1. Statutory Requirements (Northern Ireland – Mandatory)
1.1 Licences & permission to fish: A DAERA Rod Licence is required for all fishing and can be purchased directly using this link. Fishing without appropriate Rod Licence or Permit may result in prosecution.
1.2 Seasons and close times: You must fish only within the legal open season(s) applicable to the species and water and in line with the seasons. Where seasons vary by catchment, the relevant local season applies.
1.3 Brown trout bag limits and minimum sizes: Where statutory or permit-based bag limits apply, you must comply. The bag limit for brown trout is 3 fish. If you reach a bag limit you may continue fishing only on a strict catch-and-release basis and must return all fish immediately and unharmed.
1.4 Illegal sale: It is illegal to sell rod-caught salmon in the DAERA area. No member or guest may sell, barter, or otherwise dispose of rod-caught salmon or sea trout for reward.
1.5 Methods and tackle: You must comply with any statutory restrictions on methods, baits, hooks and equipment and any additional restrictions in Section 2.
1.6 Enforcement and penalties: Fisheries officers and authorised persons may inspect licences, permits, tackle and catches. Non-compliance can lead to prosecution and/or sanctions.
1.7 Health and safety. Anglers are advised to take appropriate precautions to ensure their safety. The Society advises all anglers that a life jacket must be worn for safety when fishing from a boat or when wading in deep or fast flowing water. There are safety notices on each fishery – anglers are requested to observe the information in these notices.
1.8 Blue Green algae. Anglers are aware that Blue-Green Algae is present in the Lower Bann system and precautions need to be taken. Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can produce harmful toxins, causing skin rashes, eye irritation, vomiting, and fever in people, and severe illness or death in pets. We advise all anglers to carry hand sanitizer with them and use it as required when in contact with water. DAERA’s website contains the most up to date information and we recommend that all anglers review the most up to date information before visiting the fishery. Link can be found here.
2. Fishing Rules
2.1 Permitted methods: Fly and/or spinning and/or prawning (with the exception of Movanagher) only as specified for your fishery. No bait fishing unless expressly authorised in writing by the Society. Spinning will be kept under review by the fishery team as it is each year. If you are in doubt about the method you are using, please speak to one of the fishery team.
Catch and Release remains compulsory for salmon and sea trout angling in the DAERA area and there are resulting strict limitations on fishing methods that may be used. The main points are:
- No barbed hooks may be used; hooks must have the barb flattened or removed.
- Only double or single hooks may be used, no trebles.
- No worming: Worms (and worm-imitating natural baits) are not permitted at any time on club waters.
- Fly fishing, spinning and prawn fishing is allowed, however, spinning will be reviewed in certain circumstances.
2.2 Respect pools, markers and rotation: Fish downstream as standard and follow any beat-specific rotation/“pool priority” notices. Do not cut in ahead of another rod. Fishing can only happen within the designated markers. If you are unclear, please contact a member of the Society’s team for clarification.
2.3 Wading and safety: Wade only where safe. Wear a wading belt and use a staff. Members are responsible for their own safety and for assessing conditions.
2.4 Litter and banks: Take all litter home (including leaders, tippet, hook packets and line). Do not damage fences, gates, or crops. Close gates behind you.
2.5 Biosecurity: Follow Check–Clean–Dry for all equipment (waders, nets, boots, boats and rods) to prevent spread of invasive species and disease. Guidance can be found here.
3. Environmental and River-Condition Closures (Mandatory)
3.1 Warm-water closure: Local Club fisheries may close when water temperature exceeds 21°C. Fishing may resume only when the Society confirms temperatures have fallen to safe levels. If fish welfare is a concern, the temperature threshold may be lowered and notified to anglers.
3.2 High water / flood: Fishing may be restricted or suspended during flood conditions for safety and fish welfare. Many of the fisheries are located on spate rivers and can go into flood at short notice. The Bann System is controlled by a series of sluice gates. it is recommended you check this link which shows what the level is and when or whether the sluice gates are open or closed. For all other tributary rivers in Northern Ireland the local gauges can be checked here before travelling.
4. Fish Handling – Best Practice (Protect the Stock)
Every fish is a valuable asset. The default expectation is careful, efficient catch-and-release. The following are minimum standards:
4.1 Prepare before you cast: Carry forceps/pliers, line cutters and (where appropriate) a knotless rubberised landing net. Keep tools readily accessible.
4.2 Minimise playing time: Use tackle strong enough to land fish quickly and reduce exhaustion.
4.3 Keep fish in the water: Whenever possible, unhook and release fish without lifting them from the water. If a photo is taken, do it quickly and low over the water or a wet mat.
4.4 Wet hands and equipment: Wet your hands and any cradle/mat before contact. Avoid squeezing or touching the gills. Support the fish with two hands.
4.5 Hook removal: Use appropriate tools. If a fish is deep-hooked, cut the line close to the hook rather than causing further injury.
4.6 Revive properly: Hold the fish facing into the current and allow it to recover before release. Do not throw fish back.
4.7 Warm-water caution: When water is warm, reduce handling to the absolute minimum and cease fishing when directed under Section 3. In these circumstances, fish must not be removed from the water.
4.8 Reporting welfare concerns: Report any fish mortality, unusual signs of disease, pollution, or poaching immediately to a member of the fishery team. Dead fish must not be removed from the fishery.
5. Conduct, Compliance and Sanctions
5.1 Courtesy: Be polite to other anglers, landowners, and the public. Keep noise to a minimum and respect privacy. Please dispose of any rubbish appropriately.
5.2 Compliance checks: The Fishery Manager, water keepers, and authorised staff may request to see licences, permits, and catches at any time.
5.3 Sanctions: Breach of these rules may result in (a) a verbal warning, (b) written warning, (c) suspension of fishing, (d) termination of membership, and/or (e) referral to statutory authorities where an offence is suspected.
The Society reserves the right to update these rules and regulations throughout the year and will notify anglers accordingly.
Prior to arrival, it is recommended to read the Angling Rules in Northern Ireland using this link to ensure that Fishing on the River Bann is an enjoyable experience for all.
References (for member information)
