Prospects For Spring 2001

...

...............A spring flood.

Our season starts on the first day of February, and in Connemara this is really still the middle of winter, yet the first fish of the year are starting to run.Almost all of the fish running at this time of year have spent more than one winter in the sea ( they are also known as "MSW" or multi-sea-winter fish ).Because they have spent longer at sea they have grown a good deal bigger than the grilse (single sea winter fish ) the average weight being usually double.The spring fish of one year are of the same spawning group or "year class" as the grilse of the previous year having migrated to sea at the same time, so it is possible to hazard a guess at the possibilities of a spring fish by looking at the performance of the fishery the previous season. In the 2000 season there were some interesting features in the summer run of fish that could bode well for the 2001 season, notably that a lot of fish ran, many more than the numbers caught would suggest (due to low rod effort), and the average size was extremely good, being around five pounds.If this runs true to form there should be a reasonable run of springers and the average weight should be very good.

The best time for a spring fish would normally be from 17th march until the beginning of May, although larger fish run from the beginning of the season until the start of the grilse run in June.High water is always best, and fishing high water after a dry spell is ideal.

The weather can be cold and wet, and the fish very scarce, but in Connemara there are few visitors at this time of year and it is not unusual to have only one or two anglers on the whole fishery

Spring fishing is for people that enjoy fishing for salmon. If numbers are what you want then the main run of fish in June and July would suit you better, but if the chance of a fresh fish in double figures interests you then contact us to find out which dates are available. Usually the fishery is not busy in early season so it is well worth enquiring at short notice. A great time for learning new skills, or getting to know the fishery.