Public Angling Estate – COVID-19 restrictions until 6 February
New COVID-19 restrictions are in place until 6 February 2021 and will be reviewed on 21 January 2021.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ (DAERA) Public Angling Estate waters are open to allow outdoor exercise – this includes angling.
You can't take part in angling competitions or coaching sessions other than at elite level. For more information and queries about sport:
- email: returntosport@sportni.net
Car parks are open, including disabled parking. However it is recommended that anglers check for updates about the facilities for particular waters before they visit. Updates will be posted on this page.
It will be for private fisheries to decide whether they remain open or to close during this period of restrictions. If they remain open they must keep to the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No2) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2020 and guidelines.
Travel
Anglers should not travel more than 10 miles from home to angling waters and must continue to stay safe by following the Health Protection Regulations and guidelines. These include maintaining social distancing and washing your hands often, especially after touching shared hard surfaces.
2021 angling licences and permits
2021 angling licences and permits will be available to buy online from 17 December 2020.
Buying angling licences and permits
You can only use the online system to buy DAERA angling licences and permits.
DAERA fisheries offices and most distributors are closed to the public due to the COVID-19 restrictions.
Contacting DAERA Inland Fisheries
You can only contact DAERA Inland Fisheries by email:
Health and restrictions advice
Follow the latest COVID-19 health advice on the Public Health Agency website.
Refunds
No refunds will be provided for the closure of fisheries due to COVID-19.
Castlewellan Lake - Blue-green algae
All activities on Castlewellan lake are currently banned due to the presence of blue green algae.
Dunalis Reservoir - Blue-green algae
Blue-green algae is present in Dunalis Reservoir. Anglers should exercise caution when fishing there.
Angling Event Grant Fund
Due to COVID-19 the Inland Fisheries Angling Event Fund has been suspended until further notice.
Fish stocking figures
DAERA has continued to stock its public angling estate waters while its fisheries were closed:
The latest fish stocking figures on the Public Angling Estate can be found at the following link:
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.
Killylane Reservoir
Killylane is now open but visitors should be aware of lower water levels. All anglers must follow health and safety measures and visitors should consider the welfare of the fish.
Reports of diseased salmon
Reports have been received of Atlantic salmon from European rivers being caught which have demonstrated symptoms of Red Skin Disease.
If you catch or observe Salmon with a red spotted rash, ulceration and bleeding, report to:
Affected salmon should not be removed from the water.
All fishing tackle, boots and fishing jackets should be disinfected.
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:
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: Water users urged to take precautions to avoid spread of crayfish plague
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
Portavoe reservoir is closed 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