The Great Pike Waters of Ireland
Northern Ireland
Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA)
A coarse licence (covering pike fishing) is required by law by anyone over 12 years of age fishing anywhere in Northern Ireland (except angling for sea fish).
It should be noted that a coarse rod licence and a coarse Department permit entitle the holder to use two coarse rods. A separate coarse licence and coarse permit is required for a third and subsequent coarse rod being used. Similarly, holders of juvenile permits are entitled to fish using two coarse rods.
All pike weighing 4kg or more must be returned alive and unharmed to the water and no more than 1 pike per day under 4kg may be retained. In the Foyle and Carlingford catchments these limits also apply, however, one specimen pike captured in a river weighing 9kg or more or captured in a lake weighing 13.6 kg or more may be retained on any one day.
Angling licence and permit prices
These prices are subject to change. please go to https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/angling/rod-licence-and-permit-prices
Buy a licence or permit online
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)
Inland Fisheries, Causeway Exchange, 1-7 Bedford Street, Belfast BT2 7EG
Tel: 0300 200 7860
Web: www.nidirect.gov.uk/angling
Pike angling venues
Portglenone
Co. Antrim
Lough Beg
Lower River Bann
The Lough Beg area lies just north of Lough Neagh and is a premier pike fishery. It has a sluggish flow and some shallow bays. Pike are also found in the deeper navigational channel running through the Lough. Access to Lough Beg is most convenient by boat from Newferry or Toome.
The Lower Bann produces a number of specimen pike every year and it may only be a matter of time before an Irish record is achieved. The most successful methods are spinning and trolling. However, to catch big fish, dead-baiting is recommended. Local anglers find pollen, mackerel, rainbow trout and roach to be the best baits. For the past few years anglers have fly-fished for pike. A number of good fish have been taken of up to 42.5 lbs. (19.28 Kg.) on both the river and Lough Beg. More information can be accessed at: www.nidirect.gov.uk/angling
Kilrea
Co. Derry/Londonderry
Movanagher Canal
Portna Canal
The Movanagher and Portna canals fish particularly well when high flow conditions exist on the River Bann. Pike up to 30 lbs. (13.60 Kg.) have been recorded.
Licence: – DAERA Coarse Fishing Rod Licence
Permit: – DAERA Coarse Fishing Permit. For more information please log on to www.nidirect.gov.uk/angling
Benburb
Co. Tyrone
Creeve Lough
Creeve Lough is developed as a Pike Fishery and Match Fishing
Scientific examination has shown Creeve to be very productive, with a perch growth rate exceeding all other Irish waters. Some very large pike have been taken on deadbaits and the heaviest pike reported was 16.9 kg and measured 109 cm in length. The water is very scenic and well sheltered. Creeve is the sister lake of Brantry and is situated south of the Aughnacloy-Benburb road. A hardcore path surrounds the lake and gives easy access to the fishing stands provided. There is a background of deciduous trees which supply shade to the lake and car-parks.
For more information please log on to: www.nidirect.gov.uk/angling
Keady
Co Armagh
Clay Lake
Clay lake, lying alongside the Castleblaney Road, is renowned as a pike fishery with fish exceeding 30 lbs. (13.60 Kg.). Water levels have been kept high during spring/early summer this past number of years which has prevent the loss of pike spawn in shallow water. Stiles and footsticks have been provided to give easy access along the shore, much of which is stony and safe for wading, although care should be taken in soft areas.
Area/Length: – 48.6 hectares
Methods: – All legitimate pike methods.
Daily Bag Limit: – 1 pike per day
Size Limit: – Pike of 8.8lbs (4 kg) and over must be returned to the water.
Boats: – Fishing from boats is not permitted
Licence: – DAERA Coarse Fishing Rod Licence
Permit: – DAERA Coarse Fishing Permit. For more information please log on to www.nidirect.gov.uk/angling
Lisnaskea
Co. Fermanagh
Killyfole Lough
Colebrooke River
This is a reservoir between Lisnaskea and Rosslea in east Fermanagh. The south side is firm and gravelly with a long sloping shelf. The north side is softer and there is a very dangerous area in the north-west corner where a warning notice indicates sandy banks and deep water.
Area/Length: – 22.6 hectares
Daily Bag Limit: – 1 pike per day
On the Colebrooke River, Large pike are numerous and provide good sport.
Regulations for both fisheries:
Size Limit: – Pike of 8.8lbs (4 kg) and over must be returned to the water
Boats: – Fishing from boats is not permitted
Licence: – DAERA Coarse Fishing Rod Licence
Permit: – DAERA Coarse Fishing Permit. For more information please log on to www.nidirect.gov.uk/angling
Enniskillen
Co. Fermanagh
Upper Lough Erne
Lower Lough Erne
The Erne is one of the finest pike fishing waters in Europe and has become popular as a competition venue for anglers. This is a large lake and can turn dangerous in high winds so anglers should always seek a weather forecast prior to venturing out in a boat. Fishing in the Upper Lough is concentrated between Enniskillen and Newtonbutler with Broadmeadow, Scotch store and Schools stretches being popular. Pike are found in the mainly weedy and reed fringed bays. They congregate there from November to March after which they spread throughout the lough. Winter fishing is best in deeper water and in calmer areas in the river sections. Ballinaleck quay is a favourite angling area. During warmer months pike are taken on spinners, spoons and plugs in shallow reed bays. On warm days pike will bask on the surface and explosive sport can be had using a fly rod and gaudy pike flies.
Area/Length: – 15,303 hectares
Methods: When trolling, fishing rods and lines or hand lines only a maximum of:- (a) four are allowed in a boat occupied by two, three or more people. (b) two in a boat occupied by one person.
Daily Bag Limit: – 1 pike per day.
Size Limit: – Pike of 8.8lbs (4 kg) and over must be returned to the water.
Boats: – Fishing from mechanical and non mechanical boats is permitted.
Licence: – DAERA Coarse Fishing Rod Licence
Permit: – DAERA Coarse Fishing Permit. For more information please log on to: www.nidirect.gov.uk/angling
Belcoo
Co. Fermanagh
Upper Lough Macnean
This wild and very attractive lough resembles a mini Lough Erne with its islands and secluded bays. It is suitable for boat fishing on days when Lough Erne is too rough. The water is very popular as a pike fishery with numerous sheltered weedy bays. The water has good stocks of prey fish and contains large pike.
Area/Length: – This is a cross border lake with 983 hectares of which 458 are in Northern Ireland
Methods: – All legal methods.
Daily Bag Limit: – 1 pike per day.
Size Limit: – pike of 4 kg and over must be returned to the water.
Other Restrictions: – If you do not hold a game Rod Licence any trout taken must be returned gently to the water.
Licence: DAERA Coarse Fishing Rod Licence
Permit: – No permit required. This is a free fishery. For more information please log on to www.nidirect.gov.uk/angling
Belleek
Co. Fermanagh
Lough Scolban
Pike are the main quarry, with fish up to 20 lbs. (9 kg.) caught in this lake. The Department is developing this Lough as a pike fishery and aggressive large pike are regularly removed from the Department’s game fisheries and stocked into this Lough. Caution should be exercised when boating as there are a number of shallow areas in the lough which are unmarked.
Daily Bag Limit: – 1 pike per day
Size Limit: – Pike of 4 kg and over must be returned to the water
Other Restrictions: – If you do not hold a Game Rod Licence and Permit any trout taken must be returned gently to the water.
Boats: – Fishing is permitted from non-mechanical boats only
Disabled Facilities: – See Disabled Fisheries
Licence: – DAERA Coarse Fishing Rod Licence
Permit: – DAERA Coarse Fishing Permit (for coarse fish only). For more information please log on to www.nidirect.gov.uk/angling
