Angling Notes: €50,000 funding to be shared between eight angling projects

INLAND Fisheries Ireland is delighted at the response from anglers to its Midland Fisheries Fund, which uses angler contributions set aside from permit income to help angling clubs and community groups carry out sustainable fishery development projects.

This year funding of €50,000 will be awarded to eight angling projects, ranging from development of access for anglers with disabilities to river rehabilitation and provision of shallow-water marker buoys.

Among the successful applicants are Lough Owel Trout Preservation Association; Kilconnell Community Development Association Ltd; Inny Anglers’ Development Association; Lough Sheelin Trout Protection Association; Ballinlough and District Angling Club; Pallas Lake Fly Fishing Club and Lough Derravarragh Angling Association.

The Midland Fisheries Fund is exclusive to the midland area and similar in design to the Salmon Conservation Fund. Successful applicants will receive technical assistance, if required.

“These works will enhance fisheries habitats and angling tourism potential and the contribution the inland fisheries resource makes to the economy,” commented Minister of State for Natural Resources Fergus O’Dowd.

Meanwhile, Inland Fisheries Ireland notes the findings of a new international scientific paper which identifies fundamental flaws in the findings of the 2011 Jackson et al studies. Elements of that study have formed the basis of an Environmental Impact Statement submitted in support of the proposed Galway Bay Salmon Farm. The new paper demonstrates that the impact of sea lice on wild Atlantic salmon causes a much higher loss (34 per cent) of those returning to rivers in the west of Ireland than the 1 per cent loss suggested in the Jackson paper. Full report on the IFI website fisheriesireland.ie

New highs at Kylemore
"We are hitting new highs this year with our grilse. Can't help but feel it is a result of the salmon farm in the estuary being fallowed last year when the smolts migrated back to sea," says Nigel Rush, manager at Kylemore Fishery.

Recent heavy rain saw the river level rise and angling conditions improve, resulting in 14 salmon for 24 rod days. The fishery has now produced 151 this year and, with six weeks left, the target is 200 by the end of season.

"There are still fresh fish entering the river, but many residents are now coloured. Hopefully we will see some summer salmon in double figures as is the norm at this time of year," he said.

A taste of what's to come
Sheelin flexed its muscles last week in a seeming warm-up for the approaching last leg of the season, and in the process gave anglers a taste of what is to come over the next four to five weeks, according to fisheries officer Brenda Montgomery.

There were good catches of trout (78 recorded) with the heaviest at just over 2.8kg (6lb) caught by Italian angler Renzo Giordano. The number fishing the lake is increasing as anglers return to this great fishery.

The most successful flies were the klinkhammers, hoppers (particularly the fiery hopper), red-tailed peter, claret dabbler and claret bumble; also, a wide variety of wets and dries achieved some success.

The Garda All-Ireland competition for the Ulster Shield returned this year and Sheelin did not disappoint, producing some good catches and great rises of trout. The winner was Mullingar angler Mario Kenny with a trout of 1.2kg. Most of the fish caught were on wets – dabblers, peters and perch fry imitations.

The annual Dublin Bay Lifeboat Walk, Cycle or Sail in aid of RNLI is taking place on Sunday, September 8th. Participants should register at 10.30am on the day and start from either Howth Lifeboat Station, Bull Island Junction or Dún Laoghaire Lifeboat Station to arrive at Poolbeg Yacht Club at 1.30pm for entertainment and refreshments. The event is open to everyone and entry fee is €20 per person; €30 for two and €35 for two adults and two children. To register, email RNLIbay2013@gmail.com.
Funds raised will help supply lifeboat crews with the best
equipment available to ensure their safety when saving lives
at sea.

angling@irishtimes.com