Mourne/Derg Report week ending 20 August 2011
Posted by admin on August 22nd, 2011 - Comments Off on Mourne/Derg Report week ending 20 August 2011
Conditions Both the Mourne and Derg were in excellent condition over the past week. Heavy rain last Sunday to Monday brought both rivers into a decent but peat-stained flood which cleaned slowly and held up well for most of the week. Fish were reported running hard in both rivers from Monday to Wednesday. By Saturday, both rivers were getting on the low side but fish were evident in all the main beats.
Mourne Off the back of the flood and despite the poaching in the Foyle, fresh fish entered the river off the tides. The majority of the fresh fish were grilse from 3–5lb. On Monday in heavily peat-stained water there were about 10–12 hooked in the Gravenue at Sion and between Monday and Tuesday, J Connors hooked ten and landed five. Tuesday saw the river rise again putting the river out until Wednesday. From Wednesday through to the end of the week there were many fish landed from all areas of the Mourne. The river, being in first class condition and dropping slowly, gave everyone the opportunity to wet a line and get some action. J Hutton had five hooked two landed, Nigel Gough hooked and landed four, Trevor Kilpatrick had a fish of 11lb as did Thomas Taylor. It was good to note that all beats from Strabane to the Snaa were encountering fresh fish. It was also noted that these small fish were running hard and not lingering around for long. As I write the river is getting low but there are fish in all beats; anyone visiting should consider bringing small flies and light tackle.
Derg The Derg had good water off the flood and subsequently the upper river beats saw some good action. Fish were seen running hard through Ardstraw on Monday to Tuesday, mostly fish that had been hanging around the Mourne for a few weeks but an odd fresh one as well. Anglers above Castlederg landed a fair few fish but none more than A Patton who had seven on Friday, keeping one and returning the rest. Well done, Andy! The river is now down to summer level which will suit the shrimpers who frequent the upper river this time every year.
Outlook Rain forecast for Wednesday to Thursday should keep things challenging for anglers. Colder nights, signalling a hint of autumn, can bring the best out of the Mourne. Fingers crossed!
Mark Gough, NM Tackle, Sion Mills
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