Angling at Dungonnell Lough

This long and narrow reservoir lies in wind-swept moorland on the upper stretches of the Clough River. The shores near the dam are rocky and very good for shore fishing.

Key information about Dungonnell Lough

Nearest Town	Ballymena
Area/Length	28 hectares
Species	Brown trout
Season	1 March to 31 October
Methods	Fly fishing, spinning and worm fishing
Daily Bag Limit:	2 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

General information

On the south side the shore is firm for most of the distance, but the west shore is more marshy as you go eastward and care should be taken. The peninsula on the north side just above the dam gives a pleasant variation with a sheltered bay in the lee side.

The reservoir contains native brown trout from the inlet spawning streams that grow to 2.5 kg. Bait fishing with worms is a common method in this area.

Traditional wet flies with dark patterns such as Black Pennell or Bibio are considered to be the most effective on this water especially near the feeder streams.

How to get there

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

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

Take the A43 (Waterfoot and Cushendall) from Ballymena. Turn right at the crossroads just as you approach Cargan, into the Gortnageagh Rd. about 16 km out of Ballymena. Follow the road for 1 km then turn left at the sign for Dungonnell Water Treatment Works. Dungonnell lake is 1.8 km.

Touring and long stay caravan sites are available at nearby Glenariff Forest Park.