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. Last year, 2007, it is estimated that 15,000 entered into the Mourne, 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.

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.

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.