River Mourne 2 & 9 July 2023 - v1 Short
The River Mourne begins a couple of miles North West of the town of Newtonstewart, at the confluence with the River Derg. Upstream of here it becomes the River Strule, which is one of many tributaries of the Mourne. From its confluence with the Derg, the Mourne flows in a North Westerly direction, past Douglas Bridge, Victoria Bridge and Sion Mills on its way to join the River Foyle and its confluence with the River Finn outside Strabane at Lifford on its border with Donegal; a total of about 8 miles.
The Mourne is a large, fast flowing river, which is more than 20 metres wide for almost all of its entire length. Over recent years it has developed a reputation as being right up there with the Finn, the Moy, the Lower Bann and the Munster Blackwater, as one of Ireland’s top Salmon fisheries. That’s hard to argue with as it’s estimated that upwards on 15,000 enter the Mourne each year.
Higgins Streams
The name has slightly changed over the years, it was known as 'Haggin's Streams', named after a fisherman who lived near this stretch, some call it, Higgin's Streams.
This is the place to be if you want a fresh spring salmon. Fly fishing conditions are good here throughout the fishing year. Grilse and late running fish are also good sport here. Some parts of the stream are difficult to wade with large boulders and rocks underfoot, so a wading staff is highly recommended.
Little Davy
This pool is located just below the tail of the Black Stone, just adjacent to Ballyfatton Burn where it enters the river, it’s a small pool within numerous large rocks, it can be very difficult to fish in lower water as your fly line can get hung-up on the projecting rocks. The fishing is pretty limited as the pool is very short in length and restricted in width with the rocks. However, it holds the occasional salmon and is always worth a few throws.
The Bullard’s
This stream is located just below the tail of Little Davy and just downstream of Ballyfatten Burn, it’s a series of small stream with numerous rocks, the wading is quite good and it leads into Higgins Streams. Salmon don’t normally hold here so your best chance is when is when the salmon are running.
Greg’s Point
Similar to the Back Stone, this pinnacle of rock projects into the river from the East bank and is located just down-stream from the Black Stone. Water speed can be a bit to slow if fly fishing especially in low water conditions. A good throw with worms or a lure.
The Black Stone
The Black Stone is known and recognized as a large black rock, in the middle of the pool.
Predominantly fished from the high West bank the pool has a steep tree lined East bank which has limited fishing access.
The pool is located about one mile downstream of the village of Sion Mills and is a good spot for producing salmon throughout the season. Again, fly fishing is better at the head of the pool and spinning at the lower deeper section which holds fish.
The Lords Pool
This is the stretch of river allegedly where the 22-year-old 'Lord Strabane' (James Hamilton, 3rd Baron Hamilton of Strabane) died on 16th June 1655 being drown bathing in the River Mourne at Ballyfatten, near Strabane.
The Lords Hole is a prized fly-fishing pool, for both salmon and sea trout. It is best fished at the start of the season when fish are running or when water levels are low.
The Wood Hole
Known for its deep waters in a wooded area. The Wood Hole holds a lot of salmon and has produced one of our largest fish ever recorded, which weighed in at 26 1/2lbs. It was caught on a ‘Toby’ spinner at the head of the pool. It's good for fly fishing; however, the lower end of the pool yields better to spinning. This pool fishes well all season long. It can only be fished from the west bank; the east bank belongs to another club.
Rogan’s Hole
This is a good fly-fishing spot for salmon. Over the years a substantial number of fish have been battled in this stretch, which runs all the way down to the back of the old mill. The use of the humble worm has proved profitable here also.
Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) was introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant in the 19th century, and has also spread to other areas in Western Europe.
It’s abundant along the banks of the River Mourne and I suspect it’s increasing in quantity each year.
The sap of giant hogweed is phototoxic and causes phytophotodermatitis in humans, resulting in blisters and scars. Consequently, it is considered to be a noxious weed in many regions. Avoid all contact with the plant, do not attempt to cut it down or touch it.
River Mourne 2 & 9 July 2023 - v1 Short
The River Mourne begins a couple of miles North West of the town of Newtonstewart, at the confluence with the River Derg. Upstream of here it becomes the River Strule, which is one of many tributaries of the Mourne. From its confluence with the Derg, the Mourne flows in a North Westerly direction, past Douglas Bridge, Victoria Bridge and Sion Mills on its way to join the River Foyle and its confluence with the River Finn outside Strabane at Lifford on its border with Donegal; a total of about 8 miles.
The Mourne is a large, fast flowing river, which is more than 20 metres wide for almost all of its entire length. Over recent years it has developed a reputation as being right up there with the Finn, the Moy, the Lower Bann and the Munster Blackwater, as one of Ireland’s top Salmon fisheries. That’s hard to argue with as it’s estimated that upwards on 15,000 enter the Mourne each year.
Higgins Streams
The name has slightly changed over the years, it was known as 'Haggin's Streams', named after a fisherman who lived near this stretch, some call it, Higgin's Streams.
This is the place to be if you want a fresh spring salmon. Fly fishing conditions are good here throughout the fishing year. Grilse and late running fish are also good sport here. Some parts of the stream are difficult to wade with large boulders and rocks underfoot, so a wading staff is highly recommended.
Little Davy
This pool is located just below the tail of the Black Stone, just adjacent to Ballyfatton Burn where it enters the river, it’s a small pool within numerous large rocks, it can be very difficult to fish in lower water as your fly line can get hung-up on the projecting rocks. The fishing is pretty limited as the pool is very short in length and restricted in width with the rocks. However, it holds the occasional salmon and is always worth a few throws.
The Bullard’s
This stream is located just below the tail of Little Davy and just downstream of Ballyfatten Burn, it’s a series of small stream with numerous rocks, the wading is quite good and it leads into Higgins Streams. Salmon don’t normally hold here so your best chance is when is when the salmon are running.
Greg’s Point
Similar to the Back Stone, this pinnacle of rock projects into the river from the East bank and is located just down-stream from the Black Stone. Water speed can be a bit to slow if fly fishing especially in low water conditions. A good throw with worms or a lure.
The Black Stone
The Black Stone is known and recognized as a large black rock, in the middle of the pool.
Predominantly fished from the high West bank the pool has a steep tree lined East bank which has limited fishing access.
The pool is located about one mile downstream of the village of Sion Mills and is a good spot for producing salmon throughout the season. Again, fly fishing is better at the head of the pool and spinning at the lower deeper section which holds fish.
The Lords Pool
This is the stretch of river allegedly where the 22-year-old 'Lord Strabane' (James Hamilton, 3rd Baron Hamilton of Strabane) died on 16th June 1655 being drown bathing in the River Mourne at Ballyfatten, near Strabane.
The Lords Hole is a prized fly-fishing pool, for both salmon and sea trout. It is best fished at the start of the season when fish are running or when water levels are low.
The Wood Hole
Known for its deep waters in a wooded area. The Wood Hole holds a lot of salmon and has produced one of our largest fish ever recorded, which weighed in at 26 1/2lbs. It was caught on a ‘Toby’ spinner at the head of the pool. It's good for fly fishing; however, the lower end of the pool yields better to spinning. This pool fishes well all season long. It can only be fished from the west bank; the east bank belongs to another club.
Rogan’s Hole
This is a good fly-fishing spot for salmon. Over the years a substantial number of fish have been battled in this stretch, which runs all the way down to the back of the old mill. The use of the humble worm has proved profitable here also.
Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) was introduced to the UK as an ornamental plant in the 19th century, and has also spread to other areas in Western Europe.
It’s abundant along the banks of the River Mourne and I suspect it’s increasing in quantity each year.
The sap of giant hogweed is phototoxic and causes phytophotodermatitis in humans, resulting in blisters and scars. Consequently, it is considered to be a noxious weed in many regions. Avoid all contact with the plant, do not attempt to cut it down or touch it.