Angling at Spelga Reservoir

This reservoir, set in rugged surroundings in the heart of the Mournes, near the source of the River Bann, supplies water to the Portadown and Banbridge areas.

Key information about Spelga Reservoir

Nearest Town	Hilltown
Area/Length	60 hectares
Species	Brown trout
Season	1 March to 31 October
Methods	Fly fishing, spinning and worm fishing
Daily Bag Limit	None
Size Limit	None
Boats	Fishing from boats is not permitted
Licence	DCAL Game Fishing Rod Licence
Permit	DCAL Game Fishing Permit

Wild brown trout fishery

This reservoir has proved popular, particularly during the summer months. There are many small wild trout and it is operated as a wild hill lough fishery. Popular flies for the upland water include Bibio, Zulu, and Black Pennel.

How to get there

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

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

From Rathfriland

Head south on the B25 to Hilltown, then take the B8 and B27 towards Newcastle, forking right after 2.4 km towards Kilkeel for 4 km until reaching the head of the valley (signposted).

From Newry

Take the A25 and B8 to Hilltown

From Belfast

Take the A24 through Ballynahinch to Clough, turning right onto the A25 through Castlewellan and 8 km beyond this, fork left for Hilltown (B8), turning left for Kilkeel (B27) before entering the town.