Baronscourt Estate Fishing

“Through hills at the foot of Bessy Bell… we come to Baronscourt, Lord Abercorn’s magnificent seat….the great number of fine oaks and three long narrow lakes which ornament this place give it an air of great grandeur.”
Daniel Beaufort (1739-1821)

Situated in a sheltered valley in the foothills of the Sperrin mountains in Ireland’s County Tyrone, you come across an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Baronscourt, the home of the Duke of Abercorn’s family since 1612, is among that handful of old family estates in the British Isles which combine great historical and architectural interest with a landscape of outstanding natural beauty.

This vibrant working farm, rural business, and estate spreads over the valley floor at Baronscourt and throughout its history each generation of the family has continued to ensure a programme of constant planting and landscaping of the park and gardens.

The management of the estate’s wild herd of Japanese Sika deer has been recognised with the Laurent Perrier Award for wild game conservation while the forestry enterprise, an integral part of the Estate, won the Royal Forestry Society's ‘Duke of Cornwall’s Award', 2003.

Enjoy the beautiful rolling countryside and spectacular walks around the Estate enhanced in spring and early summer by the magnificent displays of bluebells, rhododendrons and azaleas. The carefully tended woods frame wonderful vistas that together with the lakes create a truly enchanted location in which to relax away from the pressures of modern living.

The Foyle River System

The Foyle System comprises of approximately 900 miles of salmon, sea trout and brown trout water. It covers the North West region of the north of Ireland. It is also one of Ireland's most prolific grilse and summer salmon fisheries. The peak period is usually during June and July. If there is a mild and wet August good fishing can be had. September and October can also perform very well. Scientific estimations put the annual Foyle system salmon run at approximately 80,000 fish in 2007. The recent legislation banning drift net fishing around Ireland's coast is expected to lead to a significant increase in the numbers of fish returning to the rivers, especially in the North West.

The River Mourne

The River Mourne, flowing from the Derg Junction to Strabane, is part of the Foyle Fishery System. It is rated as one of the best salmon rivers in Europe. 2009 was an exceptional year with excellent sport right up to the end of season (October 20th). John Horsey, World Team Champion and silver medallist in the European fly fishing competition, enjoyed great sport with 4 salmon landed and released out of eight hooked in just 11 hours fishing. The biggest weight 15.5 pounds.

Suggested salmon flies:

Silver Wilkinson, Curreys Red Shrimp, Gold Shrimp,Wye Bug, Apache Shrimp, Alleys Shrimp, Bann Special. Cascade, Silver Rat, Willie Gunn, Yellow Dog, Blue Charm, Silver Stoat, Stoats Tail. Sizes vary throughout the season. An excellent contact for flies, lines etc.. David Campbell, Killymore Road, Newtownstewart, Tel 0288166 1543. Excellent tackle shops at Strabane and Sion Mills.

TOP FLY LINES ... see... www.carron.uk.com

SALMON  Fishing.. by John Horsey, England Fly Fishing Team Gold Medalist, European Individual Silver Medalist.

I had heard of the Mourne river system and hoped it would live up to it’s reputation.  I was not disappointed.  Not only were the salmon prolific, but the scenery and hospitality was superb.  As someone who is fortunate to travel extensively fishing for Country or on guided trips, I get to visit some stunning venues.  However, this part of Ireland is just a few hours by ferry away from home and offers peace and tranquillity, as well as thoroughly exciting fishing.

Tackle for the rivers is pretty straightforward.  A 14 foot double handed salmon rod rated for a 9 weight line is what I would recommend for the Rivers Mourne and Strule.  I used the Greys GRXi+ 14’ #9 and it easily handled casting across the rivers, plus handled salmon of up to 16lbs with ease.

It is possible to use shorter length rods for narrower parts of the river system or when the river is low. 

I would also recommend taking a 10’ trout rod such as the Greys Streamflex 10’ #5 for the superb brown trout, possible sea trout and even smaller grilse.

You will need reels with a good disc drag to handle the hard fighting salmon – my preferred reel is the Hardy Cascapedia.  Load this with a Hardy #9 Mach II Floating fly line and you are ready to go. 

Due to the rocks and boulders, a wading staff is a pre-requisite.  The wading is not dangerous, but the rocks are small and move, so it is a good idea to lean on the wading staff when wading the pools downstream.

Flies can differ throughout the season and depend largely on the height and flow of the river.  Take a selection of small tubes in case the river is pushing through.  As it drops, change to lighter flies tied on small trebles or doubles.  The Currys Red Shrimp is a favourite, as is the Willie Gunn and the Cascade.

For Non angling companions there are beautiful walks on the Estate, places of cultural and scenic interest, horse riding can be arranged and an excellent 18 hole golf course adjoins the Estate. This whole region is a place of great natural beauty and extremely welcoming.

Accommodation...

*4 star accommodation in the grounds of the Baronscourt Estate, near Newtownstewart in County Tyrone.

Friday to Friday 7 nights from.. £184 pp (car and 4) and from £322 pp ( car and 2).. Based on mid season, Stena Ferry travel self drive holidays. Salmon fishing ranges from £100 to £300 per beat per day - 2 rods with Estate Ghillie. Choice of short break holidays available Firday to Monday and Monday to Friday. 

Sample inclusive travel/accommodation and fishing package... prime time for salmon September and October.. from £635 pp, 4 nights accommodation self catering cottage, 3 days fishing on top beats with ghillie service, Stena Line sailings from Cairnryan and Holyhead. Based on 4 persons travelling. Low season from.. £415pp. Non fishing touring, walking and golf breaks from £135pp.

September 2011.

Syd Murkin enjoyed a superb 3 days salmon fishing at Baronscourt. After taking a 4 hour casting lesson, Syd arrived well prepared to a high river that dropped over a foot on the third day. Syd had five takes wit two salmon landed, the biggest around 7.5 pounds. Both were reasonably fresh fish and gave an excellent account of themselves on 8/9 weight tackle. The two ghillies, Robert and Ian, provided most helpful advice and the effective flies. Larger size two and four's in high water and smaller size 6 flies as the level dropped and clarity improved. The Wye Bug (on a double hook) was the most successful. However our friendly guides had a selection of favourites.

Destinations Within In Baronscourt Estate