Liskey Streams (Liskey Wood), River Mourne 25 Feb 2024 DSC_1278-2
Liskey Streams are named after the townland in which it lies, Liskey, in the Civil Parish of Camus, Co. Tyrone.
Liskey Streams are a 1 mile (1.6km) stretch of the River Mourne which stretches from Victoria Bridge to the Douglas Burn which is the Sion Mills Angling Clubs (SMAC) upstream boundary. The streams are set in the ancient broadleaf woodland of Liskey Wood approx. 0.58 mile (0.9km) long of a tree lined bank, primarilarly of hazel and holly. Sections of clear access between the trees into the river is available.
Hazel is considered both a protector and a marker for sacred places and has a reputation as a magical tree. A hazel rod is supposed to protect against evil spirits, as well as being used as a wand and for water-divining. In some parts of England, hazelnuts were carried as charms and/or held to ward off rheumatism. In Ireland, hazel was known as the 'Tree of Knowledge’, and in medieval times it was a symbol of fertility.
This streatch is made up of various streams and pools, providing excellent fishing, some would describe it as a fly fisherman's paradise. However, be aware that wading in this particularly streath can be very challenging as the river bed has some deep channels and shelves some of which are very slippery with sudden drop-offs into deeper water. A wading stick is highly recommended.
A number of concrete groins that project into the river were installed during the 1970. These once provided the angler with a safe location to fish. However, over the years the foundations of these groins has been undermined resulting in fracturing of the concrete with pieces breaking off, so now it’s not as safe as it once was.
Note: You can fish the Eastern bank of Liskey Streams right up to the clubs upstream boundary, Douglas Burn. Beyond this point the fishing was under the control of the syndicate, Strabane Anglers. Fishing on the West bank as a member of Sion Mills Angling Club stops at the small unnamed burn upstream. Beyond this unnamed burn is under the control of the Barnscourt Estate (James Hamilton, 5th Duke of Abercorn).
Access to both banks is available via steps on either side of bridge at Victoria Bridge. Parking is available at the Arches Cafe & Take Away.
Alternative access to the Eastern bank is available on the B164 Fyfin Road. From the bridge at Victoria Bridge and traveling towards Douglas Bridge, approx 650m on the right-hand side of the road, adjacent the Myritie Road there's a path that leads to the river. I’d advise parking near the Arches Cafe & Take Away and walk to this access point.
Liskey Streams (Liskey Wood), River Mourne 25 Feb 2024 DSC_1278-2
Liskey Streams are named after the townland in which it lies, Liskey, in the Civil Parish of Camus, Co. Tyrone.
Liskey Streams are a 1 mile (1.6km) stretch of the River Mourne which stretches from Victoria Bridge to the Douglas Burn which is the Sion Mills Angling Clubs (SMAC) upstream boundary. The streams are set in the ancient broadleaf woodland of Liskey Wood approx. 0.58 mile (0.9km) long of a tree lined bank, primarilarly of hazel and holly. Sections of clear access between the trees into the river is available.
Hazel is considered both a protector and a marker for sacred places and has a reputation as a magical tree. A hazel rod is supposed to protect against evil spirits, as well as being used as a wand and for water-divining. In some parts of England, hazelnuts were carried as charms and/or held to ward off rheumatism. In Ireland, hazel was known as the 'Tree of Knowledge’, and in medieval times it was a symbol of fertility.
This streatch is made up of various streams and pools, providing excellent fishing, some would describe it as a fly fisherman's paradise. However, be aware that wading in this particularly streath can be very challenging as the river bed has some deep channels and shelves some of which are very slippery with sudden drop-offs into deeper water. A wading stick is highly recommended.
A number of concrete groins that project into the river were installed during the 1970. These once provided the angler with a safe location to fish. However, over the years the foundations of these groins has been undermined resulting in fracturing of the concrete with pieces breaking off, so now it’s not as safe as it once was.
Note: You can fish the Eastern bank of Liskey Streams right up to the clubs upstream boundary, Douglas Burn. Beyond this point the fishing was under the control of the syndicate, Strabane Anglers. Fishing on the West bank as a member of Sion Mills Angling Club stops at the small unnamed burn upstream. Beyond this unnamed burn is under the control of the Barnscourt Estate (James Hamilton, 5th Duke of Abercorn).
Access to both banks is available via steps on either side of bridge at Victoria Bridge. Parking is available at the Arches Cafe & Take Away.
Alternative access to the Eastern bank is available on the B164 Fyfin Road. From the bridge at Victoria Bridge and traveling towards Douglas Bridge, approx 650m on the right-hand side of the road, adjacent the Myritie Road there's a path that leads to the river. I’d advise parking near the Arches Cafe & Take Away and walk to this access point.