Lough Neagh & Lower Bann
Lough Neagh is the largest freshwater lake in the British Isles at 151 square miles, and its outflow, the Lower Bann, runs 35 miles from Toome to the sea between Castlerock and Portstewart. Together they form one of the most productive and unusual fisheries in these islands — Lough Neagh alone supports the largest wild eel fishery in Europe, still run by the Lough Neagh Fishermen's Co-operative, alongside native pollan (a rare Arctic relict species found in only five Irish lakes) and dollaghan, a distinctive migratory brown trout found only here and in its feeder rivers.
For visiting coarse anglers, the practical advice is to fish the Bann rather than the lough itself — bank fishing directly on Lough Neagh is poorly provided for and not really encouraged, whereas both the Upper and Lower Bann have well-developed, accessible stretches rated among the best coarse fisheries in Europe, one of which hosted the 2019 European coarse angling championship.
The eel fishery
Lough Neagh eel fishery
Europe's largest wild eel fishery, still commercially netted today by the Lough Neagh Fishermen's Co-operative, drawing on a tradition stretching back generations. Eels are also present throughout the Bann and turn up incidentally in most coarse catches on the system.
EelsThe Bann
Upper Bann (Portadown to Lough Neagh)
Widely regarded as one of the best coarse fisheries in Europe. Pike, perch, roach and bream in genuinely large numbers when conditions are right.
Coarse · PikeLower Bann at Portglenone
The Derry bank just above Portglenone hosted the 2019 European coarse angling championship. Bream, roach, eels and hybrids, with wheelchair-accessible stands along much of the stretch.
Bream · Roach · EelsMovanagher (near Kilrea)
Particularly well known locally for its large Bann trout, alongside the more typical bream and roach shoals found through this stretch.
Trout · CoarseLough Beg
A large, shallow lough just north of Lough Neagh that the Bann flows through — the most popular area for pike fishing on the whole system, with many large specimens taken over the years. Best accessed by boat from Newferry or Toome.
PikeDollaghan rivers
Six Mile Water
One of just a handful of rivers in the world holding dollaghan — a large, wild, migratory brown trout variant unique to the Lough Neagh system — with fish over 20lb recorded. Best fished at night. Also holds salmon and regular brown trout.
Dollaghan · SalmonMoyola & Ballinderry Rivers
The two other principal dollaghan spawning tributaries of Lough Neagh, both well regarded locally by anglers targeting this unusual fish.
DollaghanClady, Agivey & Macosquin Rivers
Smaller Lower Bann tributaries, all vital spawning rivers with good wild brown trout stocks and salmon runs from August through the rest of the season.
Trout · SalmonGeneral guide only — a DAERA rod licence and a separate Lower Bann fishing permit are required for most of this system, purchased from tackle shops or online. All coarse fish must be returned alive and unharmed. Always confirm current rules and access directly with DAERA or The Honourable The Irish Society before fishing.
Check today's conditions for Lough Neagh & Lower Bann →