Ballymena Borough Council Tourism Section

FISHING

ANGLING - Local angling information on nidirect

Angling waters in County Antrim which are part of the Public Angling Estate are now listed on the nidirect website. You can find practical information on a wide range of fishing waters including The River Lagan, Ballymoney River, Toome Canal and Movanagher Canal. Visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/fisheries-in-county-antrim

The following rivers provide superb game fishing. They contain a large head of native brown trout, which give good sport to both the dry and wet fly. Salmon and Dollaghen runs usually begin in July, depending on rainfall.

Braid River

The Braid is a medium sized tributary (5-20m wide) of the Maine, containing a large head of wild brown trout. These are best fished for during April and May and in the evenings during June and July using both dry and wet fly. Salmon and dollaghen fishing is usually at its best in September and October after a spate. As well as the fly, worming and shrimping are permitted as is spinning from the 1st August. Licence Authority - FCB Day Tickets - There are no restrictions on the number of day tickets but there is no Sunday fishing. The fishing extends upstream from the M2 bridge to Braid Chapel near the Sheddings.

Species: Brown Trout, Dollaghen, Salmon.

Kellswater River

The Kellswater is a small to medium sized river (5-20m) flowing from the Antrim plateau to join the Maine. It has a large head of native brown trout which give good sport to both the dry and wet fly which is best from April to June. The first floods in July can see the arrival of both salmon and dollaghen and from the end of this month spinning and worming are permitted. There is no limit on the number of day tickets but there is no Sunday fishing.

Species: Brown Trout, Dollaghen, Salmon.

River Clough

The Clough is a small (3-5m) river tributary of the Maine with a good stock of brown trout, complemented by runs of dollaghen and salmon from July, depending on rainfall. Licence Authority: FCB.

Species: Brown Trout, Dollaghen, Salmon.

Cloghwater River

The main fishing runs upstream from the junction to the Doury Road Bridge and then upstream of Corby Bridge. The Cloghwater is a medium sized (5-20m) tributary of the River Maine with a good stock of wild brown trout and salmon and dollaghen in season. The trout fishing is best from May-September, while the salmon and dollaghen are at their peak from August to the end of the season. Dry and wet fly fishing as well as spin fishing and worming are the permitted methods. Licence Authority: FCB.

Species: Brown Trout, Salmon, Dollaghen.

Angling Clubs

All Ballymena rivers are controlled by local clubs. You need a licence to fish on any river, these can be bought as a day ticket or a season ticket. Season / day tickets, along with fishing taclke and equipment can be bought from:

Mid Antrim Angling Association - Robin Topping Tel 028 25641642.

Gracehill, Galgorm & District Angling Club - Stephen Gilmore Tel 028 2588 2274.

Kells, Connor & Glenwherry Angling Club - Michael Currie Tel 07725 649678.

Maine Angling Club - John Forsythe Tel 028 9446 9574.

Braid Angling Club - Peter Morgan Tel 07774 419571

DAY TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE FOLLOWING OUTLETS:

Mid Antrim Angling Centre, 14 William Street, Ballymena, BT43 6AW. Tel 028 2564 8159.

Kilgad trout Fishery, 89a Kilgad Road, Kells, BT42 3JH. Tel 028 25892806.

SuperValu Store, Main Street, Kells, BT42 3JH. Tel 028 25898389.

Flecks Shop, 190 Moorfields Road, Ballymena, BT42 3EF.

Hayes Filling Station, 4 Dreen Road, Cullybackey, BT42 1EB.

Tel 028 25880278.

The angling season lasts from 1st April to the 30th September.

LOWER BANN - COARSE FISHING

The Lower Bann River helps form the longest waterway in Northern Ireland, offering visitors a tranquil atmosphere and unspoilt scenery. The river flows close to the village of Portglenone, which offers one of the best coarse fishing spots on the river.

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Riversdale Fishery

Formerly known as the Kilgad Fishery. So far the vast majority of anglers visiting the fishery have been using small dry flies, buzzers or nymphs on floating lines, although there are some who continue to use big lures, all in pursuit of rainbow trout up to 10lb with an average weight of 2.5-3lb. The heaviest fish so far was estimated at 10lb and returned to fight another day. The lake is weed free and there is easy access around the lake so casting a fly is relatively snag free. Restrictions: Fly-fishing only, Permits available at the fishery.

E-mail: riversdale@hotmail.com

HILLHEAD FLY FISHERY

Set among beautiful unspoilt farmland Hillhead Fishery is the ideal place to come to get away from it all. Hillhead is suitable for both amateur and more experienced fly fishermen. There is a small baiting pool to encourage children to have an interest in fishing as an outdoor persuit.

Situated less than 3 miles from Ballymena town centre and on the main town service bus route.

Facilities include:

Fly rod and reel hire

Seating and picnic area

Toilets

Free car park

Disabled fishing facilities

Childrens baiting pool

Open Monday - Saturday 9.00am - dusk

130 Woodtown Road

Ballymena BT42 1BL

For reservations telephone 07821734494 or e-mail