Belfast & Down
Belfast is a genuinely good base for fishing precisely because so much is close by: the River Lagan runs straight through the city and out to Lisburn, holding salmon and brown trout in its upper reaches and coarse fish downstream, while the River Quoile and Strangford Lough are both under 30 minutes away and offer a completely different kind of day out.
Strangford Lough in particular is one of the largest sea loughs in Ireland and gives this region a strong sea fishing option alongside its coarse and game water — genuinely varied for a compact area, and most of it accessible without a long drive from the city.
Rivers
River Lagan
Runs 53.5 miles from Slieve Croob in County Down through Lisburn to Belfast Lough. Salmon and brown trout in the upper stretches (notably around Shaw's Bridge), with roach, bream and perch further downstream in the more urban, coarse-fishable sections.
Salmon · Trout · CoarseRiver Quoile
About 30 minutes from Belfast — smaller and less known than the Lagan, with gentle cascading streams that suit fly fishing for brown trout, plus a coarse-fish population including rudd.
Trout · CoarseSix Mile Water
Also around 30 minutes from Belfast. Notable for the rare dollaghan — a Lough Neagh trout variant — plus occasional salmon fly fishing across varied, mixed terrain.
Dollaghan troutLakes & coarse fisheries
River Lagan Stranmillis Stretch
Part of Northern Ireland's Public Angling Estate — a designated coarse fishery within the city, holding perch, roach, eels and good numbers of pike including some doubles. Catch and release only, barbless hooks required.
Pike · CoarseQuoile Basin
Near Downpatrick — another DAERA Public Angling Estate coarse water, with good bank access.
CoarseCastlewellan Lake & Ballylough
Stocked with rainbow and brown trout as well as coarse fish, and managed by local angling clubs with day tickets generally available.
Trout · CoarseSea & coast
Strangford Lough
One of the largest sea loughs in Ireland, near Downpatrick — strong sea angling with some coarse fishing too. Bag and size limits are enforced, especially for bass.
Kilkeel Harbour
Further south in Mourne country — a reliable shore mark for coalfish and mackerel.
General guide only — DAERA rod licences and, for most waters, a separate club or fishery permit are required. Always confirm current rules, seasons and access directly with DAERA or the relevant angling club before fishing.
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