Abercorn Estates - Salmon Fishing |
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.
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
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
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.comRiver 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.
The construction of this 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
