Angling at Altnahinch Reservoir
Altnahinch Reservoir, at the head of the River Bush, is situated in an exposed area of peaty moorland. Most of the surrounding area is forest. The banks are fairly solid and ideal for shore fishing.
A pedestrian gate (kissing gate) has been removed from the site. If anyone has noticed any suspicious activity, contact Inland Fisheries - DAERA or the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Vehicle registration plates should be recorded if possible but avoid getting involved with vandals.
What you need to know
Anglers are advised not to fish near the float and nets as an experiment is taking place to pick up tagged fish signals.
| 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 | four trout per rod per day |
| Size limit | minimum takeable size 25.4cm |
| Boats | fishing from boats is not allowed |
| Licence | DAERA game rod licence: Game rod licence prices from DAERA |
| Permit | DAERA game angling permit: Game angling permit prices from DAERA |
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 3kg have been regularly taken. The lake fishes well to small attractor fly patterns such as Bibio in 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
From Ballymena (14.60 miles)
Take the A43 (Glenariff Road) to Martinstown. Turn left at the crossroads, fork right after 0.93 miles to Newtown Crommelin. Turn right then left at the staggered crossroads and continue for 2.48 miles. Turn left onto the Altnahinch Road. The reservoir is on the right, 1.98 miles from the junction.
From Ballymoney (13.23 miles)
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 Coolkeeran Road. (Signposted six miles to Altnahinch Dam) Turn left into Glenbush Road. After a short distance turn right into Altnahinch Road. The reservoir car park is on the left 3.47 miles from the junction.