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.
NI Water will occasionally and temporarily lower the water level at Portavoe to ease flooding on neighbouring lands.
Key information
| Nearest town | Donaghadee |
|---|---|
| Area/length | 12.5 hectares |
| Species | rainbow trout |
| Season | 1 February to 31 December |
| Methods | fly fishing only |
| Daily bag limit | four trout per rod |
| Size limit | minimum takeable size 25.4cm |
| Boats | fishing from boats is not permitted |
| Licence | DAERA game rod licence: Game rod licence prices from DAERA |
| Permit | DAERA game angling permit: Game angling permit prices from DAERA |
| Facilities for people with disabilities | see below |
Facilities for people with disabilities
A special facility for wheelchairs is available. A tarmac car park for disabled permit holders, a level tarmac path for 100m and six fishing stands suitable for wheelchairs are provided.
The rest of the reservoir is accessible to visitors, including those with a little difficulty walking. Gradients, space and ground conditions elsewhere at Portavoe do not allow safe wheelchair access.
Car parking for people with disabilities
Parking spaces at Portavoe and vehicle access to this car parking area are restricted to anglers with DAERA disabled permits and licences.
How to get there
From Belfast, take the A2 through Holywood towards Bangor. Join the Bangor ring road, turning right towards Donaghadee and continue on the Ring Road as far as the Groomsport roundabout (fifth and last roundabout). Turn right towards Donaghadee on the A2. The reservoir entrance is about 2.48 miles along this road. Car-parking is available for disabled anglers only.
Cars may be parked on the A2 hard shoulder, but not in the waterworks grounds. The reservoir entrance must not be blocked.
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, contact details and more