Loughs and larger waters
- Upper Lough Erne for extensive coarse fishing around Enniskillen
- Lough Fea near Cookstown
- Ballysaggart Lough near Dungannon
- Corbet Lough near Banbridge
Northern Ireland fishing lakes
Showing 15 fishing lakes currently listed for Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland fishing guide
Northern Ireland fishing lakes, loughs and canals
Northern Ireland offers a varied mix of public coarse fisheries, canals, rivers, park lakes and large loughs. The listings on this page cover waters near Belfast, Craigavon, Banbridge, Cookstown, Downpatrick, Kilrea, Toome, Dungannon and Enniskillen.
Anglers can compare smaller waters such as Corbet Lough and Loughbrickland Lake with canal fishing at Broadwater, Movanagher, Portna and Toome. Larger-water options include Upper Lough Erne, while the River Lagan provides an urban coarse-fishing option in Belfast.
Choosing where to fish in Northern Ireland
Canals and river fishing
- Broadwater Canal near Aghalee
- Movanagher Canal near Kilrea
- Portna Canal near Portglenone
- Toome Canal near Lough Neagh
- River Lagan at Stranmillis in Belfast
Park and accessible local waters
Northern Ireland rod licences and fishing permits
To fish legally in freshwater in Northern Ireland, anglers normally need both the appropriate rod licence and permission to fish the chosen water through a permit or day ticket. A rod licence issued in Great Britain or the Republic of Ireland does not automatically cover Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland has two licensing jurisdictions: DAERA and the Loughs Agency. Check which jurisdiction covers the water before purchasing anything. A DAERA permit or day ticket covers applicable Public Angling Estate waters, while private fisheries and club waters may have their own additional access arrangements.
Read the official rod-licence guidance · Check the DAERA and Loughs Agency map · Buy a DAERA licence or permit
Planning a Northern Ireland fishing trip
Check the water
- Confirm that fishing is currently permitted
- Check the authorised banks and access points
- Review water levels and bankside conditions
- Check whether advance booking is required
Check your documents
- Identify the correct licensing jurisdiction
- Buy the appropriate rod licence
- Obtain the required permit or day ticket
- Carry proof while fishing
Check the rules
- Confirm the current season and fishing times
- Review method, bait and species restrictions
- Check bag limits and fish-retention rules
- Follow all site-specific safety guidance
Northern Ireland fishing FAQ
Do I need a rod licence to fish in Northern Ireland?
Freshwater anglers normally need the appropriate Northern Ireland rod licence. A Great Britain or Republic of Ireland licence does not automatically authorise fishing in Northern Ireland.
Do I also need a permit or day ticket?
Yes, a rod licence does not itself give permission to fish a particular water. You will normally also need a DAERA permit, fishery permit, club permission or day ticket.
What is the difference between DAERA and the Loughs Agency?
They administer separate angling jurisdictions. Check the official jurisdiction map before purchasing a licence or permit, particularly when fishing in western parts of Northern Ireland.
Where can I find coarse fishing in Northern Ireland?
The listings include coarse fishing on canals, rivers and loughs around Belfast, Aghalee, Kilrea, Portglenone, Toome and Enniskillen. Species and access arrangements vary, so open the individual venue pages and confirm current information before travelling.
