I guys, I have just renewed the rod licence and DCAL permit and am keen to get the gear dusted off and into action.

1) Can anyone suggest where the best options for shore angling are within the DCAL remit? I seem to turn up to more loughs than enough which favour the boat angler. Within easy reach of Belfast is preferable.

2) Is the river Lagan worth a try at all or is it a total waste of time? I can't seem to find anything helpful at all other than what is on the DCAL website.

3) Finally, a slightly separate question, but one I've wondered for quite some time. Who has more rights over the fishing - the land owner or the angling club? A friend of mine owns land along the River Roe in prime salmon angling territory and keeps inviting me down to fish, but I am hesitant in case I am breaking the law. I have the relevant Foyle rod licence, but I am not a member of the Roe Anglers and it is well outside the DCAL stretch. Can anyone help clarify whether I would be doing anything wrong to take my friend up on his offer?

Thanks in advance.

Rob

Hi,

I am visting family near Lisburn over the Easter break and I am considering fishing the upper Lagan next Saturday, water levers permitting.

Somewhere between Thornyford Bridge, outside Dromore, to Spencers Bridge, Flatfield.

I understand licences and permits are available from McIlduff's Fishing and Fieldsports Store, Unit 2B Gilpinstown Road, Lurgan.

I would appreciate any info on fishing this water, flies, tackle, methods etc.

I would also appreciate any info on bank fishing stillwaters, just in case the river is unfishable.

John H

Bump- anyone?

Sorry mate...dont do Dcal, only threw a line in the Lagan once where nobody else can, if club dont have tresspass rights take your mate up on his offer.

I probably will this summer would just be nice to hear people's views. The shop in Limavady seemed to think the landowner has preference over the club but I just would like to know 100% where I stand if the situation arose that I had to defend my fishing!

If no-one other than your friend has tresspass rights then off you go

2) I saw someone fishing the Lagan at the end of Newforge Lane a couple of weeks ago. Don't know if he caught anything but only watched for a few minutes.

3) A few years ago I had permission from the landowner to fish the River Endrick on his land. A written note from him seemed to satisfy the club member who asked to see my permit. Can't see why NI would be different from Scotland in this respect.

Funny I was working on Newforge lane last year and a guy walked past the window in full waders, rod gye net etc. Must go down this week for a recce and maybe chuck a flying c, water levels are getting high after all the rain.

Anyone any more advice on the best DCAL shore angling?

Be careful with the Flying C, still a lot of kelts about there. As the seal found out when it dragged one up the bank at Edenderry last week and proceeded to scoff it in full view of the Sunday strollers

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Game fish are too valuable to be caught only once - Lee Wulff

I'm sure that went down well! Will crunch the barbs down if I do go, can't really anticipate much success anyway given the lack of any encouraging info anywhere about that stretch, but will take your advice on board