River Mourne

The River Mourne begins a couple of miles North West of the town of Newtownstewart, 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 Foyle at Strabane; a total of about 8 miles. The river Mourne offers some of the best salmon fishing in Ireland with a considerable run of salmon every year. The average size of salmon is around 2/3kg during the main run from mid June to the end of the season. Salmon up to 10kg are caught regularly. There is a spring run of fish from April to the end of May. It is at the limit of the tidal stretch and if it is to be fished properly requires a double handed rod, chest waders and a wading staff. Wading can be dangerous. Shrimp flies are popular (local patterns exist) and it is good spinning and worming water in suitable conditions.