Angling at Upper Bann River
This stretch of the River Bann extends from Point of Whitecoat to Lough Neagh. It is one of the best known coarse fisheries in Europe.
Key information
| Nearest town | Portadown |
|---|---|
| Area/length | Area/length |
| Species | Pike, perch, roach and bream |
| Season | All year round |
| Methods | All lawful methods, including ground bait and maggots for coarse fish |
| Daily bag limit | One pike per person/four coarse per day |
| Size limit | Pike weighing 4kg and over and coarse longer than 25cm must be returned to the water |
| Boats | Fishing from boats is not permitted |
| Licence | DAERA coarse rod licence: Coarse rod licence prices from DAERA |
| Permit | DAERA coarse permit: Coarse angling permit prices from DAERA |
| Other restrictions | Fishing on Sunday is not allowed on the Hoy’s Meadow Stretch |
There is an attractive path along the boulevard on the west bank from Point of Whitecoat to the boathouse. Craigavon Borough Council provides a footpath from the boathouse through Shillington’s Stretch, developed mainly for pleasure anglers. Other stretches are often used for competitions. Much of the east bank downstream of Portadown is also accessible.
Anglers should remember that the river is used for water sports, such as boating and canoeing. Show courtesy at all times. Five fishing areas have been developed by arrangement with the landowners. Access to other points may be obtained by anglers through private arrangement.
How to get there
Access to town areas:
Boulevard
From Craigavon via the A3 into Bridge Street, cross the Bann Bridge. Take first left in Bridge Street South and continue about 0.17 miles to the car-park on left. There is also access on foot by the path to the boathouse at the end of Portmore Street.
Hoy’s Meadow
Leave Portadown by Bridge Street and take A3 towards Craigavon. Cross the Bann Bridge. Take the second left, Watson Street. Access to the amenity area and car parks is via the tunnel under the flyover.
Portadown Park (opposite Hoy’s Meadow)
Leave Portadown by Bridge Street and take the A4 for Dungannon. Go under the flyover and pass the factory on the right. Take the second right, Woodside Green, leading to open ground and playing fields by the river. There is a car park area in Churchill Park reached via Woodside Green.
Access to country areas
There are two access points to the river on the east bank. Both are off the B2 and signposted 'Lough Neagh', which is best approached off the A27 to Craigavon.
Irwin’s Quay
Milk Quay
Off the B2 by a lane to the left 2.48 miles past the flyover across the M1 motorway directly opposite Bailiff’s Road.
Anglers should only access the river using the places listed above, unless a landowner grants access from their private land.