| Camowen River | |
| Name Etymology: | Irish for "crooked river" |
| Length: | 45km (28miles) |
| Subdivision Type1: | Country |
| Subdivision Type2: | City |
| Basin Size: | 276.6km2 |
| Discharge1 Avg: | 6.78m3/s |
The Camowen River (Irish: An Chamabhainn[1]) is a river in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, a tributary of the River Foyle.[2] [3]
The Camowen River rises south of Pomeroy and flows westward, being bridged by the B46 in Tiroony and meeting a tributary south of Carrickmore. It meets another tributary near Bracky, then flows southwestwards under the B158. It turns northwards into Omagh, passing behind Tyrone County Hospital and meeting the River Drumragh at the centre of the town. From this point on it is called the River Strule.
The Camowen River is a salmon fishery.[4] [5] Populations of other non-salmonid fish species are found within the Strule catchment area. The presence and abundance of fish species can serve as a good ecological indicator demonstrating the ability of the aquatic habitat to support the diversity of local species. Populations of European Eel, Stickleback, River/Brook and possibly Sea Lamprey form an important part of the local fisheries biodiversity of the Kamoven catchment. Maintaining high water quality standards and a suitable habitat for these species is essential for the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem.[6]