SALMON SEASON 2021 ENDS ON A HIGH THANKS TO NASF
W
hile most of the rivers on the West coast of Ireland had generally an improved season overall, rivers such as the Crana in Inishowen were down on previous years. In our last column we were hopeful that last season’s record numbers would be matched and thankfully we are happy to report that West Donegal rivers especially had an even better season of returned salmon than last year although seatrout are still a big concern. Rivers that got much better water at the close season ended up with the best backend run of September fish for many years. Those lucky enough to be fishing in the last fortnight on the Glen River would have seen that many pools were stuffed with fish. So, we expect the redd count numbers will have to be up when we count in December. We acknowledge the improved protection has made a significant difference on our bays and freshwater but we believe that the 2018 North Atlantic Salmon Fund and ASF buyout deal has to be maintained and that must be our most urgent priority is to ensure our salmon continue to be protected in the North Atlantic feeding grounds so that they return to our natal rivers to spawn. One noticeable big change is that IFI 70
staff cooperated with angling clubs to enforce protection and habitat enhancement, a partnership way we have campaigned for. We are grateful for the kind comments and feedback we continue to receive on the various issues raised in the last column such as the past failures of governments to stop the decline of our stocks of wild salmon and seatrout. We were particularly grateful for the support and suggestions on how we should lobby our minister to select a new team that
believes we can achieve improvements in our stocks in accordance with the Irish Implementation Plan lodged at NASCO. We have yet to receive a reply from the Minister Eamon Ryan TD on what he plans to do to convince his staff that his plan is feasible and achievable. Despite the pandemic limitations we succeeded in progressing the FISSTA Plan with the new IFI CEO, the new Department team and the new Minister Eamon Ryan TD.
Water levels and the joys of a spate river at the salmon leap near Teelin Co Donegal
Winter 2021 Irish Country Sports and Country Life
