Mourne/Derg Report, week ending Sunday 28 August 2011
Posted by admin on August 31st, 2011 - Comments Off on Mourne/Derg Report, week ending Sunday 28 August 2011
Conditions Both rivers suffered from a lack of water during the last week. A few heavy showers on Thursday night brought the Derg up about six inches and put the Mourne up about two inches.
Mourne Low water all week and no significant rain left the Mourne showing its bones. There are still enough grilse knocking around most pools and the odd fresh one coming off the tide to make a visit worthwhile. Odd fish were grassed this week, mostly grilse around Sion and Strabane. Don’t be expecting every fish to commit suicide at the site of your flies as by now they have seen every one in the book. Occasionally if you are lucky or persistent a take might come on and you could enjoy a bit of sport. In this condition Lifford Bridge will fish well as will the pools around Strabane. Early morning and evenings are probably the best times with light tackle a good option.
Derg Like the Mourne, the Derg suffered from a lack of water this week and with few anglers out catches suffered. There are reports of significant amounts of shrimping taking place at the head of the river which needs to be addressed if serious damage to stocks is to be avoided.
Outlook The weather is set to remain stable for the next week or so. If you can believe the long term forecast September will offer higher than normal rainfall. As a poor grilse season comes to an end we can only pray for a decent back end. Some early morning dew and slightly colder nights have already signalled the start of autumn. This period can often see the Mourne at its best, fingers crossed!