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. The disabled anglers’ car park is available at the old flood gates.
Care for the environment
From Steamboat Quay to the Quoile Barrier, fishing is not permitted in the interests of the protection of wildlife. Anglers should not disturb wildlife or leave behind rod line, lead shot or 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.
Other places to fish
- DAERA Public Angling Estate fisheries - 70 fisheries to choose from
- Fisheries outside the Public Angling Estate
Everything you need to go fishing
- Angling - everything you need to go fishing in Northern Ireland
- Angling - includes fish stocking figures