Angling at Hillsborough Lake

The lake is situated in Hillsborough Forest, a large park with scenic wooded parkland, forest walks and lakeside paths. It is popular for family picnics and walks, and there are many pedestrians using the area. There are restrictions on fly fishing at this location.

Key information about Hillsborough Lake

Nearest Town	Hillsborough
Area/Length	16.2 hectares
Species	Rainbow trout
Season	1 February to 31 December
Methods	Fly fishing, spinning and worm fishing. See other restrictions below.
Daily Bag Limit	4 trout per rod
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
Disabled facilities	There is a tarmac car park which is a short distance along a quarry dust path with a moderate gradient to the fishery. A surfaced path surrounds the lake. Wheelchair access to the water is possible along the dam wall.
Other Restrictions	Fly fishing is not permitted from the dam or the shore adjacent to the dam, nor in the vicinity of the footbridge at the southern point of the lake. These prohibited areas are signposted

Environment

The lake is a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife, including swans and several varieties of ducks. Litter, lines and hooks must not be discarded. This is a rich lake, providing hatches of flies such as water hoglouse. Flies include gold headed nymphs, buzzers and wooly worm. The lake is regularly stocked with 5,000 takeable rainbow trout.

Cars are not permitted beyond the forest park car parks. Anglers must observe the closing times of the forest park which are displayed on the gates.

How to get there

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

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

From Belfast

Take the M1 to the Lisburn (Sprucefield) junction. Then take the A1 to Hillsborough, turning left just before the roundabout onto the B177 to go through the town. The entrance is signposted on the Dromore road as you leave the town.

From Ballynahinch

Take the B177 to Hillsborough and go through the town, as above.