- Six Mile Water: A medium-sized river flowing into Lough Neagh, known for its exceptional brown trout fishing, particularly the unique dollaghan, a large trout species native to the region. The river also supports salmon and smaller brown trout. The best fishing stretches from Doagh Road Bridge to the river’s mouth at Lough Neagh. Anglers can target dollaghan (up to 21 lbs) and salmon, especially from July to October, with April to July ideal for brown trout. Night fishing is popular for dollaghan. A DAERA rod license and permit are required, available from local outlets like butchers in Templehall or Simpson Newsagents in Antrim. Expect a peaceful river setting with opportunities for big catches, but be prepared for catch-and-release policies in some areas.
- River Bush: Located near the Giant’s Causeway and Bushmills Distillery, this 35-mile river is renowned for its salmon and hard-fighting trout. It features scenic pools and is a favorite for game angling. Visitors can fish for Atlantic salmon and trout in a picturesque setting, with the chance to land significant catches under the right conditions. Permits and day tickets are available through local tackle shops, which also provide information on beats, ghillies, and fly methods. The river’s proximity to tourist attractions makes it ideal for combining fishing with sightseeing.
- Portrush: A coastal town with multiple sea fishing marks, including Portrush Harbour, the Blue Pool, and Ramore Head. It’s a hub for sea angling along the Causeway Coast. Anglers can catch mackerel, pollock, coalfish, codling, wrasse, and occasionally conger eels. Float fishing with baits like ragworm or sandeel works well, while feathers and daylights are effective for mackerel. Boat trips to Skerries Rocks offer chances for larger pollock and cod. The area can be busy in summer, so early visits are recommended to avoid crowds.
- Rathlin Island: County Antrim’s only inhabited offshore island, accessible by a short ferry from Ballycastle, offers unique sea fishing opportunities around its lighthouses and rocky shores. Anglers can target codling, pollock, whiting, and dogfish year-round, with mackerel abundant in summer. The island’s east and south lighthouses are prime spots. Boat tours, like those with Causeway Lass, cater to all skill levels. The serene island setting, with scenic walks and wildlife like puffins, enhances the fishing experience. A DAERA license is needed for sea trout.
- Lowry’s Lake: A heavily fished, well-stocked stillwater fishery near Antrim, known for its challenging trout population. The lake is stocked with rainbow and brown trout, but the fish are “educated” due to heavy fishing pressure, requiring skillful techniques for success. Fly fishing is the primary method, and a thoughtful approach is needed. Permits are available through local angling clubs, and the lake’s accessibility makes it suitable for day trips. Expect a competitive yet rewarding fishing environment.
- Kilgad Fishery: A 4-acre lake near Kells, fed by the River Kells, stocked with rainbow and brown trout. Anglers can catch trout from 2 lbs up to double-digit weights, fishing from the bank or boats. Open from 9 AM to dusk, the fishery offers a relaxed setting with good facilities. A DAERA rod license is required, and permits can be obtained by contacting the fishery directly (028 2589 2806). Ideal for families and anglers seeking a well-managed stillwater experience.
- Carnlough Harbour: A picturesque harbor in a charming coastal village along the Antrim Coast, suitable for shore fishing and boat-based angling. Shore fishing yields mackerel, pollock, coalfish, and occasional bass or wrasse. Boat trips with local operators like Davy Smyth offer deeper water fishing for larger species. The harbor’s scenic beauty, with colorful boats and nearby amenities like Ebb and Flow craft shop, makes it a pleasant spot for casual anglers. A DAERA license may be needed for certain species
- Licenses and Permits: Most fisheries in Antrim, especially those managed by DAERA, require a rod license and specific permits. Short-term licenses (e.g., 3-day permits for £6) are available for tourists. Check with local tackle shops or the DAERA website for details.
- Guides and Tours: Professional guides like Gary Bell in Lisburn (www.gbflyfish.com) (www.gbflyfish.com) offer casting instruction and guided trips for salmon, trout, and pike, ideal for beginners or those seeking expert advice.
- Sea Fishing Considerations: Some Tripadvisor reviews mention inconsistent experiences with sea fishing charters, with issues like outdated sonar use or reliance on old fishing spots. Opt for reputable operators like Causeway Lass or Causeway Boats for better experiences.
- Catch-and-Release: Many fisheries, especially for coarse fishing and dollaghan, enforce catch-and-release policies with barbless hooks to preserve stocks
Antrim:
Introduction – 1837 – Adventure – Anthem – Archaeology – Attractions – Awards – Birdwatching – Castles – Contact list – Dining – Equestrian –Festivals – Fishing – Folklore – Golf – Graveyards – Happening – Haunted – Highest – Hiking – History – Holy Wells – Hotels – Instagrammable– Itineraries – Largest town – Luxury – MICE – Movies –Musicians – Name – Novelists – Off the beaten track – Poets – Pubs – Quotes – Random facts – Restaurant Awards – Saints – Spas – Sports – Sunsets – Sustainable – Towns – Video – Villages – Walking – Wanderlist – Weddings – Writers
Fishing
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
