FISHING in Ireland’s county ARMAGH

Upper River Bann: A medium-sized river renowned for its brown trout fishing, particularly during hatches of Black Gnats or Blue Winged Olives. Salmon and Dollaghan (Lough Neagh trout) may appear in June, with more significant numbers later in the season. Anglers can enjoy game fishing in a scenic setting with the chance to catch brown trout and occasional salmon. The river is accessible, and guided trips with experts like Brian Russell, a former Irish National Rivers Fly Fishing Champion, are available for fly fishing on the Upper Bann and nearby rivers like the Cusher, Lagan, and Callan. All tackle and equipment can be provided. A DCAL game fishing rod license is required, and day tickets are available from local suppliers.
Seagahan Dam: A 70-acre public reservoir located about 5 miles from Armagh City, surrounded by forested areas and lush farmland. It’s a fly-fishing-only water stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Visitors can expect excellent fly fishing for hard-fighting trout in a beautiful, tranquil setting. The lake is stocked in early spring and summer, offering consistent fishing throughout the season. Armagh Angling Club manages the fishery, and permits are available from Procast Angling Centre in Armagh. A DAERA license is required. The tarmac path around the lake is suitable for wheelchair users, though there are no safety railings.
Lowry’s Lake: A popular stillwater fishery managed by Armagh Angling Club, located about 3 miles from Armagh City along the A51 Hamiltonsbawn Road. It’s regularly stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Anglers can fish for educated trout, with brown trout up to 7 pounds and many in the 3-pound range. The lake is fly-fishing only, with a six-trout bag limit and a 12-inch size limit. Boat hire is available (book in advance), and there are platforms suitable for disabled anglers. Permits cost £15 per day or £100 per season, and a DCAL license is required. The Kildarton Shore and Ramper area are noted hotspots, but wading on the east side is not advised due to deep water.
Shaw’s Lake: A well-regarded stillwater fishery near Armagh, stocked regularly with rainbow and brown trout. It’s a put-and-take trout fishery with areas for both fly and bait fishing. Visitors can enjoy fly fishing or spinning from the bank or boats (reservations required). The lake is known for plentiful wild brown trout, offering a rewarding experience for anglers. A day ticket for catch-and-release costs £10, with an option to keep fish at £2 per pound. A DAERA license is required, and permits can be obtained locally. The scenic surroundings make it a pleasant spot for a day’s fishing.
River Blackwater: This river, primarily upstream of Blackwatertown Bridge, offers a mix of coarse and game fishing. The lower reaches are rich in coarse fish like roach, bream, and pike, while a short stretch downstream of the island provides good game fishing for salmon and brown trout. Anglers can target a variety of species, with opportunities for both coarse and game fishing. The game fishing stretch is ideal for salmon, especially later in the season. A DAERA permit and license are required for the right bank (Co. Armagh side). Local angling clubs, such as Armagh Fisheries, control some sections, and permits can be purchased from GI Stores in Armagh. The river’s diverse fish population and scenic setting make it appealing for mixed angling experiences.
Camlough Lake: A large disused reservoir in the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion area, stocked with small to medium pike, bream, roach, perch, brown trout, and other species like bitterling and common carp. This coarse fishery offers a relaxed angling experience with a variety of fish species. Anglers can fish from the shore or by boat in a historic setting near the Newry Ship Canal. The lake’s diverse ecosystem and scenic backdrop, including the Mourne Mountains, make it a great spot for a peaceful fishing trip. A DAERA license is require This coarse fishery offers a relaxed angling experience with a variety of fish species. Anglers can fish from the shore or by boat in a historic setting near the Newry Ship Canal. The lake’s diverse ecosystem and scenic backdrop, including the Mourne Mountains, make it a great spot for a peaceful fishing trip. A DAERA license is required
Permits and Licenses: Most fisheries in County Armagh require a DAERA rod license, with additional permits available from local tackle shops like Procast Angling Centre (1D Dobbin Street, Armagh) or GI Stores (5 Dobbin Street, Armagh).
Guided Fishing: For those seeking professional guidance, Brian Russell Flyfishing offers half- and full-day guided trout angling on local rivers, with tackle and transport provided. Contact: +44 (0)77 16120441 or www.brflyfishing.co.uk
Accessibility: Many locations, such as Seagahan Dam and Lowry’s Lake, offer facilities for disabled anglers, including accessible paths and platforms.
Tackle Shops: Procast Angling (1D Dobbin Street, Armagh, +44 (0)7727637530) and GI Stores (5 Dobbin Street, Armagh, +44 (0)2837522335) provide fishing tackle, bait, and permits. Online options like Wildhunter.ie also deliver to Armagh.

County Armagh:

Ireland’s County Armagh is steeped in history and natural beauty, with the Navan Fort, an ancient ceremonial site, offering archaeological intrigue. The Armagh Observatory and Planetarium provide stargazing opportunities, while the city’s two cathedrals reflect its ecclesiastical heritage. Other attractions include the nearby Slieve Gullion Forest Park with its hiking trails and panoramic views. Armagh is Ireland’s fifth smallest county by size (1,253 square km) and tenth largest by population (194,394). Population peaked at 232,393 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 108,815, in 1937. In terms of hospitality, Armagh is Ireland’s 26th most visited tourist county with around 57,000 international visitors per year.

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