Angling Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a licence to fish at sea?

You only require a licence when sea fishing for salmon or sea trout, or when you are fishing in an area that salmon or sea trout pass through when they are moving from one area to another.

When was the last time waters (or a particular water or waters) within the Public Angling Estate were stocked?

See the latest stocking figures.

• Fish stocking archive from January to June 2011

How do you apply for a replacement licence/permit?

This is free if you have a concessionary or juvenile licence or permit. Otherwise the cost is £2.00.

You can apply on-line or write to the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL).

Angling NI
Causeway Exchange
1-7 Bedford Street
Belfast BT1 7FB

You will need to provide the following:

• name
• address
• where the licence/permit was purchased
• an approximate date of purchase
• if you have it - the licence/permit number or purchase online

• Buy angling licences and permits and River Bush Day Tickets (do it online section)

The page at the link immediately above is within the 'Leisure, home and community' do it online section.

How can you check availability for bookings on the River Bush?

You can search for available rods on the River Bush.

• DCAL online facility for checking for available stretches of the River Bush

Does a Great Britain (English, Scottish, Welsh) or the Republic of Ireland licence cover you in Northern Ireland?

No. You will require a separate licence to fish in Northern Ireland.

What is the difference between game and coarse fishing/fish?

Game fish are:

• salmon
• brown trout
• rainbow trout
• sea trout
• dollaghan

Coarse fish are:

• pike
• perch
• bream
• roach
• hybrids
• tench
• gudgeon
• rudd

What is the difference between a rod licence and a permit?

A rod licence is required by law for each rod used by anyone over 12 years in the area covered by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and for all ages in the area covered by the Loughs Agency.

A permit or day ticket is a document issued by the fishery owner (the person who holds the fishing rights) which allows the angler the right to fish in that fishery. Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure permits give permission to fish on the Public Angling Estate.

Which waters are included in the Public Angling Estate?

A full list of waters in DCAL's Public Angling Estate, categorised by county, can be found at the following link.

• Where can I fish in Northern Ireland?

You can find out which waters are outside the Public Angling Estate at the following page:

• Other fisheries outside the Public Angling Estate