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The Coolcronan Salmon Fisheries is one of the prime beats on the River Moy, one of Europe's most prolific salmon rivers.
Extending to over 1 mile of double bank fishing, the Fishery is set amidst natural woodlands and these unspoilt and beautiful surroundings are the perfect setting for the sport provided by the migratory Atlantic salmon that run the Moy.
Rods are strictly limited to ensure that the fishery is not overcrowded as
is so often the case on other beats. A well organised rota gives all anglers
the chance to fish the whole Fishery and rules out the overcrowding of any
one pool.
Our catch record in excess of 400 salmon per season shows that Coolcronan is an extraordinarily prolific beat. Given that rods are limited, the Rod to Fish ratio is excellent, and this implies that an angler stands a better chance of catching a fish at Coolcronan than on any other beat on the Moy.
Coolcronan is primarily a bait and spinning Fishery and the determined angler is usually well rewarded. If water levels are not excessive, the Rock Pool will fish on the fly.
To use the fly from the bank requires good roll casting skills, although
the boats allow the use of single handed fly rods when water levels and conditions
are favourable (must be accompanied by the Manager). The bubble float and
fly can also be very successful.
Access to the Fishery could not be easier. Turn off the Ballina to Foxford
road (N26) at the Coolcronan Gate House (See map on back page). With our car
parking facilities, located at the Cable Pool, you can park just yards from
the river bank .
The boats make getting around the entire Fishery very angler friendly and you can always join us in our caravan Fishery office for a cup of tea... or something stronger.
All of this makes fishing at Coolcronan the totally enjoyable sport that our guests expect, including elderly or partially disabled anglers.
The
Runs of Fish
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As every angler is aware, salmon fishing varies enormously from year to year, according to the weather, the water conditions, etc, etc. It is therefore a risky business to advise people as to when fishing is 'best'. However, some guidelines can be roughly adhered to, based on the three main runs of fish.
Spring Fish: April till early June, although the best time is probably from mid May to the first week of June. The run of Spring fish has extended into June since the boxes at Ballina were taken off this season. The Spring fish are large, but come in less numbers and are harder to catch than the grilse. Sizes range from 8 lbs upwards, averaging somewhere between 10 and 12 lbs.
Grilse: Mid June onwards. When the gods, the weather and the river jointly wink their favour, the grilse will arrive in a huge surge, providing an impressive spectacle and a feast of catches. In 1999, however, we only had small floods and the grilse arrived in a succession of smaller runs. As a result, some of the best grilse fishing was in early July.
Autumn Fish: From September to the end of the Season (30th September). You will also catch grilse and Spring fish that are slightly coloured at this time of year, as the fish queue up to spawn.
Angling Techniques for Coolcronan
Bait and spinning techniques have been adapted by experienced anglers to respond to the conditions that prevail on the Lower Moy. As a result, the relevant accessories such as floats, hooks, etc, are best purchased locally. Plenty of tips are freely available in the local tackle shops and, if you do not wish to hire the services of a local ghillie, we will be there to set you up, show you how to fish the different pools and recommend what is most suitable for the prevailing conditions.
For anglers with roll casting skills, fly fishing is an option on the Rock pool beat, when water levels are not too high and the grilse are in full swing. A single handed fly rod can be used from the boats. It has to be said that fishing from boats has not been practised for 30 years and the fly fishing potential of much of Coolcronan is, as yet, unexplored. So watch this space!
Ghillieing Services
There are many excellent fishing guides with years of experience of the waters at Coolcronan. Although we do not offer an 'in house' service, we would be quite happy to recommend an experienced ghillie.
Alternatively, we are always on hand with assistance and advice.
Contact Mary Carlisle on:
(+353) (0) 94 9257055
(+353) (0) 87 239 8019
salmonrod@gmail.com
The Fishery meeting point is located at the Carpark beside the Cable Pool (see Map)
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