McSwiggans Fishing Regulations
When booking fishing please be aware of the fishery rules. There are legal requirements, conservation codes, and specific rules for fishing and conditions that all need to be taken into account. The fishing is let on a daily basis with a maximum of 4 rods available each day.
1. To help prevent an outbreak of Gyrodactylus Salaris which has had catastrophic effects on some foreign rivers, all rods fishing must complete a Gyrodactylus declaration on arrival at the fishery. This states that either guests have not used fishing tackle abroad in the last three months, or have done so and had it properly sterilised, or have done so and NOT had it sterilised. In the latter case, guests must agree to sterilisation taking place before fishing, and accept that there may be some delay in getting this organised.
2. The season is from 1st April, and normally ends on 20th October, please note that fishing is allowed on Sundays in Northern Ireland. The Loughs Agency have the legal right and power to close the fishery in high and low water conditions subject to their sustainable management plans, as well as ending fishing prior to the 20th October.
3. Fly fishing only. No prawns, worms, shrimps, spinning or gaffs can be used at any time.
4. Only one person may fish a rod on any one day. Sharing of rods is not allowed.
5. Starting and finishing times 09:00-13:00, and 14:00 to 18:00.
6. Anyone fishing on the Rivers Mourne, Derg and Strule must be in possession of a current Loughs Agency licence. Licences can be obtained online by following this link..
8. The Loughs Agency bag limit can be found on their web. In the interests of conservation, please consider not taking more than one fish per day, and also consider returning to the river any gravid fish caught, especially females, from September onwards. The fishery strongly supports catch and release, and would request that guests handle all fish caught as carefully as possible.
9. Arrangements with the ghillie are made through the fishery office. Tipping the ghillie is at the discretion of the guest but it is generally accepted that a tip of £30 per day per rod.
10. Details of all fish taken are to be recorded in catch record books in the fishing hut.
11. Please ring the Estate Office, at least TWO days before arrival, to arrange a place and time to meet the ghillie.
Safety
We give here some general advice which may be helpful. It is not meant to be exhaustive and cannot cover every situation. So please do not rely on it, form a cautious policy of what is sensible and safe and then stick to it!
Pay attention when wading. Wherever possible, seek local advice before wading Wear a life jacket. It should be worn over all other clothing at all times. Ensure that waders are in good condition and the soles are suitable for the type of river bed. Use a wading staff. Be constantly alert for changing water conditions. Do not wade in a spate. Take plenty of time. Move deliberately and maintain a constant watch for changes in depth, boulders, loose gravel, underwater obstructions and shelving rocks. If guests do fall in to deep water, try to stay calm. Float on the back with feet pointing downstream and use hands to paddle into shallow water. If possible crawl back to the bank before attempting to empty waders. We strongly advise to wear a buoyancy device / life jacket when using a boat or when wading in strong or deep water. If guests don't, they are doing so at their own risk. Avoid slips and falls.
Be especially careful on steep banks and where undergrowth obscures the ground. Look out for overhanging and unstable banks, deep mud, holes, slippery rocks and boulders. Always wear a life jacket when fishing from the bank. Wear appropriate footwear. Remember, felt-soled waders can be extremely dangerous on wet grass or on muddy banks. Use a wading staff for support. Don't get hooked. Always protect eyes by wearing safety glasses or wrap-around sunglasses. Wear suitable headgear to protect the ears and to provide further protection for the eyes. When casting, pay attention to and make allowances for wind direction and strength. Be conscious of the other river users; check behind and around to ensure that the backcast is clear before making each cast.
When fishing alone, leave details with a responsible person of destination and return time. On a change of plans, make sure that the responsible person is advised.
Electricity Kills - Contact or near contract with overhead cables must be avoided. Look out and up for overhead cables for assembling a rod and before fishing begins. Carry rods parallel to the ground, never upright or over a shoulder. Watch the weather. Wear warm and waterproof clothing in cold weather. Reflection from water intensifies the effects of the sun. Use sun protection and cover up in strong sunlight. Don't fish during a thunderstorm. Lay the rod down and don't attempt to pick it up until the storm has passed. Always follow the ghillie's advice. Be aware of the prevailing conditions, seek local advice and if in doubt, don't go out.
Beware of the bull - pay attention to signs warning of possible dangers and, where possible, avoid crossing fields containing livestock.
Leave any dogs at home.
