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May 2003
(these reports are displayed as most recent first)
(There is a slight problem with the guestbook at the moment, this should be up and running again soon)
30th/31st May.
Brilliant weather, very warm with the odd shower, light Breezes.
Another month on it’s way out, but what a good one for the anglers that were lucky enough to be here.
With a change round in Tom’s and Paul’s over this weekend and more anglers arriving let’s hope for more good fishing in June.
White Bridge is still “On Fire” with large catches of Roach Hybrids and even Big Bream in this fast water. Paul’s 4 Lads from Wiltshire had brilliant days here.
Reports from upstream beyond the Graveyard at the “Dead Tree” swim a few days ago 2 anglers had in excess of 250lbs of Roach/Hybids This swim is accessed through 2 small fields via a gate next to a new Bungalow just around the bend heading for Ballymahon. Do seek approval from the Bungalow.
Back on the Lower Inny, the Rain family are still there and still catching Fish No weights of catches yet but Tommy is to catch up on the news shortly today. Frank and myself had a couple of hours in the “First Pond” on the cut for the Tench, no Tench but a good supply of Hybrids
28th/29th May.
It’s like Summer time at last, fine warm with light breezes.
White Bridge is still producing good bags of fish for the angler that likes fast water (downstream)
4 anglers out from Tom’s travelled to the Sand Bank (below the little river and had bags of Roach and Hybrids; 74lbs - 64lbs - 60lbs and a 60lbs.
Back at Tommie’s more Big Bream were in the Shallows (even more than previous days) Ray Leech netted 60lbs Wednesday and Mike 30lbs. Thursday was better for Mike he had an evening session which produced 100 lbs + Ray had to rest himself!!!
The 2 David’s had a great last day down at the river on the 2nd bend with good catches of Big Bream Hybrids and Roach and to round off their stay an early morning film session in the Shallows filming Bream rolling and cleaning themselves.
Most of my time, in the evenings, was spent talking to anglers about their successes but I managed to have a dip over by the Willow with a steady supply of fish, then back in the Kitchen, “Hot One’s” to celebrate Vera’s Birthday (45+vat).
Reports from outside not so good, the odd Tench on the Canal, with the Suck under Par more anglers are disappointed with the lack of sport.
( A lovely Hybrid for Dennis )
27th May.
Good weather very mild, winds slight SW. overcast the odd shower.
I travel to White Bridge this morning to find The Derby Boys settling in further downstream towards the little river, here they had just started fishing; with fish already in the nets and looking good.
2 anglers Dave No1 and Dave No2 also from East Yorkshire were at the swims near to the Bridge, here too they were catching good Roach.
Tommy called in to inform me that there was a Bream Bonanza going on in the shallows with Ray Leech and Mike Greenlaw from East Yorkshire catching large Bream, I left what I was doing and called in to witness this phenomena with my camera. Sure enough the 2 of them were hauling in Bream one after another up until teatime with 4 nets holding there catch and were weighed in with outstanding results.
Mike Greenlaw - 31 Bream: - 173 lbs.
Ray Leech - 24 Bream: - 111lbs.
I decidced to have a tour around in the boat to see if more fish were moving in, sure enough there were Bream everywhere out side all around the reedbeds towards “The Ponds”.
I fished for an hour in the Ponds not a fish there yet.
26th May.
Weather is good, light winds SW. very mild.
River is still running high but very good condition.
Things up at White Bridge are still on song with good bags of Roach and Hybrids. The Darby Boys had a great day fishing the lower section of White bridge just before the bend with top weight 56lb down to 34lbs.
Bream have showed up in front of Tommie’s in the shallows this evening with a large number of big fish, talking to 2 anglers from East Yorkshire, Mike Greenlaw and Ray Leech there very excited about the prospects for tomorrow seeing the fish in 2 foot of water.
Other reports from the river; plenty of odd catches in the lower section with all the fish upstream anglers are feasting on the late rush.
25th May.
Just a quick message to pass on CONGRATULATIONS to Nigel and Jean on becoming Grandparents to Conner John at 10:00 PM today.
Good conditions are continuing up to now. Winds N light.
New anglers from Athlone over from Darby have found it difficult to locate fish when I spoke to them at Tom’s on my return from up “Delaney’s” they had a poor day so far with few fish so I gathered up 2 of them and took them upstream to show them where the fish are, there were there plenty of Roach and Hybrids to be had and I had a good Trout earlier.
The 2 were impressed and I explained that they could walk down from the Bridge or Hire a boat from Tommy, leading them back to base they held a fishing meeting on the bank to decide what to do tomorrow.
Frank and Peter were off to the Canal early today and netted 9 Tench, Rudd and the odd Roach.
After Franks chores he popped down to Malady’s (The Water Pump) a few odd fish but nothing to exciting.
24th May.
The weather is much kinder now with the strong winds abated, veered to North colder.
Paul’s guests were down at the Second bend for a morning session and had good results with more Bream Hybrids and Roach; this was good after the bad spell.
Two had fished up at White Bridge (downstream) and had another good bag of fish although the river is very lively at the moment.
Peter visited the Canal just before Mullingar and did well with some good Tench early in the morning.
23rd May.
Mainly wet and windy, veering to NW. Colder
The six were in and raring to go, 2 boats loaded were off to the Spot just below the little river, here they found that the river was a bit unkind today but managed good bags of Small Bream, Roach and Hybids but still delighted with the day.
2 anglers (Father & Son) staying in Paul Foxe’s fished “White Bridge” down stream in and around the first bend and were delighted with Bream, Hybrids and plenty of Roach in fast water section.
Great News down at Tommy’s where 2 more of Paul’s anglers fished the “2nd Bend” in the deep water here they produced Bream of 3lbs.and 3lb 8ozs. plenty of Roach and a good helping of Hybrids.
It seems like the rise in the river could spark off some good fishing, Lets Hope So!!!
22nd May.
Still as windy but little rain for a change, river still on the rise.
Six boys from Nottingham staying in Ballinasloe were at the river up at Delaney’s after failing to catch on the River Suck, Tommy showed them the spot to fish and left them to fish away.
Final results were great with large bags of Roach, Hybrids and small Bream including 1 Trout of 3lbs. They left for Ballinasloe on a high note ready to return tomorrow.
21st May.
Rain, Rain and more Rain, that’s the order of the day, Plus High Winds.
With the river rising to flood levels there’s little chance of good fishing.
Nothing to report, from Tommy Foxe; with a day not fit for Ducks. Reports from Mullingar Canal were very thin just one spot that produced; The “Y” junction near the round-about on the Ballymahon Road (Patrick Street) with a grand catch of Tench to weigh in around 30lbs.
Odd Tench from around Mary Lynch’s section of the Canal, on my last visit here I found that there was work being carried out on one section with the water level very low, but the Turning Pond section was in form.
20th May.
As usual the weather has got its ugly hat on again with the Lake taking on the looks of a Storm Beach in Kerry.
With plenty going on in the upper Inny still the fish are there to be had and anglers are taking advantage of this, I had noticed that not one of the Roach had Spawned yet, this confirms that the river temperature is still very low and has to take the blame for the poor showing of fishing over the last few weeks.
So there’s only one place to go, Delaney's. On reaching here we found a good few boys all catching away along the straight, we fished above the little river to find plenty of fish raring to go, the river must have risen 12 inches overnight and was running hard and dirty, still the fish were at there best.
My Boy’s were very pleased with some of the best fishing they’ve ever come across; there were plenty of Bream at this stage (not big ones) but around the 1-3lbs. mark and good female Roach still full of spawn and of course the mad Hybrids with the fishing at it’s best in the evening.
19th May.
Weather; Sunny periods, Strong winds and the odd shower.
On Hearing this report my boys liked the sound of this and decided this would make a change from the river.
More anglers were up the river and good reports came back of plenty to be caught if one could master the windy conditions.
The Royal Canal beyond Mullingar at Mary Lynch’s Pub, a drive along the Toll Path just before the first Lock you’ll find an old Turning bay with a depth of around 5ft. with a weed free bottom. Armed with Worms, Corn and Maggots and a good umbrella we fished away, difficult in the wind but we managed. It wasn’t long before the first Tench fell to my worm baited 12 hook only to loose the fish at the net, The session produced 9 good Tench of which one was 6lbs 6ozs.
(Beautiful Tench caught by David)
18th May.
Weather as before, very windy and heavy showers.
I may sound like a Parrott at this stage but it’s the only place on the river were there’s fish to be had and that’s upstream at Delaney's and downstream from White Bridge.
We had the river to ourselves this day and really Bagged Up, it seems that the other angler were on their last day yesterday and thankful to this spot at least they went home happier.
A Big change around in anglers this day with new groups hearing of this venue - didn’t waste time rushing up the river to find the fish still there. We were already there and repeated the days catch as we did yesterday with a good showing of fish, with some decent Roach and Hybrids with small Bream for good measure.
Not much going on at the Lower Inny with a couple of anglers only finding bits and pieces, The “Ponds” are very quiet and so is the “Cut”. Frank had a few hours over there but produced not a single bite, later that day Frank and Peter took a trip to the Canal, this side of Mullingar near to the Equestrian Center, here they had Tench (13) all quality fish 3/4lbs.
17th May.
Weather still as bad with very windy condition and Hail storms.
Reports from other anglers were poor all over, river beginning to rise but in good condition.
There’s only one place to fish at this time, upstream at Delaney's’ so off we go once more only to find there were plenty of anglers already at this venue all having fish in their nets.
We slotted in below them and found fish straight away, float and small leads were the order of the day baited with Worms, Maggots and Corn - all of these baits were taking fish of good quality all day.
All anglers seemed to have a good days fishing with large catches all round of Roach, Hybrids, and small Bream.
16th May.
Similar weather conditions wet and windy.
Fishing around the place is much the same with few anglers catching fish.
My boys wanted some more of what they had yesterday, so off we went to the same spot up the river to Delaney's which is downstream from White Bridge past the second bend towards the small river running into the Inny.
We fished on the far bank to find that the fishing was poor, on moving down to the straight opposite the trees found fish right away and set up our stall. Roach Bream and Hybrids were in abundance and the boys were in their element.
This spot can only be fished by having to boat up from Tommy Foxe’s because of the small river coming in.
Total catch was well over the 100lb mark with good Trout thrown in.
15th May.
All change again wind in the SE rain all day.
A new pair of anglers arrived today full of enthusiasm after learning the goings on the previous day After a record breaking Unpacking and stowage of the two, we were off, heading for “The Spot” Just 1 rod each and a handful of tackle we landed on the bank, I tested the swim to find the fish were still there, with the bigger fish just upstream (50yds) after Dave Diment walked up after finding the lower swim was full of small fish.
John fished from the stern of the boat and was delighted with himself being new to this freshwater fishing; I stayed on with him as coach.
They finished near to dark but wanted to carry on but I could see that they barely able to stand due to the long days travelling myself included after the partying from the previous guests good day out.
14th May.
What a change in the weather full sunshine and warm little wind.
Not for the anglers, still there’s a lack of fish around here on the lower parts of the Inny. The odd fish are being caught but it’s hard work and frustrating too say the least.
The Nottingham boys fished Coreen Forde on the Suck too find poor fishing, top catch 10lbs
No fish too be had out in “The Ponds” or “The Cut”
David O’Mally at the Tackle Shop in Mullingar told the same story. Looking to my boy’s last day was a different matter, fishing the upper stretch around “Delaney’s” was the best day this spring with a outstanding catch of Big Roach Hybrids to 3lbs and a brace of fine Trout; all on the Float ( really first day we were able to float fish because of the wind) with the conditions just perfect, one of the boys spent most of the session with the Video Camera and caught all of us for the record.
The last day of the holiday made up for the lack of good fishing in recent days.
13th May.
The weather has really taken it’s toll on the fishing.
The whole district has shut down with little to report, what with high winds and hail storms the best place would be indoors.
Throughout these conditions the 3 Lads from Nottingham fished Ballykeeran at The Dog & Duck. Here they caught Bream Roach and Hybrids, Shane with 64lbs Bernie: 30lbs and Phil 23lbs.
My party fished the upper Inny in my “Spot” and had a reasonable catch of good Roach and Hybrids in between showers.
Reports from the Canal in Mullingar said the fishing has come to a halt.
11th May
Weather; still as bad, cold with high winds.
The fishing is as bad as the weather (Grim) nothing going on in most of our venues, outside at Mullingar on the Canal produced a good session with anglers John Hunter and friend Jon Benford. Here they found the Tench in a great mood with John Hunter netting 14 Tench for 43lbs. Jon Benford; 6 Tench for 20lbs topping it out with a super Roach which weighed in at 2lbs. 4ozs. ( a personal best )
Also yesterday at Lanesborough both had good bags on Roach and Hybrids.
7th/10th May.
Gales, Hailstorms, and very cold.
This must be the worst 4days for fishing I’ve known here and for the visiting anglers also.
Very few fish have shown up on our patch with the water levels up 7ins on the lake and the river running very cold.... on saying that there are fish to be had if one can find them.
There’s been good fishing at Lanesbough although rather crowded at times, also the Tench at Abbeyshrule have put in a showing. There’s odd Bream still being caught at Tom’s on the evening with Hybrids and Good Roach, but the weather conditions at the moment are diabolical.
We are really praying for a change in the weather and temperatures to rise but that seem like it’s way off for the next week. With the “Ponds” almost impossible to fish due to the water conditions, with safety in mind very few wish to make the journey over, there were a few attempts to fish early mornings and there were fish caught, Hybrids and a Bream were tempted today but anglers were beaten by the wind and had to pull out. “The Cut” had showings of fish with Tench and Rudd rolling about but refusing to take any bait.
Let’s wait and see!!
6th May.
Weather not so bad today, less wind and rain but still very cold.
River conditions are still very good after the rains, a little bit more flow but the temperature must be low at this stage thus affecting the fishing. On saying that my boys and I went to the upper Inny, above “The Tree” to find plenty of fish around with a bite a chuck, but you try hooking them!!
Similar problems, were found by other anglers down at Tom’s - John Hunter and his boys were at the “Top Entrance” today with one of them, Derrick doing very well with Hybrids, Bream and Roach to weigh in 33lbs. Billy Teesdale ran up a 30lb catch and was quite pleased in this lean time.
Frank closely followed by Peter at 5am made there way to the “First Pond” to fish the newly baited swim only to find the fish were still asleep and not a single bite over several hours.
My anglers have been delivered to the bus station for another year, Time flies when your enjoying yourself they said; but were very satisfied with their visit.
5th May.
Weather; breezy and cold. NW. River and lake risen 5ins.to add to the conditions.
Anglers are finding the odd pockets of fish above “Red Bridge” as well as downstream at Tom’s - Roach and Hybrids in small numbers.
Peter Wood and Frank fished the fast swims at the Bridge in Ballymahon, here they took good Roach for a couple of hours before the downpour. Frank baited up a swim in the “First Pond “ whilst Peter baited and fished “Drum Lake”, after the storm, to find here too the fish were elusive, Frank fished away after the baiting session and managed a Tench of 4/5lbs with further enquiries from fish so this means a very early start tomorrow morning.
Reports still coming from Lanesbough to say that Rudd, Hybrids Roach and a good helping of Tench from one angler and the fishing may have improved up at Kilnacarrow Railway Bridge after the fish are said to have spawned.
4th May.
Weather still the same, heavy showers and windy cold.
Anglers are having trouble locating fish in most sections of the river and when they do the fish move off. There’s fish to be had at Lanesbough in the “Hot Water” stretch with good catches of Hybrids. Myself with my boys spent time up the river in the spot we were at a few days ago, fish were taken but not in same sort of quantity as before.
Results from the Inny Festival are as follows:
1st-Phil McCaffrey (Enniskillen)
2nd- Steve Russell (Stockton)
3rd- Dennis O’Leary (South Wales)
4th- Dave Mann (South Wales)
3rd May
Rain most of the day with High winds from the SW, brighter evening.
The Big change over today with new anglers arriving in both Paul’s and Tom’s, little to report apart from the London Boys who fished the lower river in Bad conditions to catch 1 Bream and the odd Hybrid.
5 Lads from Dublin in Val Brady and Andy Benson’s group had a super day up around the “Tree” with great catches of Roach and Hybrids. In 2 boats they set off upstream to find there quarry 130lbs,90lbs, and a 80lbs approx were landed in one boat and a further 60/70lbs in the second boat.
2nd May
Weather much kinder today with good sunny spells, lighter winds much warmer.
Much better day for Tommy’s guests with good catches in “The Ponds” early in the morning from Rodger Burrows party, Bream and Hybrids.
Great sport on Roach /Hybrids up the river by Richard and Bob fishing on “The Tree”(no weights given). Paul and I were up further to find the fish were wall to wall after having to search them out by trying several spots every 100yds back downstream until we found them, some 500yds up from the Tree. This method is well worth trying. Our evening catch was outstanding with Big Roach, Hybrids, Bream and a good Trout well worthy of some mashed Spud and Peas
The 4 lads from N London had a visit to Abbeyshroule behind the Rustic Inn on the Canal, where they really got going on the Tench with 17 fine fish sprinkled with good Roach.
Not so good for the last match in the Inny Festaval with poor weights; Tom’s section 1.5kgs Red Bridge managed 4.5kgs, no reports of outright winner.
1st May
More thunder showers with high winds and cold, River still rising.
Not quite fishing weather, which showed up on the days results with little to speak about.
There were the odd fish being caught on the river with plenty of anglers throughout the section, out in “the Ponds” and “The Cut”. I myself with my boys fished all with little results, a few Hybrids with the odd Roach up at “The Big Bend” from there we ended up in the entrance for the last of the light to find there were Roach to be had, but very few; Paul managed a small pike on a spinner all of 3lbs.
Welcome to May!! pinch, punch, first of the month and all that...
For those of you who fish on the mainland, don't forget your new rod licences are due.
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