The total catch on the Blackwater Lodge Salmon Fishery for May was 53 salmon to 13lb. averaging 8.1lb for only 182 rod days. This was the third best ever recorded, & the best since 1996. Last year we had only 22 for May averaging 7.3lb for 132 rod days.
Our total catch for June was 51 salmon to 16lb. averaging 8.2lb for only 171 rod days
Last year for June we had only 21 salmon averaging 8.0lb for 271 rod days.
Not only is the average size of the fish increasing, but the catch/rod day has shown a huge increase.
Catch per Rod Day
Year May June
2008 0.17 0.08
2009 0.29 0.30
The average number of rods fishing per beat each day for May & June 2009 was 0.36 compared to 0.41 for the same period last year - a reduction of 12% in fishing effort but which yielded a 142% increase in the number of fish caught. One can only conjecture what the catch would be if more rods were fishing.
Prospects
The grilse run is picking up with more & more being seen running each day as we go into July. This also coincides with reports of large numbers of grilse off the West Coast which are moving in towards the coast to run the rivers. The grilse normally don't need high water levels to encourage them to run.
Where to meet us
Glenda is once again demonstrating fly-casting at the Irish Game & Country Fair at Birr Castle in Co. Offaly on August 22/23. We will also have a stand at the Fair.
She has a special show planned featuring a team selected from some of the 10-12 year old girls who have been on her Fishstart programme this year in the Blackwater Valley. Country Channel TV filmed at Shanes Castle fair last weekend & will also film at Birr so watch out for Glenda on http://www.countrychannel.tv/
Ian is proprietor of Ireland's premier salmon fishing lodge with his wife Glenda (APGAI-IRL Salmon & Trout) – Europe’s highest qualified female fly-casting instructor & Emerald World Masters Ladies Salmon Distance champion.
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