Upper Bann River

Nearest Town: - Portadown
Area/Length: - 16km
Species: - Pike, Perch, Roach, Bream and  some Brown trout
Season: - All year round for coarse fish 1 March–31 October for Brown trout
Methods: - All lawful methods, including ground bait and maggots for coarse fish
Daily Bag Limit: - 1 pike / 4 coarse per day
Size Limit: - Pike of 4 kg (8.8 lb) and over and coarse greater than 25 cms must be returned to the water
Other Restrictions: - Fishing on Sunday is not permitted on the Hoy’s Meadow Stretch
Boats: - Fishing from boats is not permitted
Licence: - DCAL Coarse Fishing Rod Licence (for coarse fish only)
Permit: - DCAL Coarse Fishing Permit (for coarse fishing only)

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, with the reaches in the Portadown town area established as big match venues. The Department has provided an attractive path along the boulevard on the West bank from Point of Whitecoat to the boathouse. Craigavon Borough Council has provided a footpath from the boathouse through Shillington’s Stretch, which they have developed mainly for pleasure anglers. Other stretches are frequently 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, and courtesy should be exercised at all times. Five fishing areas have been developed by arrangement with the landowners involved. Access to other points may be obtained by anglers through private arrangement.

Access to town areas: Boulevard – from Craigavon via the A3 into Bridge Street crossing the Bann Bridge, take first left in Bridge Street South and continue about 275 metres to car-park on left. There is also access by foot via the path to the boathouse at the end of Portmore Street. Hoy’s Meadow – Going out of Portadown via Bridge Street towards Craigavon (the A3) crossing the Bann Bridge, take the second street on the left, Watson Street. Access to the amenity area and car-parks is via the tunnel under the flyover. Portadown Park (opposite Hoy’s Meadow) – going out of Portadown by Bridge Street and the A4 towards Dungannon under the flyover and passing the factory on the right take the second street on the 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. 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 off the B2 on the left about 180 metres past the flyover across the M1 motorway. – Milk Quay off the B2 by a lane to the left 4 km past the flyover across the M1 motorway directly opposite Bailiff’s Road. Anglers should be careful not to approach the river at points other than those listed, except with the permission of the landowners.