Game angling on the Owenkillew, Co Tyrone

Season: 1st April – 20th October

The Owenkillew rises in the centre of the Sperrin Mountains and makes its way westwards to the River Strule near the town of Newtonstewart through mountain, rough pasture and then broad holms (or flood plains) in its lower reaches. This spate river is noted for its run of sea trout, good grilse and salmon from mid-July. The medium width (5-20 metres wide) Owenkillew also holds good brown trout. A 12 foot rod will be ideal for salmon in spate conditions with a 9-10 foot rod for trout in spate conditions. Chest waders are recommended as the river has some deep pools and pots and has quite a rocky bed in it’s upper stretches where a wading stick will be essential.

Species: Salmon, Sea Trout, Brown Trout

Best Times:
July – October (salmon – lower stretches)
Mid August – October (salmon – above meetings)
Mid June – October (Sea Trout)
April – October (Brown Trout)

Methods:
-Fly
-Spinning
-Worm

Best Salmon Flies:
-Gold Shrimp
-Cascade
-Bann Special
-Apache
-Wye Bug
-Silver Wilkinson

Best Trout Flies:
-Black Pennell
-Butcher
-Bloody Butcher
-Watsons Fancy
-Peter Ross
-Teal, Blue & Silver