Angling at Ballynahinch, Annacloy and Quoile Rivers
Good trout fishing is available in the river downstream from Kilmore. The river stretches are not accessible for anglers with disabilities.
Key information
| Nearest town | Downpatrick |
|---|---|
| Area/length | 11.25 km of river |
| Species | brown trout and sea trout |
| Season | 1 March to 31 October |
| Methods | fly fishing, spinning and worm fishing |
| Daily bag limit | four trout per rod |
| 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 |
General information
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) leases the fishing rights from the new barrier at Strangford Lough to Lyons's Bridge.
Downstream of Lyon's Bridge to Drumaghlis Bridge fishing is from the north bank.
At Kilmore fishing is from the left (eastern bank) to just downstream of Annacloy.
There is a mixed fishery from Steamboat Quay upstream to the railway bridge above Inch Abbey.
Above the railway bridge is a game fishery.
Access
Access to the water is easy on the south side where the road runs near the water. A path and some stands are provided. A car park is available at the old flood gates with disabled parking spaces.
Care for the environment
From Steamboat Quay to the Quoile Barrier, fishing is not allowed in the interests of the protection of wildlife.
In all areas where angling is allowed, no other wildlife should be disturbed and anglers should not discard fishing line, lead shot or any other litter.
How to get there
Quoile River (Steamboat Quay)
From Belfast, take the A24 and A7 southwards through Saintfield to Downpatrick. Turn right on the B52 Ballynahinch to Annacloy Road. Fishing is between here and Kilmore which is the upstream limit of the fishery.
Kilmore is on the minor road which runs south from Crossgar.
Annacloy is on the B2 which forks left off the A7, 1.49 miles from Downpatrick.