Angling at Altnahinch Reservoir

Altnahinch Reservoir, at the head of the River Bush, is situated in an exposed area of peaty moorland, although much of the surrounding area has been forested. The banks are fairly solid and ideal for shore fishing.

Key information about Altnahinch Reservoir

Nearest Town	Ballymoney
Area/Length	17.8 hectares
Species	Brown trout and rainbow trout
Season	1 March to 31 October
Methods	Fly fishing, spinning and worm fishing
Daily Bag Limit	4 trout per rod per day
Size Limit	Minimum takeable size 25.4 cm
Boats	Fishing from boats is not permitted
Licence	DCAL Game Fishing Rod Licence
Permit	DCAL Game Fishing Permit

The bay at the head of the reservoir can be quite sheltered and has a deep channel which can be easily covered from the south-western shore.

There is a native stock of free-rising brown trout, but this has been supplemented by stocking with takeable size fish from Movanagher. Brown trout of around 3 kg have been regularly taken. The lake fishes well to small attractor fly patterns such as bibio early spring with sedge patterns more effective later in the season. Spinning with red and blue spotted Mepps works well also.

How to get there

Click on the button directly below for a map and you will see an arrow which shows Altnahinch Reservoir.

Click on the map further down to the right on this page for a more detailed view of the location.

From Ballymena (23.5 km)

Take the A43 (Glenarriff Road) to Martinstown. Turn left at the crossroads, fork right after 1.5 km to Newtown Crommelin. Turn right then left at the staggered crossroads and continue for 4 km. Turn left onto the Altnahinch Road. The reservoir is on the right, 3.2 km from the junction.

From Ballymoney (21.3 km)

Take the B16 through Kilraughts. At the end of the road turn left onto the A44. Take the third right into the Fivey Rd and continue to the “T” junction at Magherahoney. Turn right onto the Coolkeeran Rd. (Signposted 6 miles to Altnahinch Dam) Turn left into Glenbush Rd and after a short distance turn right into Altnahinch Rd. The Reservoir Car park is on the left 5.6 km from the junction.