Hillsborough Lake
Nearest Town: - Hillsborough
Area/Length: - 16.2 hectares
Species: - Rainbow trout - (See Latest News Regarding Introduction of Carp)
Season: - 1 February–31 December
Methods: - Fly fishing, spinning and worm fishing
Daily Bag Limit: - 4 trout per rod per day
Size Limit: - Minimum takeable size 25.4 cm
Other Restrictions: - Fly fishing is not permitted from the dam or the shore adjacent to the dam nor in the vicinity of the footbridge at the southern point of the lake. These prohibited areas are signposted
Boats: - Fishing from boats is not permitted
Licence: - DCAL Game Fishing Rod Licence
Permit: - DCAL Game Fishing Permit
Area/Length: - 16.2 hectares
Species: - Rainbow trout - (See Latest News Regarding Introduction of Carp)
Season: - 1 February–31 December
Methods: - Fly fishing, spinning and worm fishing
Daily Bag Limit: - 4 trout per rod per day
Size Limit: - Minimum takeable size 25.4 cm
Other Restrictions: - Fly fishing is not permitted from the dam or the shore adjacent to the dam nor in the vicinity of the footbridge at the southern point of the lake. These prohibited areas are signposted
Boats: - Fishing from boats is not permitted
Licence: - DCAL Game Fishing Rod Licence
Permit: - DCAL Game Fishing Permit
Disabled Facilities
There is a tarmac car park which is a short distance along a quarry dust path with a moderate gradient to the fishery. A surfaced path surrounds the lake. Wheelchair access to the water is possible along the dam wall. Fly fishing is not permitted at the dam wall (see other restrictions) due to the proximity of pedestrians.
There is a tarmac car park which is a short distance along a quarry dust path with a moderate gradient to the fishery. A surfaced path surrounds the lake. Wheelchair access to the water is possible along the dam wall. Fly fishing is not permitted at the dam wall (see other restrictions) due to the proximity of pedestrians.
The lake is situated in Hillsborough Forest, a large park with scenic wooded parkland, forest walks and lakeside paths. It is a very popular centre for family picnics and walks, and in addition to the restrictions on fly fishing, great care must be taken by anglers not to endanger the many pedestrians using the area. The lake is also a sanctuary for a great variety of wildlife, including swans and several varieties of ducks, whose interests must be preserved at all costs. Litter, lines and hooks must not be discarded. This is a rich lake, providing hatches of flies such as water hoglouse. Successful flies include gold headed nymphs. buzzers and wooly worm. It is regularly stocked with 5000 takeable rainbow trout.
Cars are not permitted beyond the forest park car-parks. Anglers must observe the closing times of the forest park which are displayed on the gates.
How to get there
From Belfast take the M1 to the Lisburn (Sprucefield) intersection. Take the A1 to Hillsborough, turning left just before the roundabout onto the B177 to go through the town. The entrance is signposted on the Dromore road as you leave the town.
From Ballynahinch, take the B177 to Hillsborough and go through the town, as above.