River Agivey

River Agivey Guide

The Agivey River rises in the North Eastern Sperrins, and flows East past Ringsend and Garvagh, before entering the Lower Bann at Aghadowey (8 miles South of Coleraine). It's a smallish river of about 5-10m wide but it's one of the better Salmon Rivers in Northern Ireland.

The Agivey has about 12 miles of fishable Salmon water, and its tributary, the Wee Agivey, has 8 or so miles of mainly trout fishing. The very progressive Agivey Anglers association has worked tirelessly over the past number of years to create many good holding pools, and spawning grounds further up the river. Although not a spate river, it has spate-like qualities in that it drops off quickly after a flood. Still, it remains fishable, even in low water.

Looking upstream from the Cullycapple Bridge

The river gets a few spring fish which average over 10lb and go up to 15lb. There really isn't a big enough run of these to entice many anglers to break out their Salmon rod. The main run of Salmon (mostly Grilse of 4-6lb) starts in June and continues through July and August. Interestingly enough there have been some bigger, summer fish, banked over this past few years, including a 22lb 8oz fish in 2002. This may well be in part due to the demise of the Salmon traps on the Lower Bann at the Cutts.

Agivey at Barclay's Weir pool

The best Salmon fishing on the River is really from the Swirl pool, which is just beyond the Broan Weir (off the Moneycarrie Road), down to the river's confluence with the Lower Bann. There are many noted pools on this stretch, starting with the Barley Pool and O'Hara's, both of which lie just below the Cullycapple Bridge, and Hegarty's Pool, which lies just above the bridge.

The Bull Hole just below the Swirl Pool

As you move up the river the next two notable pools are the Clay Hole and Barclay's weir, which lie about half way between the Cullycapple Bridge and the Bovagh Bridge (where the Mullaghinch Road crosses the river).

Between Bovagh Bridge and the Broan Bridge (Broan Road) there are another four excellent pools, starting with perhaps the best spot on the river, Hunters Pool. The other three as you go up the river are, Betts Pool, The Rock Hole and the Doctor's Weir. From here it's another half mile or so up the Broan Weir, and on to the Swril pool. The fishing beyond that can also be good but on your first visit it might be better to concentrate on those pools I've mentioned.

Hunters Pool - First class Salmon fishing.

As a starting point you could do worse than to come off the A54 Agivey Road, at the Mullaghinch Road, and carry on to you come to the Bovagh Bridge. There you'll see the old mill and Hunters Pool beyond. It's as good a place as any to start your adventure on the Agivey.

The Doctors Weir on the Agivey

River Agivey Tributaries

River Wee Agivey

River Agivey Neighbouring Rivers

River Bush
River Clady
River Lower Bann
River Maine

Fishing the River Agivey

River Agivey Season

Salmon - 1st March - 30th September
Brown Trout - 1st March - 30th September
Bann Trout - 1st March - 30th September

River Agivey Methods

Fly Fishing
Spinning
Worming

River Agivey Fishing Authority

To fish in Ireland you need a rod license from the appropriate fishing authority. You can find the details for the River Agivey at:

Northern Ireland Fisheries Management

River Agivey Permits

As well as a rod license, you'll need a permit to fish the River Agivey. You can get permits from any of the following distributors:

Atkins Angling Centre
71 Coleraine Road
Garvagh
BT51 5HP
Tel: +44 (0)28 2955 7691

Mrs Sheila Mc Cann
162 Agivey Rd
Coleraine
BT51 4AB
Tel: +44 (0)28 7086 8686

River Agivey Clubs

Agivey Anglers Association - River Agivey
Mr Kieran Tully
76a Craigmore Rd, Ringsend
Coleraine
BT51 4HP
Email: secretary@agiveyanglers.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)28 7086 8967
Web: Agivey Anglers Association

The club leases the entire river, including its tributary, the Wee Agivey.

River Agivey Ratings

River Agivey Fishing Conditions

River Agivey Status

Bag Limits

On all Northern Ireland Rivers catch and release is in operation for salmon during the period 1 March to 31 May and a daily bag limit of two salmon applies thereafter.

On Lough Melvin one salmon may be retained during the period 1 February to 31 May and three salmon from 1 June to 30 September.

You may continue to fish after you have obtained your bag limit but all fish must be returned alive and unharmed to the water. All salmon and sea trout over 50cms retained by the angler must be tagged. Tags are provided with your licence.

Local Restrictions

Some rivers impose their own local restrictions so when you are going to buy your permit for the River Agivey, please check with the distributor.