Just 3 more days to the start of the 2017 salmon fishing season. For the first time in many years conditions look quite favourable. The water level is at 0.6 metres, the lowest level in the run up to opening day in many years. Water temperature is at 7.5 Celcius and the weather forecast for opening day itself is for a dry day with temperatures of 4 to 5 degrees in north winds. Heavy rain is forecast for New Years Eve in mild westerly winds, before turning drier and colder for the first days of the new year.

As has been the case for the past number of years a GoPro Hero Sessions camera will be presented to the first angler to catch and release a fresh, wild, spring salmon from the river in 2017. To qualify the released fish must be photographed/videoed and/or witnessed to be eligible.

The tackle shop will at Lareen will be open daily from 9am from tomorrow Thursday and from 6am on New Years morning. Anglers intending to purchase a Foyle extension licence are advised they must have a valid Foyle licence number in order to purchase the extension.

Prices of both salmon licences and fishing permits are unchanged from last year. A one day salmon licence is €20 and a day permit is €25.

Fishing starts as usual at 8.30am on January 1st.

High tide on opening day is 4 metres at 7.29am.