Good Angling Prospects on Lough Sheelin

March 23rd , 2011

Results from the 2011 Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) survey of brown trout in Lough Sheelin are good news for anglers. The survey indicates a partial recovery of the wild brown trout population with stocks at their highest level since 1996. The numbers of wild brown trout present in the lake should be sufficient to provide excellent quality angling for the season ahead.

The survey series commenced 33 years ago, in 1978, and has provided IFI with invaluable information in relation to the fluctuations in population of fish stocks in this lakes over a "turbulent period" when many waters were subject to major ecological change caused by cultural eutrophication and the widespread introduction of invasive species, most notably Roach and Zebra mussels. The Roach population, which is non native to Sheelin, remains at a very low level compared to the explosion of stocks in the late 1980's and during the first 5 years of this century. The pike population is limited in extent compared to periods when Roach stocks were abundant.

A dietary analysis of the wild trout sample examined indicated that most fish, in all size classes, were feeding heavily on large mayfly nymphs. This indicates that one can expect a very big mayfly hatch again on Sheelin this year.

Dr. Martin O'Grady of IFI stated: "While it is heartening to see a significant increase in the trout stock in Lough Sheelin IFI remain concerned in relation to the ecological instability of this water. The inputs of nutrients (Phosphorous and Nitrogen) to the lake are still excessive and are likely to cause continuing ecological instability."

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Media Enquiries:

Suzanne Campion,
Head of Business Development
Inland Fisheries Ireland
Anglesea Street, Clonmel,
Co. Tipperary.

Tel: 052 6180055 Fax: 052 6123971;

Email: suzanne.campion@fisheriesireland.ie Website: www.fisheriesireland.ie

Notes to Editor

Inland Fisheries Ireland is a statutory body operating under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and was established under the Fisheries Act on 1st July 2010. Its principal function is the protection and conservation of the inland fisheries resource. IFI will promote, support, facilitate and advise the Minister on, the conservation, protection, management, development and improvement of inland fisheries, including sea angling and develop and advise the Minister on policy and national strategies relating to inland fisheries and sea angling.