There is a host of angling opportunities within easy reach of the Seeconnell area. Coarse fishing, game fishing and sea angling are all catered for. Some of the best fisheries are in Banbridge District, just Northwest of the cottages on the way to Portadown. The rivers of southeast Ulster produce some of the largest catches of sea trout in all Ireland.
Angling in Northern Ireland is controlled by the Fisheries Conservation Board for Northern Ireland (FCB), and all anglers require a licence from them to fish. A further licence from the fishery owner is also normally required. The largest fishery owner is the Department of Agriculture. Licences can be obtained in advance, and advice sought, by approaching these offices:
Fisheries Conservancy Board
1, Mahon Road
Portadown
Co. Armagh
BT26 3EE
Tel: +44 (0) 1762 334666Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland (Fisheries Division)
Annexe 5
Castle Grounds
Stormont
Belfast
BT4 3PW
Tel: +44 (0) 28 90 522157
Perch and Pike are readily found in most lakes in the region. Certain also play host to Roache, Bream or Rudd. The Newry Canal and Lough Shark each have four of these five species present.
Most fisheries have rainbow and/or brown trout, with one or two also having late salmon. The best time of year for salmon and sea trout in the Shimna river (near Newcastle) and Whitewater river (near Kilkeel) is August to October.
The seas around the north east coast of Ireland are teaming with different varieties of fish. One of the best areas, and only 20 minutes from Seeconell, is Carlingford Lough (contact Carlingford Lough Sea Angling +44 (0) 1693 64906 for details on trips on their high-tech launch, the Sharon Michele). Expect to find tope, pollack, conger eel, ling, cod, and others.
Location: B1, 2-1/2 miles directly east of Downpatrick (signposted). 53 acres. All legal coarse fishing methods except for ground bait and maggots. Fishing from shore only. Rocky shores firm for wading, east bank best. No fishing in fenced-off area at pump house. Be careful not to pollute this public reservoir
| Vanety of fish: | Eel, perch and pike. |
| Permit: | Field & Tackle, 22 Dromore St,
Ballynahinch. Sports Centre, 32 High St, Ballynahinch. H W Kelly, Market St, Downpatrick. |
Location: 3-mile stretch from Newry to the Victoria lock gates on Omeath road, south of town. In winter the Albert basin is a good area for pike, and in summer the Omeath road stretch is highly recommended for other species. Bankside fishing only.
| Variety of fish: | Bream, perch, pike and roach. |
| Permit: | Not needed. Individuals need not book. |
| Group bookings to: | Recreation Department, Newry & Moume Distnct Council, Greenbank, Warrenpoint Rd, Newry BT34 2QU. Tel: (01693) 67226. Fax: (01693) 66177. |
Location: Downpatrick, from old barrier at Quoile bridge downstream to the new barrier at head of Strangford Lough. Easy access from road. 100 acres. Fishing from south bank except from Steamboat quay to Castle Island. Path and fishing stands. No digging for bait. This is an important nature reserve so do not leave bits of line around to harm the waterfowl.
| Variety of fish: | Eel, perch, pike, roach, rudd. |
| Permit: | Field & Tackle, 22 Dromore St, Ballynahinch. Sports Centre, 32 High St, Ballynahinch. H W Kelly, Market St, Downpatrick. |
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