Drowes river's first salmon of the year is caught by young Donegal angler

The first wild salmon of the 2020 season caught on the river Drowes was landed on Valentine's Day at  2.45pm by 20-year-old Donegal angler, Nash McDaid.

Nash (pictured with the fish and with his trophy) was presented with the Drowes Perpetual Cup for the first salmon from the fishery of the 2020 season and also the 1 kilo bar of silver and Thomas Gallagher Conservation Cup as the first caught and released salmon of the new season.  

In a post on their facebook page, the Drowes Fishery thanked all those who had fished the river since New Year's Day in an effort to land the first salmon: “A special word of thanks to all the anglers who wet a line with us since the start of the season, in pursuit of what is becoming, the ever more elusive early spring salmon.”

On January 1, the Drowes Salmon Fishery posted a piece about some near misses on opening day: "A smaller than usual number of anglers gathered on the banks of the river this morning in search of that increasingly elusive prize, an opening day springer. Despite a few reported sightings and better than normal opening day conditions, with above average temperatures and below average water levels, no fresh fish were landed today.

"A big thank you to all the anglers and well wishers who ventured out to join us for opening day this morning. Whether you have travelled from across the road or across the world, for the first or for the fortieth time, your presence is greatly appreciated."