Angling at Spelga Reservoir
This reservoir, set in the Mourne Mountains, is near the source of the River Bann and supplies water to the Portadown and Banbridge areas.
Key information
| Nearest town | Hilltown |
|---|---|
| Area/length | 60 hectares |
| Species | Brown trout |
| Season | 1 March to 31 October |
| Methods | Fly fishing, spinning and worm fishing |
| Daily bag limit | None |
| Size limit | None |
| 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 |
Wild brown trout fishery
This reservoir is popular during summer. It is run as a wild lough fishery. There are many small, wild trout. Popular flies for the upland water include Bibio, Zulu, and Black Pennel.
How to get there
From Rathfriland
Go south on the B25 to Hilltown. Take the B8 and B27 towards Newcastle. Go right after 1.49 miles towards Kilkeel for 2.48 miles until reaching the head of the valley (signposted).
From Newry
Take the A25 and B8 to Hilltown
From Belfast
Take the A24 through Ballynahinch to Clough. Turn right onto the A25 through Castlewellan and go for 4.97 miles. Turn left for Hilltown (B8). Turn left for Kilkeel (B27) before entering the town.