Abercorn Estates - Salmon Fishing
Catch records click here
For Prices and Availability please enquire or check here.
Visitors staying at Baronscourt can experience the renowned salmon
fishing on the River Mourne.
The Foyle River System
 The
Foyle System comprises of approximately 900 miles of salmon, sea
trout and brown trout water. It covers the North West region of
the north of Ireland. It is also one of Ireland's most prolific
grilse and summer salmon fisheries. The peak period is usually during
June and July. If there is a mild and wet August good fishing can
be had. September and October can also perform very well. Scientific
estimations put the annual Foyle system salmon run at approximately
80,000 fish in 2007. The recent legislation banning drift net fishing
around Ireland's coast is expected to lead to a significant increase
in the numbers of fish returning to the rivers, especially in the
North West.
The River Mourne
 The
River Mourne, flowing from the Derg Junction to Strabane, is part
of the Foyle Fishery System. It is believed to be one of the best
salmon rivers in Northern Europe, it is on a par with the Rivers
Moy and Blackwater in Ireland and River Tweed, Scotland. The last
5 year average fish over 45 cm counted at Sion Mills fish counter
is around 6,704 most of these fish head through the Abercorn water
to their spawning grounds upstream.
Click here to see fishing The
River Mourne on YouTube
Trout & Salmon (Mourne feature)
Nippers and not Grippers by Michael Dawnay read
more
The Pools
 There
is direct access to the estate water which comprises of four beats
with over 24 named pools. The most renowned and famous pool is the
Snaa it is similar in its appearance to "the Junction"
on the River Tweed, the other pools such as "Carnaquin",
"The Half Water", and "Blackstone" are every
bit as good, each beat offers exciting sport. This high quality
fishery also enjoys excellent access to the river with two fishing
huts and car parking, expert advice can be sort from the Estate's
ghillie.
Lettings
The fishing is mainly let to clients on a weekly basis. The Estate
operates a "beat system" with water divided into 4 beats.
Two beats are fished each day, one in the morning and the other
in the afternoon, the next day this changes to other two beats.
The fishing is let by the beat, with a maximum of 2 rods per beat.
This is one of the very few "fly only" private beat based
fisheries in Ireland. Fishing is allowed on Sundays unlike in Scotland.
 Time
of Year
Spring Salmon are best from April to mid May with the bulk of the
Grilse and summer Salmon arriving from June to July. If the weather
is relatively cool and wet in August great fishing can be had. September
through to the end of the season in October can also show excellent
results. Sea Trout runs are at their peak in June and July.
Fishing Methods
 Best
fishing method is using shrimp flies and hairwing salmon flies sizes
12-4 (depending on water height) fished on floating and sinktip
lines. Small mini tubes can also be useful in low water conditions.
Intermediate and slow sinking lines can also be useful in spring
and autumn depending on water temperature. Please note that this
is fly only water. We do prefer to operate a catch and release policy
but are very happy for clients to take home one or two salmon.
Reel, Rod and Lines
14-15ft double handed rods rated for 10/11 lines are the norm
with 10-11ft rods rated for 7-9 line for low water conditions. Good
pair of felt soled waders are also essential when fishing the River
Mourne.
Recommended Fly Patterns
 Salmon
fishing:-
Shrimp flies - Silver Wilkinson, Red Shrimp, Gold Shrimp, Wye Bug,
Apache Shrimp, Alleys Shrimp, Bann Special.
Hairwings - Silver Rat, Willie Gunn, Yellow Dog, Blue Charm, Silver
Stoat, Stoats Tail.
Sea Trout fishing:-
The Mourne sea trout are not the largest of fish with a 3 lb being
a good specimen, although the majority being caught are around 3/4
lb - 1.5 lb. The larger trout arrive first in early to mid June
with the bulk of smaller fish arriving from July onwards to the
end of the season. Rods 9-10ft are rated for 6-7 weight lines are
perfect for the job with floating and sink tip lines. Flies in sizes
12 - 8. Patterns - Peter Ross, Zulu, Teal Blue and Silver, Butchers,
Silver Doctors, Black Pennals will all catch fish.
Tackle Sales
 There
is a fully equipped Tackle shop near Newtownstewart, David Campbell
12 Killymore Road. Newtownstewart. Tel: 028 8166 1543, stocks reel,
rod, line and a large selection of flies. In Sion Mills try N M
Tackle, - 131 Melmount Road, Sion Mills, Strabane, County Tyrone,
BT82 9PY, Tel: 028 81659501
Please note that we are able to supply visiting anglers with a
selection of Irish hand tied flies in sizes suitable for water conditions
at that particular time of your fishing trip.
Price on application.
Local Climate
Spring daytime temperatures can range from 4°C to 12°
and warm clothing and waterproofs are always necessary. Summer daytime
temperatures vary from 10°C to 25°C and again some warm
clothing and waterproofs are usually necessary!
Equipment
 Please
remember:
-
Polaroid glasses for eye protection,
-
Strong insect repellent against biting midges (although not
nearly as bad as Scotland!),
-
Floatation jacket for wading,
-
Waders and wading staff, are advised
The Estate is a member of Newtownstewart & District Angling
Group that conserves and supports the natural habitat of the salmon
spawning grounds and river infrastructure. The Estate is also an
active supporter of the North Atlantic Salmon Fund and the Foyle
Association of Salmon and Trout Anglers (FASTA), and the ACA.
Please note that in line with general practice, we cannot give
refunds for fishing spoilt by inclement weather or poor water conditions.
Should fishing not be possible on the River Mourne arrangements
can be made with Glenmore Rivers, River Finn,
www.glenmore-rivers.com
 Further
Information
Please contact Abercorn Estates for any further information on
the fishery, availability of beats. Down load our brochure please
click
here
For Prices and Availability please enquire or check here.
Tel +44 (0) 28 8166 1683
email us
For Prices and Availability please enquire.
Please note the fishing is let as a packaged with the estate accommodation
is subjejct to availability. The maximum number of rods per beat
is 2, the estate has two beats to let at any one time.
Terms & Conditions of booking fishing
A deposit of 50% of the full rental is required before a booking
can be confirmed. This deposit is non-refundable unless we are able
to relet the fishing which we do not guarantee to be able to do.
Please take out adequate travel insurance to cover your holiday.
VAT is included in the quoted price.
The balance of the rental is due 30 days before arrival, unless
this is a late booking. Full Terms and Conditions please click
here.
Changeover day for the accommodation / weekly rentals is Friday.
Possession of the apartment is from 16.00hrs on the day of arrival
to 10.00hrs on the day of departure. Late arrivals must telephone
the Estate Office in advance +44 (0)28 8166 1683.
Trout & Salmon (Mourne feature)
Nippers and not Grippers by Michael Dawnay read
more
For Prices and Availability please enquire or check here.
Fly Fishing Guides and Instructors:
Russell M Whiteman, Guided Fly Fishing, www.guided-flyfishing.com
Jerry McAleer, Instructor, +44 (0) 7785958680
Tom Woods, APGAI, +44 (0) 28 8554 8659
Stevie Munn, APGAI, www.anglingclassics.co.uk
Professional Angling Guides and Instructors Network, www.pagin.net
Organisations:
Angling Trust, www.anglingtrust.net
Loughs Agency, www.loughs-agency.org
North Atlantic Salmon Fund, www.nasfworldwide.com
Other Fisheries:
Glenmore Estate, www.glenmore-rivers.com
River Bann, www.bannsystem.com
 The
development and construction of the access steps, stiles and pathways
at the fishery was made possible by the financial contribution
of the Loughs Agency as part of the Sustainable Development Fund
2008 programme.
www.loughs-agency.org
The construction of the fishing hut was made possible by the
financial contribution made by the EU Programme for Peace &
Reconciliation, Peace II, and the Department of Culture, Arts
& Leisure.
www.discovernorthernireland.com
Irish Salmon Fly Fishing Holiday
at Abercorn Estate in Northern Ireland
Co Tyrone, Northern Ireland
|
+44
(0) 28 8166 1683 
+44
(0) 28 8166 2059 
