Shimna River

Nearest Town: - Newcastle
Area/Length: - 4 km
Species: - Salmon and Sea trout
Season: - 1 March–31 October
Methods: - Fly fishing, spinning and worm fishing
Daily Bag Limit: - Maximum of 2 Sea trout per rod per day. Salmon limits click here
Size Limit: -
Other Restrictions: - Fishing on Sunday not permitted. Anglers must cease fishing when the bag limit is taken
Licence: - Fisheries Conservancy Board Game Fishing Rod Licences
Permit: - DCAL Game Angling Permit and Shimna Anglers Day Ticket

The Shimna River, part of which flows through Ulster’s premier forest park, is partly leased by the Shimna Angling Club and partly owned by the Department. The river is managed by the Club through a management agreement which allows DCAL Annual Season, Juvenile and Local game Permit holders to fish the whole river. Six day tickets are available for the Department owned stretch situated in Tollymore Forest Park and 4 daily tickets are available for the remainder of the river. As the Department’s stretch can only comfortably facilitate 6 rods the Club members are also required to apply for a daily ticket on a first come first served basis. From August onwards salmon appear. The clear water and rocky pools call for special techniques but the skilled angler has a good chance of getting his bag limit when the fish are running.

Daily and weekly tickets are available from the Four Seasons, 47 Main Street, Newcastle and 2 tickets are available from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Office, Forestry Office, at Tollymore Forest Park Monday–Friday 8 am–4.30 pm. Phone Newcastle (028 437 22428). Outside office hours permits are available from the Forest Ranger. Each angler will be allowed to hold only one special permit at any time. The holder must exercise his privilege in a sportsmanlike manner and not interfere with other permit holders.

Tollymore Forest Park was the first of Northern Ireland’s forests to be designated as a forest park. It offers facilities for caravans and camping. Recreational facilities include a visitor centre, cafe, toilets, arboretum and way marked trails. Horse-riding is also permitted.

Newcastle is on the A2 from Belfast. The forest park is signposted.