New boost for Ballymoney River

BALLYMONEY River is set to be a popular spot for anglers after thousands of new fish were released by officials.

The Department of Culture Arts and Leisure (DCAL) has managed the Ballymoney River since 2005, through a lease with Bann System Ltd.

The Ballymoney River has historically held good stocks of brown trout and salmon and it is DCAL policy to stock the small tributaries of the Ballymoney River with fry which will eventually grow and sustain a natural population of Brown Trout.

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During the month of May, July and September the river is stocked with 500 trout, to supplement this popular angling spot and now DCAL staff have stocked 100,000 brown trout fry into many locations throughout the catchment.

This stocking ensures value for money for the angler and excellent sport from this hard fighting game fish.

Ballymoney Mayor, Alderman Frank Campbell, attended the May stocking last Tuesday at the river.

Unfortunately, in recent years parts of the river have suffered from pollution and fish stocks have been greatly reduced in certain stretches from time to time.

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The ongoing DCAL Stocking scheme ensures that the Ballymoney River Trout population will continue to grow despite these set backs.

"The upper reaches of the Ballymoney River can sustain large populations of Brown Trout fry due to the excellent water quality," explained Teddy Roughan, Fishery officer for the area.

DCAL were honoured that the Alderman Campbell, the Mayor of Ballymoney Borough Council and Sonya Crawford, Countryside Officer for Ballymoney Borough Council, were able to assist with the stocking, in this worthwhile ongoing fisheries rehabilitation project.

DCAL Licence requirements for Ballymoney River:- Game Rod Licence - 17; 14 Day Rod Licence - 9; 3 Day Rod Licence - 3.50; Concessionary Over 60's Game Rod Licence - 5; Concessionary Disabled Rod Licence - 5; Juvenile Game Rod Licence (12-18 yrs) - 2; Under 12 years old - no rod licence required.

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DCAL Permit requirements for Ballymoney River:- Game Season Permit - 63 (season all waters); Local Season Permit - 47.50; 14 Day Game Permit - 15; 3 Day Game Permit - 5; Concessionary Over 60's Game Permit - 15; Concessionary Disabled Permit - 15; Juvenile Season Permit (Under 18 years old) - 2.

For any queries or questions relating to permit requirements or the Public Angling Estate please visit www.dcal-fishingni.gov.uk or contact (028) 90515116.

Any anglers noticing pollution on the river or its tributaries should contact the pollution hotline number as soon as possible. (0800 80 70 60)

Further details can be obtained from Inland Fisheries at 028 90515116.