Stoneyford Reservoir
Stoneyford Reservoir is closed to anglers for two weeks from 5 November 2019 due to remedial works at the water,
International Year of the Salmon
Visit Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry this half term and celebrate the first event day for the International Year of the Salmon on Wednesday 30 October 2019 from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. Last admission is at 4.00 pm.
Come and meet scientists and staff from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and learn all about the life history of the salmon, what they eat and why scientists are working so hard to preserve this well known species.
There'll be activity packs and children can help to create a 'salmon shoal' by colouring it in.
Pre-book online for a discount:
Fish stocking figures
September 2019 fish stocking figures on the Public Angling Estate can be found at the link below:
River Bush Salmon Station Public Office
The office at the River Bush Salmon Station is temporarily closed to the public. If you need any information on the River Bush, contact Inland Fisheries.
Navar Lakes
Lough Navar Forest scenic drive will be closed from 16 October 2019 for three weeks and therefore Meenameen Lough, Lough Achork and Glencreawan Lough are also closed for this period. Apologies for the inconvenience.
Community Outreach Angling Events Fund
The ‘Community Outreach Angling Events Fund’ which helps with small grants to encourage participation in angling, has reopened (since Tuesday 30 July 2019) following a short suspension of this scheme. Further information is available from DAERA Inland Fisheries, by telephone:
- phone: 0300 2007 860
Altnahinch Reservoir
Anglers are advised not to fish near the float and nets at Altnahinch Reservoir as an experiment is taking place to pick up tagged fish signals.
Lough Money
Anglers, be aware of low water levels due to ongoing works by Northern Ireland Water which may expose mud and silt that's unsafe to walk on.
Reports of diseased salmon
Small numbers of salmon showing signs of bleeding and ulceration have been found in Norway, Ireland and Scotland. Fish found in Northern Ireland showing these signs should be kept alive and reported to DAERA by phoning:
- 028 4461 8090.
All fishing tackle, boots and fishing jackets should be disinfected. For more details visit:
Lough Cowey
A model aircraft club may be at Lough Cowey on Sundays depending on the weather.
How to avoid spreading crayfish plague
Anglers are urged to take precautions to avoid the spread of crayfish plague. Advice can be found at the link below:
Ireland fisheries
There have been reports of dead coarse fish at two fisheries in the Republic of Ireland. This is being investigated by Inland Fisheries Ireland. When the cause is known a further update will be given.
If you've recently fished in the Republic of Ireland and plan to fish in Northern Ireland, follow the advice at the link below when you leave the water, to stop the spread of invasive species:
Craigavon City Park Lake South
The car park at Craigavon Watersports Centre is closed due to construction work. Therefore the nearest car park for anglers fishing at Craigavon City Park Lake South is off roundabout nine on the Portadown to Lurgan road.
Portavoe Reservoir
The car park gates at Portavoe Reservoir will be locked each evening (before darkness) until 8.00 am the following day due to a series of anti-social behaviour issues at the site. This arrangement will be in place until further notice.
Safety at waterways
If you're a competitor or a spectator at angling events, always pay attention to safety notices and warnings about waterways.
More useful links