A licence is required to fish for salmon and sea trout. All salmon and sea trout over 50cms retained by the angler must be tagged. Tags are provided with your licence. Permits may also be required.

The Public Angling Estate within Northern Ireland operates as catch and release fisheries, for salmon and sea trout (For full list of these fisheries follow link below).

In all other catchments with the exception of Lough Melvin catch and release operates for salmon during the period 1 March to 31 May and a daily bag limit of two salmon applies thereafter.

On Lough Melvin one salmon may be retained during the period 1 February to 31 May and three salmon from 1 June to 30 September.

You may continue to fish after you have obtained your bag limit but all fish must be returned alive and unharmed (link to take you to how to perform catch and release) to the water.

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

The best salmon and sea trout fishing

River Bush

Bushmills, Co Antrim

The river is a spate water and the best fishing is June to October. Season:1 March–20 October. Find out more about the River Bush.

The Lower Bann

Ballymoney, Co. Derry & Coleraine, Co. Antrim

It has some excellent fly water as well as areas for spinning and bait fishing. The main run is June to September. Find out more about the River Bann.