Northern Ireland’s abundant rivers and lakes make it a genuine destination for anglers, particularly fly fishers.
Fly Fishing History
The earliest clear reference to fly fishing comes from the 2nd-century Graeco-Roman writer Claudius Aelianus, who described Greek anglers using an artificial lure of red wool and feathers. Modern fly fishing methods are generally traced to England and Scotland, but Northern Ireland’s rivers, brooks, and small lakes hold their own.
Fishing in Antrim
Antrim is a strong destination for anglers, home to the Dollaghan - a local variety of brown trout, prized for growing larger than most other Irish trout - found mainly in Lough Neagh (the largest freshwater lake in the UK, at around 151 square miles), which it leaves each autumn to spawn in the rivers and streams that feed it. Salmon are also common in the area’s rivers, especially the River Bush.
The River Foyle
Flowing through Tyrone, Londonderry, and Donegal, the River Foyle is considered one of the island’s best salmon rivers, with the best fishing generally running from late March to late September.
Baronscourt Estate
In County Tyrone, the Baronscourt estate - the historic seat of the Abercorn family since the early 17th century - offers accommodation and access to 24 salmon pools, with higher demand (and pricing) from mid-June to the end of September.
Permits and Licences
Anglers need both a rod licence and a fishing permit, available through the Fishery Conservancy Board and other outlets. Pricing wasn’t independently re-verified this pass - a figure quoted in the original source material was explicitly dated to 2008 and is long out of date, so check current rates directly before planning a trip.
