COVID-19 update
The Public Angling Estate is open except for Portavoe Reservoir.
Car parks and some access laneways reopened on 27 May but some use of boats is still restricted. Social distancing and other measures should be observed: Minister confirms the re-opening of the Public Angling Estate
Closed locations
Portavoe reservoir is closed until further notice.
Car parks
DAERA car parks are open including disabled parking. However other services and toilet facilities still remain closed.
Reopening of angling sites
Most angling sites can now open. Some fishing activities involving groups like competition angling and charter boat events, will not be able to happen yet as it would be too difficult to keep the correct social distancing rules in place.
Private fisheries, including clubs may also be open and trade.
Travelling to DAERA angling waters
You should only to travel locally to get to DAERA public angling estate waters. While car parks reopened on 27 May, many toilet facilities and other services in the area may be closed for longer.
Travelling with other anglers by car
You can only travel with family members who live in one household.
Meeting with anglers not from your household
You may meet up to five other anglers out of doors - as long as social distancing is maintained.
Fishing from a boat
You can fish from a boat where boating is permitted. Anglers who have been isolating within one household can use a small boat together.
Larger commercial operations using boats are not permitted at this time. This is to ensure compliance with the guidance on social distancing and shared contact with hard surfaces.
Lough Erne
You can use a private boat for short trips. Waterways Ireland has started a phased re-opening of Lough Erne and the Lower Bann Navigation. They are open as navigations, but with locks and service blocks remaining closed.
Waterways Ireland has advised that private boaters taking short trips on the water should proceed with caution as navigation and associated facilities may need attention.
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.
Angling Event Grant Fund suspended
In the current COVID-19 situation the Angling Event Grant Fund has been temporarily suspended. An update will be issued when the Angling Event Grant Fund is reinstated.
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
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 phone.
- phone: 028 4461 8090
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