Official tourism website for Northern Ireland

Fishing on Lough Macnean
County Fermanagh

You are here: Home > Things to Do > Outdoors, Nature & Wildlife > Water Activities > Fishing

Fishing

Right out here on the very north-west of Europe with the Atlantic Ocean to our west and the Irish Sea to our east, the natural conditions for fishing in Northern Ireland are arguably better than anywhere else on the planet: pristine lakes, clear streams and a variable coastline that offers easy access to rich fishing grounds.

All the more reason for you to pick up a rod while you’re here, cast a line and sample a little or a lot of some of the best game, sea and coarse fishing to be found anywhere. Not only will you get to enjoy a sport enjoyed by millions worldwide from childhood to old age, but fishing here will also take you into some of our most amazing and inspirational landscapes.

All geared up and ready to go

If you’re a newcomer you can have as much or as little back up as you wish because the region is also rich in professional casting instructors and guides, boatmen, fly fishing schools, angling clubs and tackle and bait shops. All of them are more than willing to offer local knowledge, tips and tricks, and also as much or as little gear as you need.

Game on – salmon, sea trout, brown trout, dollaghan and gillaroo

Game angling in Northern Ireland’s rivers, streams and lakes is highly-prized and extremely rewarding for all levels of angler. You can be tricking small, free-rising brownies in the upland streams of the Sperrins and Mournes, and minutes later be connected to a hard-fighting sea-run Atlantic salmon in the River Foyle or River Mourne. Any local tackle shop will let you know about permits, day tickets, beats, ghillies, boat hire flies and methods – there are few secrets here (well, not for long).

A beautiful salmon and trout river just minutes away from the world famous Old Bushmills Distillery and Giant's Causeway sounds like a dream fishing trip. Well, at the River Bush it is. This County Antrim river is best known for its superb salmon fishing and hard-fighting trout, and with the right conditions you can land something really special. With impressive sights and lovely named pools along its 35-mile length, the River Bush is fishing heaven.

The Six Mile Water (it’s a lot longer than six miles!) in County Antrim is a wonderful river for pursuing a truly big wild trout. It’s one of just a handful of rivers in the world where anglers can catch dollaghan, the large brown trout-like species native only to Lough Neagh and its feeder rivers. Dollaghan migrate to and from lough, and many of these impressive fish surpass their sea-faring salmon cousins in size – a 20-pounder has been taken in the Six Mile Water. The river holds salmon and a good head of brown trout too, but have a go for the dollaghan, particularly at night.

Tucked away in a corner of County Fermanagh is Lough Melvin. These pristine waters have a worldwide reputation as no artificial stocking has ever taken place here, and that means the native trout have not changed since the Ice Age. These wild fish include four varieties of pure-bred, wily and energetic trout, and there’s a good run of salmon plus sea trout, char and perch. All are present in great numbers.

This is coarse fishing heaven

Aided by the fact that there is no closed season, Northern Ireland is an incredible coarse fishing destination synonymous with record hauls of fish. Modern pegs and fishing stands are widely available on many of the most frequented coarse fishing swims, and an array of quiet spots can be easily found. The top species include roach, bream, hybrids and tench, complemented by rudd, carp, dace and gudgeon. Specimen pike are plentiful, especially in Lough Erne.

Lough Erne and the fishing centre of Enniskillen is certainly the capital of Northern Ireland’s coarse angling community, activity and festivals. The rich, inter-connected lakes of Lough Erne and its rivers and canals make for an astounding array of fishing venues from which to target the dominant shoals of roach, bream, rudd, hybrids and tench. Each April, the Waterways Ireland Classic and the Mahons festival attract hundreds of coarse match anglers from around the globe to Enniskillen, while September’s World Pairs brings more anglers together right across County Fermanagh.

Not to be outdone, however, is the River Bann. This is Northern Ireland’s longest river, rising in the Mourne Mountains and flowing into and then out of Lough Neagh, the largest freshwater lake in the UK. In the Upper Bann, the stretch downstream of Portadown to the lough is regarded as one of the best coarse fisheries in Europe. Time it right here and massive bags of roach and bream are on the cards. On the Lower Bann, the stretch around Portglenone also contains a fantastic head of bream, roach, eels and hybrids with plenty of accessible and wheelchair-friendly stands installed along its length.

A coastal cast – sea fishing from all points north and east

In Northern Ireland, the sea angling comes with unrivalled scenery spotting. That’s because most of the best shore and sea marks here are along an unspoilt coastline that features breath-taking sights such as the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, The Gobbins, Dunluce Castle, Rathlin Island, Strangford Lough and the Mourne Mountains.

All along the coast here there is beach and rock fishing for a wide variety of species using spinning, lure and float tactics. Pollock and wrasse are easily caught within a rod length or two, while mackerel begin to dominate the catches as Summer gets into gear. Beach casting, especially at dusk, yields cod, flounder, coalfish, turbot, spurdogs and even tope; while boat-fishing on in-shore waters will throw up almost any fish on your bucket list: tope, conger, ling, plaice, haddock and more. If you can take your eyes of the jaw-dropping scenery, there’s every chance of hooking and landing a specimen or trophy fish here – even on your first trip out!

Many harbours offer sea fishing charters and boat hire and it pays well to ask in harbour bars and local tackle shops for advice on baits, marks and boats.

Licenses and permits

We look after our wildlife as carefully here as we do our visitors, and we invest in both. That’s why fishing Northern Ireland’s public freshwaters for game or coarse fish means by law you will always need a rod licence issued in Northern Ireland. It’s straightforward to get one online and at local tackle shops and various distributors. Game anglers must also observe bag and size limits and adhere to a fish tagging scheme.

You’ll find that many coarse venues have easy access, but if in doubt check with the landowner, local tackle shop or Visitor Information Centre. Almost all game fisheries are privately controlled and you will need a permit or day ticket to fish them. Again, tackle shops are the best place to ask, and usually get permits.

For more information on licences and permits click here.

Plan your trip

Stay
What's On
Things to Do
Food & Drink
Shopping

Things to Do Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

What's On Search

Dates

Start Date:

End Date:

Any date in the future

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Food & Drink Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Shopping Search

Type:

Area:

Or type a Location:

Keyword:

Number of results: 47

, currently showing 1 to 20.

Sort By A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Angling @ North Woodburn Reservoir (Carrick Dams)

Carrickfergus

Address

Woodburn Road, Carrickfergus, County Antrim, BT38 9QL

Type

Type:

Coarse Fishing

Anglers must use the official entrances and on no account trespass on adjoining lands or park their cars in such a way as to obstruct roadways or gate entrances. These are very popular lakes and are stocked regularly with up to 30000 takeable sized…

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Gary Bell Fly Fishing

Lisburn

Address

5 Knockagh Road, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT28 1UR

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9209 0878

gary@gbflyfish.com

Type

Type:

Coarse Fishing

Gary Bell from county Antrim is a professional casting instructor and guide with over 30 years of fly fishing and fly tying experience.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Crewe Angling Club

Strabane

Address

131 melmount Rd, Sion Mills, Strabane, County Tyrone, BT82 9PY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8165 9501

info@nmtackle.com

Type

Type:

Game Fishing

We specialise in products for salmon and trout angling. We stock many old favorites but keep up to date with the latest tackle and trends. Our range of salmon flies are regarded by many as the best in Ireland.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Trout Tours NI

Larne

Address

23 Cumbrae Heights, Ballycraigy, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 2HQ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7974 854 219

info@trouttoursni.com

Type

Type:

Coarse Fishing

Trout Tours NI are based in the seaport and market town of Larne, County Antrim. We have a passion for trout fishing and aim to provide the best fishing tours available in Northern Ireland.

More Info
Causeway Fisher Fishing Trips

Carnlough

Address

c/o Carnlough Harbour, Harbour Road, Causeway Coastal Route, Carnlough, County Antrim, BT44 0EU

Telephone
+44 (0) 7956 586 432

billy@boats4u.com

Type

Type:

Sea Fishing

Hop aboard the Causeway Fisher and enjoy a 3 hour fishing trip out of Carnlough or Glenarm (subject to tidal and weather conditions) and enjoy spectacular views of the Causeway Coast.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Banbridge Angling Club - Corbet Lough

Banbridge

Address

Corbet Lough, Aughnacloy Road, Banbridge, County Down, BT32 3RU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4062 5039

info@banbridgeanglingclub.com

Type

Type:

Game Fishing

Corbet Lough, under the management of Banbridge Angling Club, is a 70 acre premier trout angling fishery set in the scenic Co Down countryside aganist the backdrop of the famous Mourne Mountains. It has much to offer local anglers and tourists alike.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Tripadvisor Traveller Rating
9 reviews
Hillsborough Forest

Royal Hillsborough

Address

22 Large Park, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, BT26 6AL

margaret.mcavoy@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Forest Parks

A popular choice among bird-watchers, dog walkers, photographers and nature-lovers, the forest covers an area of almost 200 acres and has way-marked routes providing a variety of different walks to suit everyone.

More Info
Facilities

Provider Preferences
- Dogs Welcome Inside
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- Car parking
Binevenagh Lake

Limavady

Address

Binevenagh Lake, Limavady, Londonderry, BT49 0QY

Telephone
+44 (0) 200 300 7860

dcalangling@dcalni.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Game Fishing

This artificial lake commands a cliff-top situation set in a forest area overlooking the picturesque Benone Strand. The fishery can be very exposed in inclement weather and anglers should be appropriately dressed.

More Info
Game Fishing On The Foyle System

Derry~Londonderry

Address

Loughs Agency, 22 Victoria Road, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT47 2AB

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 7134 2100

lionel.knobbs@loughs-agency.org

Type

Type:

Coarse Fishing

The Foyle and its tributaries span counties Donegal, Derry and Tyrone, rich with salmon, grilse and sea trout. Game, coarse and sea fishing opportunities exist through local angling clubs and through other private/government interests.

More Info
Spruce Meadows Activity Farm

Lisburn

Address

112 Ravarnet Road, Lisburn, County Antrim, BT27 5NF

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9267 8392

info@spruce-meadows.co.uk

Type

Type:

Motor Sports and Karting

Spruce Meadows Activity Farm has a coffee shop on site and activities to suit everyone - quad biking, pitch n putt golf, fishing, archery, off road jeep rides, football golf, tennis, trailer rides, barrel train rides, reptile handling and much more

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Crom Estate Boat Hire

Newtownbutler

Address

Crom Estate, Newtownbutler, County Fermanagh, BT92 8AP

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 6773 8118

crom@nationaltrust.org.uk

Type

Type:

Canoeing & Kayaking

Petrol engine boat hire, rowing boat hire, Canadian canoe hire.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Angling in the Banbridge District

Banbridge

Address

Various, Banbridge, County Down, BT32 3RU

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4062 3322

tic@banbridge.gov.uk

Type

Type:

Coarse Fishing

The Banbridge District is a paradise for the keen game angler, the main areas being at Corbet Lough, Lough Brickland Lake and Upper River Bann. There are also about 10 other small lakes in the area, all of which are open for coarse fishing.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Bangor Marina

Bangor

Address

Bregenz House, 5 Quay Street, Bangor, County Down, BT20 5ED

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 9145 3297

bangor@boatfolk.co.uk

Type

Type:

Adventure Sports

Bangor Marina is located right in the heart of Bangor city centre close to all major road, rail and air transport networks. The Marina lies at the mouth of Belfast Lough offering exceptional access to world class yacht racing waters.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Temple Springs Fishery

Garvagh

Address

11 Temple Road, Garvagh, County Londonderry, BT51 5BH

Telephone
+44 (0) 7830 345286

info@templesprings.co.uk

Type

Type:

Game Fishing

Temple Springs is a facility located in the Sperrin Mountain range just outside Garvagh that can be hired by groups of up to 20 anglers. All tackle and bait will be supplied. An induction can be given if required.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Bag a MacNabb Challenge

Strabane

Address

Finn Valley Cottages, 2 Somerville Road, Strabane, County Tyrone, BT82 9QZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 7720 452 161

finnvalleycottages@gmail.com

Type

Type:

Tailor-made Tours

The aim of the experience is to harvest a stag, shoot a brace of birds and catch a salmon or pike on the fly with accommodation in the luxurious Finn Valley cottages. A truly authentic experience, steeped in tradition, attractions and activities.

More Info
Lowry's Lake

Armagh

Address

50, Ballnahonemore Road, Armagh, County Armagh, BT60 1HY

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 3751 1738

afl@talktalk.net

Type

Type:

Game Fishing

Lowry's Lake is a favourite with members and visitors. The lake is stocked regularly and due to location fished hard. The trout become educated and a thoughtful approach is required for success. Hotspots are Kildarton Shore and The Ramper area.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Duncrun Fishing Lakes

Limavady

Address

76 Duncrun Road, Limavady, County Londonderry, BT49 0JD

Telephone
+44 (0) 7835 604874

info@duncrunfishinglakes.com

Type

Type:

Coarse Fishing

Duncrun fishing lakes at Magilligan, the hidden gem on the north coast of Ireland; offering beautiful fresh water lakes for trout bait and fly fishing.

More Info
Facilities

Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Far and Wild

Derry~Londonderry

Address

St Columb's Park House, 4 Limvady Road, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, BT47 6JY

Telephone
+44 077 7591 1198

hello@farandwild.co.uk

Type

Type:

Outdoor Activity/Pursuit Centre

Far and Wild is the leading eco-adventure company in the North West of Ireland, bringing you activities including Moonlight Kayaking, Coasteering, and Stand Up Paddle Board tours.

More Info
Coarse Angling Lough Catherine

Newtownstewart

Address

Barons Court Road, Newtownstewart, County Tyrone, BT78 4EZ

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 8166 1683

avril@abercorn-estate.com

Type

Type:

Coarse Fishing

Coarse fishing year round in the Sperrin waters, offering the angler a great choice including bream, roach, perch, eels and pike.

More Info
Kilkeel Harbour

Kilkeel

Address

The Nautilus Centre, Rooney Road, Kilkeel, Down, BT34 4AG

Telephone
+44 (0) 28 4176 2525

kdakilkeel@hotmail.com

Type

Type:

Sea Fishing

Kilkeel Harbour was developed in the 1800s and is now home to Northern Irelands largest fishing fleet. In the ealy days schooners exported granite, potatoes and grain and imported coal, bricks etc.
It is also home to `Salt n Pepper' the resident…

More Info