Ballymoney River
This river is mainly known for its wild brown trout fishery. The best time for angling is during the springtime hatches of large dark olives, as well as during the hawthorn fly and black gnat hatches in April and May.
It is a small spate river that has good stocks of brown trout and sea trout. The best stretch for angling is from the confluence with the River Bann to Ballymoney.
Key Information
| Fishery Type | Game |
|---|---|
| Species | Brown Trout, Salmon, Sea Trout |
| Season Open | 1st March |
| Season Close | 31st October |
| Rod Licence | 12 years old and over DAERA Game Rod Licence |
| Permit | 12 years old and over DAERA Game Fishing Permit |
| Fishing methods | Fly fishing, spinning and worm fishing |
| Bag Limit | 4 trout per day, minimum length 25.4cm. Salmon & Sea trout - Catch & Release only |
Buy a DAERA Licence, Permit or Day Ticket
| Car Parking Onsite | No |
|---|---|
| Disabled Car Parking Onsite | No |
| Fishing Stands | Yes |
| Disabled accessible fishing stands | Yes |
| Boats Allowed | No |
| Boat Restrictions | N/A |
Click here for location on Google Maps
Directions
- From the A54 Kilrea: Travelling towards the Coleraine road, turn right for Ballymoney, taking the B66; after crossing the Agivey Bann bridge, the river can be reached by taking any left turn before the town.
- From Belfast: Turn left off the A26 at Ballymoney and follow the signs for Balnamore; the road runs for some distance alongside the river.
- From the Portrush Roundabout: On the main A26 follow signs for Ballymoney; after 0.31 miles turn right following signs for Balnamore; the river is on left side with access varying; access is easy from Enagh Bridge and Balnamore Bridge. Good pools can be reached via stiles either side of Balnamore Bridge. Further access to the river via stiles allows access at Glenstall Bridge.
| Local Council Area | Mid & East Antrim |
|---|---|
| Nearest populated area | Ballymoney |
| Water Type | River |
| Water Area / Size | 5 Kilometres |