19/03/08 - Baronscourt Estate - A Scottish Style Estate in Northern Ireland.

In September last season I was fortunate to have been invited to fish the River Mourne in Northern Ireland with renowned Irish fishing guide Russell Whiteman. We were the guests of the Duke of Abercorn on his private water which flows through the very picturesque Baronscourt Estate.

We arrived at the famous Snaa pool late on the first evening with the intention of having a few casts before supper. There had been heavy rain in the days leading up to my visit and the river was high and slightly coloured. Russell, who knows the Mourne very well, assured me that this was not a problem, as the river Derg which joins the Mourne always runs clear and therefore pushes the dirty water to the far bank. He was totally correct and as a result we were able to fish although the water was still very high.

We decided to fish down the pool once and within three casts Russell was into a nice grilse. The fish ran into the fast water and unfortunately was lost. With dusk turning into night it was time to head back to the house for supper.

The following morning after a leisurely breakfast Russell and I headed back to the river. What a difference one night can make! The Mourne was flowing at what looked like a perfect height and the colour had disappeared entirely. Russell fished the first pool down and within fifteen minuets had hooked a fresh salmon. This time the salmon did not get the better of him and a fine 8lb grilse was landed. Whilst Russell was playing his fish further up the pool I had a mighty pull and just as suddenly the fish was gone.

Six casts later however, I had another pull and this time I managed to hook the fish and land it. This was turning into what should have been a red letter day with Russell hooking another feisty salmon, but unfortunately I had a flight to catch in two hours from Belfast Airport. Russell and I had to reluctantly leave this very productive river to return home.

The estate water, which is fly only and affectionately know locally as the Duke's water consists of four beats with a total of 20 named pools. The fishing extends to approximately two miles and is mainly double banked. In the main the river offers easy wading. Each beat accommodates two rods and the beats are rotated at lunchtime every day.

The Mourne is quite a large river and is best fished with a 15ft rod. Spey casting is an advantage but not a necessity.

The most renowned pool is the Snaa which is similar in appearance to the Junction on the River Tweed. The Snaa pool is where the rivers Derg and Mourne join and is productive in both high and low water. The other pools such as the Half Water, and Blackstone are every bit as good, each beat offering exciting sport.

Water levels are very rarely a problem on the Mourne. All of the beats have good high water and low water lies, as well as lots of little interesting pockets to explore between the main holding pools.

We believe that the River Mourne at Baronscourt Estate has the potential to become one of the finest salmon rivers in Ireland in the coming years and are delighted to offer a prime week next season as guests of the Duke and Duchess of Abercorn at Baronscourt House. This week is exclusive to Roxtons clients and is available for parties of a maximum of six rods with two non-fishing guests.

Russell Whiteman and his team of guides will be on hand during the week to give any help that might be required.

This is a unique opportunity not only to fish one of Ireland's best salmon rivers but to stay in one of its most beautiful country houses.

If you would like any more information about fishing at Baronscourt Estate please contact Tim Weston.