Lough Neagh - Water Based Recreation

Canoeing

Canoeing is widespread on the Lough, on some tributary rivers and the Lower Bann on an informal basis. There is an annual canoe race on the Lower Bann which includes Lough Beg.

Personal Water Craft

Jet skiers launch at Kinnego, Ballyronan and Antrim. Jet skiers make widespread use of the Lough, but are restricted from launching at a number of sites including Gawley's Gate. Jet ski competitions have been held on Lough Neagh based from Antrim. There is a dedicated zone at Newferry.

Water skiing

Water skiing takes place on a widespread basis around the Lough and the Lower Bann.

Game Angling

Game angling is available around the Lough mainly on the tributary rivers. Local clubs provide visitor permits for game angling on the Main, Sixmilewater, Ballinderry, Moyola and Blackwater rivers. The main species are the Dollaghan or Lough Neagh Trout and Salmon.

The scale and eel fishing rights to the Lough belong to the Lough Neagh Fishermen's Co-operative.

Coarse Angling

Coarse angling takes place within the canal section at Toome and in the Lower and Upper Bann and Blackwater Rivers and on the Upper Bann at Portadown and the Bann Boulevard. Pike fishing is particularly popular. Fishing stands are available at Kinnego Marina, along the Upper Bann upstream of Portadown and at Newferry on the West bank of the Lower Bann.

Facilities for anglers with disabilities are available within the mixed coarse fishery at the City Park Lakes in Craigavon.

A partial picture of the coarse angling in the Lough Neagh Wetlands is available to visitors via DCAL Public Angling Estate website (mainly Toome Canal, Portadown and Craigavon) whilst www.discovernorthernireland.com highlights the fishing stands at Kinnego (roach, bream, hybrids, perch, pike and eel).