Angling at Ballymoney River
This is a small spate river supporting good stocks of brown trout and sea trout. The best stretch for angling is from the confluence with the River Bann to Ballymoney. Upstream of Ballymoney, the river is very small and is not suitable for angling
Key information about Ballymoney River
| Nearest Town | Ballymoney |
|---|---|
| Area/Length | 5km |
| Species | Brown trout, salmon and sea trout |
| Season | 1 March to 31 October |
| Methods | Fly fishing, spinning and worm fishing |
| Daily bag limit | Four trout per day. There is a catch and release policy for all salmon: |
| Size limit | Trout minimum takeable size 25.4cm |
| Licence |
DAERA game rod licence: Game rod licence prices from DAERA |
| Permit | DAERA game angling permit: Game angling permit prices from DAERA |
Wild trout, salmon and sea trout fishery
The river, from Ballymoney to its confluence with the River Bann, contains and supports a reasonable stock of resident brown trout which is supplemented by occasional stocking from Movanagher Fish Farm. Fish up to 0.9kg are not uncommon. From late summer to the end of October, small numbers of salmon and sea trout, as well as large brown trout from the River Bann, migrate to the river and can provide good sport if conditions are right.
Access is available from most of the road bridges. Some stiles have been provided to help anglers climb over fences. Access is difficult for anglers with disabilities.
How to get there
From the A54 Kilrea to Coleraine road, turn right for Ballymoney, taking the B66. After crossing the Agivey Bann bridge, the river can be reached by taking any left turn before the town. From Belfast, turn left off the A26 at Ballymoney and follow the signs for Balnamore. The road runs for some distance alongside the river.
From the Portrush Roundabout on the main A26 follow signs for Ballymoney. After 0.31 miles turn right following signs for Balnamore. The river is on left side with access varying. Access is easy from Enagh Bridge and Balnamore Bridge. Good pools can be reached via stiles either side of Balnamore Bridge. Further access to the river via stiles allows access at Glenstall Bridge.