Angling at Hillsborough Lake
The lake is in Hillsborough Forest, a large park with scenic wooded parkland, forest walks and lakeside paths. There are restrictions on fly fishing.
Key information
| Nearest town | Hillsborough |
|---|---|
| Area/length | 16.2 hectares |
| Species | Rainbow trout |
| Season | 1 February to 31 December |
| Methods | Fly fishing, spinning and worm fishing |
| Daily bag limit | Four trout per rod |
| Size limit | Minimum takeable size 25.4cm |
| Boats | Fishing from boats is not allowed |
| Licence | DAERA game rod licence: Game rod licence prices from DAERA |
| Permit | DAERA game angling permit: Game angling permit prices from DAERA |
| Facilities for people with disabilities | See below |
| Other restrictions | Fly fishing is not allowed from the dam or the shore next to the dam, nor in the vicinity of the footbridge at the southern point of the lake. These prohibited areas are signposted. |
Facilities for people with disabilities
There is a tarmac car park which is a short distance along a quarry dust path with a moderate gradient to the fishery. A surfaced path surrounds the lake. Wheelchair access to the water is possible along the dam wall.
Environment
The lake is a sanctuary wildlife, including swans and several varieties of ducks. Do not leave litter, lines or hooks. This is a rich lake with hatches of flies such as water hog-louse. Flies include gold headed nymphs, buzzers and woolly worm. The lake is regularly stocked with five thousand takeable rainbow trout.
Cars are not allowed beyond the forest park car parks. Anglers must observe the closing times of the forest park which are displayed on the gates.
How to get there
Click the button directly below for a map and you will see an arrow which shows Hillsborough Lake.
From Belfast
Take the M1 to the Lisburn (Sprucefield) junction. Take the A1 to Hillsborough. Turn left just before the roundabout onto the B177 to go through the town. The entrance is signposted on the Dromore Road as you leave Hillsborough.
From Ballynahinch
Take the B177 to Hillsborough and go through the town, as above.