The Mourne is the principal salmon river of the Foyle system, rising in the Sperrin Mountains and flowing through Strabane to join the Foyle at Lifford. A classic medium-sized spate river with long glides, deep pools, and productive tail-outs. Salmon run from April with the main grilse run June–August. The river fishes best on a falling flood — Sperrin rain takes 6–10 hours to show. Managed by Loughs Agency with day permits available. The Mourne offers some of the most accessible and affordable salmon fishing in the British Isles. Sea trout run from May. Brown trout are plentiful throughout. Atlantic salmon are managed under DAERA and Loughs Agency conservation byelaws, with mandatory catch-and-release on many waters; check current rules before fishing.
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