows into Lough Swilly in Co Donegal. The fish weighed 11lb.

The first salmon from the Drowes was caught later in the month by 15-year-old Joseph Broderick from Ballyshannon, Co Donegal. The fish fell for a Yellow Belly Devon at the Mill Pool and weighed 9lb. It was February before Clive Mew caught the first salmon from the Liffey. Fishing the Glenside Anglers Club waters at Palmerston, Mew caught the 9lb salmon after only 10 minutes fishing.

Lough Gill in Co Sligo also opens on Thursday for salmon and sea trout. Fishing, however, is usually confined to trolling. In 1995, the lough laid claim to the first salmon of the year. The fish weighed 9lb and was caught by local angler Noel Elliot at 12.05 p.m.

The North Western Fisheries Board has reported another excellent year for sales of salmon angling licences. The 2003 figures show the board sold 8,965 licences and coupled with licences purchased in other regions, the number of visiting anglers exceeded 10,000, according to chairman John Walkin.

Anglers came from 28 countries, with 77 per cent of licences purchased from the bordering counties of Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim. The highest number at 1,881, came from Britain while Northern Ireland recorded the second highest at 1,554.

Commenting on the report, Walkin said: "The Moy, for example, is a priceless asset and everything possible must be done to protect fish stocks and fish habitat. A major fish kill on the upper Moy during the year once again underlined the need for vigilance by all sections of the community."

An average of 10 people drown over the festive season each year. In the 10 years to 2001, a total of 108 people have drowned during the Christmas and New Year period, according to the chairman of Irish Water Safety, Frank Nolan.

In a message to the fishing fraternity, he said many anglers will enjoy the start of the salmon season. However, rising water levels can lead to overflowing riverbanks and often present hidden dangers.

Faster currents mean even the strongest of swimmers can be swept away. It is therefore essential for anglers to wear a life jacket if angling from a riverbank or boat.

Also, remember to check the weather forecast and inform the coastguard before venturing out on a prolonged passage.

For further information, see www.iws.ie.

Frontiers Travel is offering a sea trout fishing holiday to Argentina to fish the Rio Grande or Rio Gallegos for one week starting January 3rd, 2004. The package is discounted by up to 35 per cent and destinations include Kau Tapen ($5,900), Villa Maria ($5,250) and Bella Vista ($4,800). Prices are per person per week.

This offer is subject to availability and applies to a minimum of two people. For full details, call Henry Mountain at 0044-(0)2074930798 or e-mail: henry.mountain@frontierstrvl.co.uk.

Annnamoe Trout Fishery in Co Wicklow is holding a pairs fly-fishing competition on New Year's Day. Fishing times are 10.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. and entry fee is €60 per team.

For further details, tel/fax: 0404-45470.

E-mail: angling@irish-times.ie