Angling news and events
The latest news and information about the Public Angling Estate and fishing events in Northern Ireland.
Tours of Bush Salmon Station
The Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival, organised by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is on 3 and 4 October.
As part of the event the River Bush Salmon Station will be open, so visitors can learn about the natural life of the salmon and the work and research done at the station.
To find out more and book your tickets for the tour, visit:
Invasive alien zebra mussels
There are invasive alien zebra mussels:
- in Lough Neagh
- downstream in the lower river Bann
It is against the law to release or allow zebra mussels to escape, as they form quickly and have significant irreversible environmental and infrastructure impacts.
DAERA is considering Agri Foods and Biosciences Institute’s (AFBI) scientific advice for the way forward.
Private sector production of table fish from the Lough Neagh catchment is unaffected.
You can find more information at the following link to the DAERA website:
Blue-green algae
Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, has been detected in multiple locations across Northern Ireland including some lakes and rivers in the Public Angling Estate (PAE).
Guidance for anglers can be found at:
Pacific pink salmon
Pink or humpback salmon are a migratory species. They are native to river systems in the northern Pacific Ocean and regions of the Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean.
It is likely there will be more pink salmon in the rivers within the DAERA area in 2025.
Find out what anglers need to do if they catch a pink salmon:
Contacting Inland Fisheries at DAERA
For enquires about angling licences / permits and refunds contact:
For general enquiries contact:
Water bailiffs
Anglers with a DAERA angling licence and DAERA permit may fish at DAERA Public Angling Estate fisheries and do not need to pay any other fees.
Only court approved private water bailiffs with a valid warrant card may ask to see an angler’s licence and permit. They must carry a warrant card as evidence of their legal appointment.
If challenged by anyone while fishing at DAERA Public Angling Estate waters, an angler can ask to see the warrant card to make sure the person who has challenged them has the authorisation to do so.
Impersonation of being a private water bailiff is an offence.
Advice to anglers on reporting unusual catches
What to do if you suspect you have caught:
- an escaped farmed Atlantic salmon
- an escaped farmed Rainbow trout
- an escaped farmed Brown trout
- a non-native Pink salmon
- fish displaying external or internal signs of disease
Report any suspected catches to DAERA Inland Fisheries or Loughs Agency:
If possible take a picture before release and attach it to any report.
Don't kill fish unless in line with fisheries regulations and bag limits.
DAERA Inland Fisheries and Loughs Agency will monitor reports and develop further advice if needed.
Buying angling licences and permits
You can only use the online system to buy DAERA angling licences and permits.
Reports of diseased salmon
Reports have been received of Atlantic salmon from European rivers being caught which have demonstrated symptoms of Red Skin Disease.
If you catch or see Salmon with a red spotted rash, ulceration and bleeding, report to:
Affected salmon should not be removed from the water.
All fishing tackle, boots and fishing jackets should be disinfected.
If you've recently fished in the Republic of Ireland and plan to fish in Northern Ireland, follow the advice at the link below when you leave the water, to stop the spread of invasive species:
How to avoid spreading crayfish plague
Anglers are urged to take precautions to avoid spread of crayfish plague
Safety at waterways
If you're a competitor or a spectator at angling events, always pay attention to safety notices and warnings about waterways.