Salmon Fishery Report 2008.
First Fish Caught 2nd May
Total Fish Caught 401
Number of Fish Returned 146
Largest Fish 14.01 ounce
Best Month (Total Fish) September - 151 – Salmon Caught
Upper Beat Total 248 Salmon Lower Beat Total 153 Salmon
Wall Pool 68 Salmon Cunninghams 77Salmon
High Bank 44 Salmon Dugout 32 Salmon
Sandy Bank 44 Salmon Boat Hole 23 Salmon
Connors Gap 41 Salmon Stumps 11 Salmon
Ditches 20 Salmonm Ledges 10 Salmon
Wall Pool Straight 18 Salmon
Apple Garden 13 Salmon.
The 2008 season will be remembered for the unprecedented high summer water levels and the numbers of days angling lost during August & September because of it. While this can be looked upon as a positive in terms of fish being able to access and run the river to the lake and spawning grounds, it did considerably reduce our numbers of fish caught compared to the 2007 season ( 980 salmon).
Despite the unfavourable water conditions there were a lot of positives for the season, including the quality of the fish in June, the catching of 25 ‘first’ fish, the capture of the largest salmon in the last 5 years, and not least the release of more than a 36% of the fish caught. For each of these fish we will be donating €5 to the North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organisation.
May Highlights Free Fishing for hotel residents.
First fish of the season taken on May 2nd Mr Tom Foy (N. Ireland) captures a fine grilse and spring salmon from the Wall Pool on 26th May
June Highlights
Rain arrived during the last week of the month & with it came sea-liced springers! 29 salmon caught in the last 8 days. On a single day fish weighing 13.5lb,12lb and 10.75lb caught. Andrea Ebonne (Italy) caught his first salmon (4.5lb) and returned his second fish (10lb)
Steve Hollingsworth caught his first ever salmon weighing 4.5lb and 8.5 lb. James Ghilchrist (on the 1st day of his honeymoon) caught 2 salmon.
With only one hour to spare Mr Patrick Hughes a wedding guest, goes to The Wall Pool and comes back with a fine 9.5lb fish . (Pictured above)
On the final day of the month a fresh run fish weighing 9.5lb was caught by Fr. Denis Kelly (Wexford, pictured on the cover). Ben Price, son of Stuart the Fishery Manager also took a 9.5lb salmon, his first on the fly.
July Highlights
The Wiltshire party enjoyed some good fishing.Vince Taylor starts his salmon career with a 12.5 lb fish. Joe Hugell (UK) landed her first salmon, weighing 8.5 lb (followed by a 6lb fish which she released). After several unsuccessful visits to Scotland, 5 year old Oliver Leonard catches his 1st
fish (9.5lb) at Mount Falcon
August Highlights
Tom Sleator (Donegal pictured left caught his first salmon)Hussongs (Father & son from Switzerland) both caught their first salmon. Mark Nulty (Ireland) – 1st fish 14 salmon for regulars Martin and Maeve Davison and party. However the month belonged to the ladies.
With the following all catching their first salmon. Mrs Andrea Moore. Mrs Maureen Justice (9lb Cunninghams),Mandy Williams (9.5lb Cunninghams)
September Highlights
151 salmon caught Best fish 14.1oz. Hooked in Connor’sGap landed (and release) in the Wall Pool. Maver Party 23 salmon Henry Catchpole (London) 1st fish Fish hooked on fly on the Sandy Bank & Dugout.
Martin and Maeve Davison take 6 salmon for their September visit. Helen & Cormac Dunlevy (Dublin) catch 4 salmon for their visit. Peter Wilkinson & Alan Hodkinson (U.K.) both catch salmon at their first attempt.
Looking Forward
We look forward to 2009 season with anticipation, the first fish spawned after the drift net ban should be returning (in numbers we hope).
Hopefully water conditions will be more favourable to the angler than they were in 2008. Thanks to all our guests, and in particular, all our regulars who return year after year. We look forward to seeing you again 2009.If you have yet to catch a salmon please give us a call, we can make dreams come true (weather gods permitting!)Don’t forget about our lake – the May Fly fishing was superb again this year.Our Clay pigeon shoot is now up and running. Why not come and give it a try.Want to learn to fly cast (trout / salmon) ? We would be delighted to offer tuition prior to the 2009 season.
Want to learn how to tie flies? Contact us for details.
Here’s to a great 2009 Season.
Stuart, Michael & Jim.