David McEvoy reports on a great start to the 2018 salmon season at the Delphi Fishery…

The Delphi fishing season got off to a great start on the 4th of February when Pat Hagan from North County Dublin landed the first fish of the season. I think it is the second salmon landed in the country this year and probably the first on fly. Our usual Blast and Cast Party from Bavaria were unable to make up the last two days of the shooting season this year, so it was taken up by a party headed by Pat Hagan and Vincent Dodd. Conservation was the order of the day regarding the shooting as the birds were a bit fast, but a most enjoyable time was had by all.

I was quietly confident regarding the fishing and opening day didn’t disappoint. A great night was had on the 31stso there was no rush to get to the river. Eight of our shooting party slowly appeared and made their way to the river by 11am. It was a typical February day with snow on the hills, a strong North Westerly wind, the odd hail shower and some beautiful sunshine thrown in for good measure.

All rods were spread down the river and Pat Hagan accompanied by Pat White took the lower pools. Pat Hagan would be a very experienced salmon angler and this duly paid off when he hooked and landed a 7lbs 9ozs fish in the Waterfall Pool shortly after 12 o’clock. Pat was using a switch rod set up, with a sinking tip and a Blue Elver conehead. There was beautiful sunshine at the time, which I think at this time of year is a good thing as it brings a little nature into the day. 90% of salmon caught here early on are between the hours of 11am and 4pm, when temperatures rise a little.

Well done to Pat and hopefully the early fish is a sign of a good season to come. It will be great to see all the usual faces again after a long, hard and very busy Winter. So if any of you are in the mood we have availability next week, should you wish to try your luck in anticipation of that long slow draw on the line!!

David McEvoy
Delphi Fishery

Go fishing…
At Delphi Lodge, with many years of experience with the timing of the best runs of fish, we have in place a price system that offers both great value fishing and lets our anglers know when they have the best chance to catch a fresh run spring salmon or a summer grilse or Delphi sea trout.

Delphi Fishery
Delphi Lodge, Leenane, Co. Galway.
Tel.: +353 (0)95-42222
Fax +353-95-42296
Website: www.delphilodge.ie

By myleskelly
Source: www.fishinginireland.info.