APRIL REPORT · 1 May 2008
April at Delphi was more than a little difficult in terms of fishing conditions. With much of the month dominated by dry, cool weather and with winds either bitingly cold easterlies or too light for lake fishing, anglers struggled for results. But rain on the 25th, followed by a few days of showers and lively breezes, lifted both spirits and catches.
By month end, 33 spring salmon had been taken, to add to the 22 taken in February and March. While the total of 55 salmon so far is vaguely respectable, it is a little below the 10-year average for this stage of 60 fish – and well short of the 2004 record of 142.
Two thirds of the fish caught were tagged fish of hatchery origin that were released as smolts two years earlier.
A striking feature of the month was the small size of some of the salmon. No less than eight weighed only five pounds or less, with two at just 3¾ pounds. Whether these are ridiculously small springers or early grilse remains a matter of conjecture pending the results of scale analysis.
The best tagged fish of the month was taken by Andy Smith from the Holly Pool and weighed a shade over 10 pounds. Just a few ounces behind was one of Willie Cotter’s two fish from Finlough.
There were a number of good wild fish caught but, since all are supposed to be released alive, the weights are mostly estimated. The best of these weighed around 12 or 13 pounds and was taken by Peter Davis on Doolough, one of three fish he caught in his week. Others to catch fish of around ten pounds or better included Birger Hansson from Sweden, Margaret Downes and Joe Tracey.
Of the April fish, 17 came off the river, 10 from Finlough and 6 from Doolough, the latter all wild.
All Delphi anglers are reminded of the conservation imperative of releasing all wild salmon.
— Peter Mantle
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