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Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Comhshaoil agus Gnóthaí Tuaithe Depairtment o' Fairmin, Environment an' Kintra Matthers

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  • Upper Holywood Reservoir

    Topics:
    • Angling and Commercial Fishing (Inland Fisheries), 
    • Managed Angling Waters

    This water is managed by Belfast and Holywood Anglers’ Association on behalf of the Department. The lake is long and narrow with a dam wall at its eastern end. It is surrounded by low hills overlooking Belfast Lough. There is some natural cover so visitors should wrap up warm during winter and early spring. Anglers must use official entrances. Please do not trespass on adjoining lands or obstruct roadways or gate entrances with parked cars.

    Tickets

    Visitors must obtain a day ticket before fishing.

    Tickets are available from:

    Hanna's Florists
    13 Church Road
    Holywood

    Five visitor permits (£20) are available daily.

    DAERA Game Permit holders are eligible for a concessionary day ticket rate of £15.00.

    Key Information

    Fishery TypeGame
    SpeciesBrown Trout, Rainbow Trout
    Season Open1st March
    Season Close31st October
    Rod Licence12 years old and over DAERA Game Rod Licence
    PermitBelfast and Holywood Anglers’ Association Day Ticket (permission to fish) required for visiting anglers. 
    Fishing methodsFly fishing only, barbless hooks, no static flies with bungs.
    Bag LimitOne rainbow trout per visit (must be OVER 12" / 30 cm and UNDER 4 lbs/ 1.8 kg), two maximum per week. No brown trout to be taken at any time. No rainbows to be taken within seven days of stocking. 

    The Association has two court-appointed bailiffs to check membership, day tickets, fishing methods and bag limits. Members are also entitled to check authorisation to fish.

    All fishing or other litter to be taken away from the site.

    Buy a DAERA Licence, Permit or Day Ticket

    Car Parking OnsiteYes
    Disabled Car Parking OnsiteNo
    Fishing StandsNo
    Disabled accessible fishing standsNo
    Boats AllowedNo
    Boat RestrictionsN/A

    Click here for location on Google Maps

    Directions

    • From Holywood: Leave via Church road and the reservoir is 34 miles down on the right-hand side.
    Local Council AreaArds & North Down
    Nearest populated areaHolywood
    Water TypeReservoir
    Water Area / Size18 Hectacres

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