Temporary reservoir closures

A number of reservoirs throughout Northern Ireland are to have water levels lowered for essential maintenance. Fisheries will be closed throughout the duration of the maintenance. Anglers should note that these fisheries may be closed for up to a year with the exception of Middle South Woodburn which may be closed for up to two years.

Fish welfare

In the interest of fish welfare, there will be reduced stocking of these fisheries in the months before the water levels are lowered.

These fisheries will remain closed during the works until water levels are restored and it suitable to re-commence stocking. The Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure (DCAL) will aim to minimise stress to fish as water levels are lowered and the situation will be closely monitored during the period of lowered water levels.

Provisional planned closures

Anglers should be aware of the following closures before buying their DCAL Angling Permit.

Anglers should note that these are provisional dates for the start of works and these dates may change:

Middle South Woodburn - March 2012 (may be closed for up to two years)
Lower South Woodburn - April 2012
Copeland - August 2012
Lough Mourne - August 2012
Portavoe - November 2012
Upper South Woodburn - July 2013
North Woodburn - July 2013

Why are the reservoirs water levels being lowered?

Water levels are being lowered because NI Water is due to inspect the reservoirs to ensure they are safe and to reduce the risk of any uncontrolled drainage of water occurring.

Duration of works

The lowering of the water levels may take up to two months to lower before any works are carried out. The refurbishment works may take between four and six months to complete and depending on the weather conditions it may take up to a month to refill a reservoir up to its original level.

Reduced stocking

Stocking will be reduced in line with planned dates for works. This will reduce the number of fish that will be affected by the lowering of water levels and thereby the number that may have to be caught and moved elsewhere.

High quality angling

Where possible other DCAL angling waters nearby will be stocked with more fish to compensate, so that the quality of angling in the area is maintained.

How will the stress to the fish be minimised?

Reducing the numbers of fish at the reservoirs will mean that less fish will be affected by the lower water levels. Efforts will be made to put plans in place to catch and remove fish where they are under stress or in insufficient depth of water.

The success of any of these plans depends on a number of factors, the most important being the health and safety of staff and the feasibility of catching and removing the fish. It is difficult to be accurate regarding how long it will take to empty the reservoirs and if ground conditions will be suitable to enable fish to be removed, with the lower water levels.

Restocking after works

Restocking will begin as soon as the works are fully completed and water levels have returned to a suitable level for fish life to be sustained and for angling to take place. More information will be available on the fish stocking pages in the Angling updates section.

Angling updates

If you have already bought your Rod Licence and Permit

If you have already bought Rod Licence and permit, you can still use over 60 different angling waters throughout Northern Ireland. Refunds will not be offered to those affected by the reservoir closures.

How long will it take for the reservoirs to be refilled?

The refilling of the reservoirs depends on the weather conditions but it is not anticipated that it will take more than one month to refill.

Angling for people with disabilities

When any of the reservoirs affected are waters with access for people with disabilities, other nearby waters can be used. You can find a range of angling waters with access for people with disabilities at the page below.