Fact File:

Catch Statistics:
3 year catch return average:
487 per year

Gannons Fishery is located approximately one mile from Foxford on the main Ballina road. The fishery consists of one and a quarter miles of single bank fishing on the Lower River Moy, and although most of its course is deeper channel type water, it provides a challenge for all anglers. Most areas and pools hold fish when conditions are favourable in high or low water.

At the top of the beat is Moran´s Rocks which is a favourate spot where fly-fishing and, moreover, bubble and fly produce good sport. The largest fish caught here in 1999 on bubble and fly was a 14 lb. spring fish.

From the beginning of the beat through Moran´s Rocks along the High Green Bank, to a bridged drain, it is possible to bait fish, spin, and use bubble and fly. Below the first beat, there are more naturally sheltered areas, where the river creeps along through various shelves, all the way to Rinnaney bend, the first major turn in the river from the start of the fishery. "The Point" as it is known locally, which is approximately two-hundred yards from the first drain is a good area from which to start fishing on this beat. The river narrows at this location and it is possible to fish from upstream down over the moving fish, or just go below "The Point" and fish over the lying fish as they await there turn to move up through the narrow run. Salmon tend to use this sheltered shelf area just below "The Point" as a resting area before they continue their run to pass through to the upper reached of the Moy. So spending a little time to explore this well sheltered area usually produces some good fish, especially on rising water. Again bait fishing in this area tends to produce good salmon when used close to the banks. When water conditions suit, the use of a well selected fly can produce some of the best sport on the river as fish have more places to hide than are evident from the surface.

 
Downstream of the "The Point" to Rinnaney Bend the river is deep and deceptive. This area of the river, which is approximately 700 yards long, tends to have predefined paths, that salmon use at different times of the year. There are many little pools where fish can be seen as they move up river along this beat, and it is very hard to pass this area knowing that the fish are always there.The water in this area is more conducive to bait fishing or spinning than any other form, but if you think you can tickle a fish out of this section on the fly you will have some good fun also.

At the end of the long straight you approach Rinnaney Bend. This is where the river changes direction and flows directly west for about 400 yards. This section of the river has a sandy bottom, and with its varying water depths throughout it makes the angler think a little bit more about what method would be the best in this area. Over the years this section has always fished well with bubble and fly (especially in low water conditions), but it also produces some good fish on the various bait fishing methods in all water conditions. From the Rinnaney Bend through to Jack´s Park it is a sweeping horse shoe bend defended by large rocks along its entire curvature.It starts with some twenty or so feet of very high banks. From then on it is open and easily accessed for around four or five hundred yards. The fishing in this area suits bait fishing and spinning because of its depth. Again in parts it would be possible for the determined angler to cast a fly over the moving fish. Anglers on the far bank in this area usually tend to cast close up to the rocks. Fishing from the rocks takes a lot less effort and is a little more challenging. At the end of Jack´s Park there is another narrowing, locally called the Green Point below which there is a deep backwash pool, again a very good holding pool for fish all through the season.

Some fifty or so yards further on, the river cuts a wide girth and turns into its final straight. On this widening section there are sand flats, which are accessible by wading in lower water conditions. Fly-Fishing and again bubble and fly can be more productive in this section of the fishery. Spinning when the water is deeper in the spring is also a delight.

The "Back Corner" as it is locally known, lends itself to spinning or bait fishing as the river reverts to being deep and channel like over this secion of about 500 yards. Some of the bigger fish caught on this beat in the past have being caught in this section. As the river runs downstream towards the end of the beat the runs vary. In the lower section, the salmon tend to follow a run through the middle of the river, that continues to the edge of the grassy bank and again back towards the centre of the river at the white thorn bush.

This beat is again worth spending a little time at, so as to discover the little gems that are hidden from the naked eye at an initial glance. To really enjoy this section of the river, it would be best to get the advice and local knowledge from those who fish this section regulary.

Gannon´s fishery caters for the beginner, the experienced, and the more determined angler who is looking for a good fishing challange.