Angling at Broadwater Canal
This shallow water is part of the derelict Lagan Navigation Canal. It is popular as a winter pike fishery and pleasure angling venue. It can be dangerous to step off the towpath as there is a layer of floating vegetation which does not support an angler's weight.
Water bailiffs
This water is part of the DAERA Public Angling Estate (PAE) and is managed and maintained by DAERA Inland Fisheries.
Anglers with a DAERA angling licence and DAERA permit may fish at any DAERA PAE fishery and they do not need to pay any other fees.
DAERA continues to receive reports from anglers fishing on the Broadwater that they are being approached by individuals and told that those anglers without a Lagan River Trust (LRT) permit are fishing illegally and must stop fishing.
Only court approved private water bailiffs, with a valid warrant card, may ask to see an angler’s licence and permit. They must carry a warrant card as evidence of their legal appointment. If challenged by anyone while fishing at Broadwater or any other PAE water, an angler can ask to see the warrant card to make sure the person who has challenged them has the authorisation to do so.
Impersonation of a private water bailiff is an offence under the Fisheries Act (NI) 1966.
Should you be approached by anyone while fishing at the Broadwater canal, contact DAERA Inland Fisheries by email or phone to advise DAERA of the details of the incident:
- email: anglingcorrespondence@daera-ni.gov.uk
- phone: 0300 200 7860 (from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday)
Fishing rights at the Broadwater Canal are under legal proceedings - an update on this will be published later.
Key information about Broadwater Canal
| Nearest Town | Aghalee, Moira |
|---|---|
| Area/Length | 1.5km |
| Species | pike, perch, bream, roach and hybrids |
| Season | all year round |
| Methods | all lawful methods |
| Daily bag limit | one pike per person/ four coarse per day |
| Size limit | pike of 4kg and over and coarse longer than 25cm must be returned to the water |
| Licence | DAERA coarse rod licence: Coarse rod licence prices from DAERA |
| Permit | DAERA coarse permit: Coarse angling permit prices from DAERA |
This fishery is noted for good winter pike angling.
DAERA Inland Fisheries staff plan to install several new fishing platforms at the Broadwater in 2021 for the benefit of DAERA permit holders. Any disruption to anglers during these works will be kept to a minimum.
How to get there
From the M1 junction 9 (Moira roundabout), follow the A26 for almost a mile. Turn left for Soldierstown Road then follow the B105 out of the village for almost a mile. The car park is on the left just after the hump back bridge. Take care when driving from the car park due to limited road visibility.