Mourne/Derg report, week ending Sunday 25 September 2011
Posted by admin on October 3rd, 2011 - Comments Off on Mourne/Derg report, week ending Sunday 25 September 2011
Conditions Since my last report two weeks ago ruminants of hurricane Katrina hit our shores with a vengeance over the weekend of the 11/12 September: this ensured a large flood came down the both Mourne and Derg which lasted several days. Over the next weekend 17/18th more heavy rain fell sending more flood water down both rivers. The floods were accompanied by south-westerly storm-force winds making fishing nigh impossible. As they gave way high and clean water was the order of the day and anglers were able to make the best of the available angling time.
Mourne Katrina washed the Mourne out until Thursday 15th when the high water throws began to fish, The Gravenue, Blackstone, Bigh and anywhere above Victoria Bridge all saw fish on the move. Unfortunately, daily spells of rain meant conditions remained challenging for anglers with water levels continually on the move. Spinners came off best but a few hardy souls persevered with fly and most got some reward. Another heavy downpour over the 17/18th weekend brought the next flood which put a lot of beats out of order until mid-week when again it was the usual high water throws that came off best. The river dropped and began to produce fish again from Wednesday on and on Friday 23 a decent run of back-end fish came pouring off the tide. Many good quality fish in double figures were seen but anglers had to make do with just the odd fish as most were pre-occupied with moving on. Saturday and Sunday brought more of the same with a good sustained run continuing on both days. A good number of fish were landed on all beats although “bad takers” was a common comment. I spoke to anglers below Sion Mills and above Victoria Bridge and all had seen plenty of fish on the move. With good weather in the coming week things are looking up.
Derg The Derg followed a similar pattern to the Mourne over the past fortnight and, as with most spate rivers, cleaned quickly and fished on most days. Even in the biggest flood anglers were able to fish high up the system to locate sport. Unfortunately by now most Derg fish are well past their sell-by date and due care should be exercised at all times when playing and handling fish in poor condition. Please return all gravid fish safely to the river to help return this river to its former glory.
Outlook There are plenty of fish through the system to provide good sport for all and it appears by the present run there may well be a sustained back-end run right to closing day. The forecast for the coming week is mild and warm with no significant rainfall. Both rivers are in excellent condition and producing fish in all beats up to Newtownstewart. Please use common sense when playing, handling and returning fish to the water. Careful consideration should be given to the taking of any hen fish from now to the season’s close.
Good Luck and Tight Lines!
Mark, NM Tackle, Sion Mills
Web: www.nmtackle.com
Email:[email protected]
Tel: 0044 (0)28 8165 9501