Days Out NI
Fishing & angling Hillsborough

Hillsborough Lake (PAE)

A stocked trout lake set inside Hillsborough Forest, where the fishing sits alongside lakeside walks and a family day out.

2 photos
By permitDay ticket or permit
Day ticketBeginners welcome
HillsboroughFishing & angling
Get directionsOfficial website
Day ticketDay ticket
FreshwaterTrout & coarse
Beginners OKKids welcome
Licence + permitBefore you fish
On siteParking

Hillsborough Lake (PAE) — A stocked trout lake set inside Hillsborough Forest, where the fishing sits alongside lakeside walks and a family day out.

  • Licence & permits: DAERA game rod licence plus DAERA game fishing permit for anglers aged 12 and over. Buy at nidirect.
  • What you can catch: Stocked rainbow trout; coarse species including roach, rudd, tench and carp.
  • Beginners & kids: No tackle hire or tuition on site. Under-12s do not need a licence. The surrounding forest and lakeside walk make it easy to bring non-fishing family along.
  • Cost: Rod licence plus permit; check current prices on nidirect.
  • Booking: No booking. Buy licence and permit in advance.
  • Facilities: Car park and disabled car parking on site; forest walks and lakeside paths. No fishing stands and no boats. No tackle hire.
Plan your visit

The fishing

The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and fished by fly, spinning or worm. There is one rule to know: fly fishing is not allowed from the dam, the shore next to the dam, or near the footbridge at the southern end, where spinning and worm fishing only are permitted. The bag limit is four stocked trout, and takeable fish must measure at least 25.4cm. Coarse species including roach, rudd, tench and carp also live in the lake. Boats are not allowed.

Stocked rainbow trout Inside Hillsborough Forest with walks Lakeside path and woodland trails Car park and disabled parking on site Long season, February to December
Good to know before you go:

DAERA stocks the lake with rainbow trout through the season and publishes annual stocking figures. Hillsborough Forest around it hosts seasonal events and walks.

Before you set off

What to bring

  • 🎣Your rod & tackleSome fisheries hire gear — check first if you’re travelling light.
  • 🪪Your rod licence & permitMost NI freshwater fishing needs a DAERA rod licence plus a permit — sort it before you go.
  • 🧥Waterproofs & warm layersYou’re at the water’s edge for hours — dress for it whatever the forecast.
  • 🥪A flask and a pieceThere’s not always a café on the bank, so pack your own.
Good to know

Everything before you go

Type
Government permit water (DAERA Public Angling Estate) - stocked trout, in a public forest
What you can catch
Stocked rainbow trout; coarse species including roach, rudd, tench and carp
Licence & permits
DAERA game rod licence plus DAERA game fishing permit for anglers aged 12 and over. Buy at nidirect
Beginners & kids
No tackle hire or tuition on site. Under-12s do not need a licence. The surrounding forest and lakeside walk make it easy to bring non-fishing family along
Cost
Rod licence plus permit; check current prices on nidirect
Booking
No booking. Buy licence and permit in advance
Facilities
Car park and disabled car parking on site; forest walks and lakeside paths. No fishing stands and no boats. No tackle hire
Season & hours
1 February to 31 December
Address
Hillsborough Lake, Hillsborough Forest, Hillsborough, Co. Down
Questions

Before you go

What licence or permit do I need?
DAERA game rod licence plus DAERA game fishing permit for anglers aged 12 and over. Buy at nidirect
Is it OK for beginners and children?
No tackle hire or tuition on site. Under-12s do not need a licence. The surrounding forest and lakeside walk make it easy to bring non-fishing family along
How much does it cost?
Rod licence plus permit; check current prices on nidirect
What can I catch?
Stocked rainbow trout; coarse species including roach, rudd, tench and carp
Do I need to book?
No booking. Buy licence and permit in advance
Getting there

Hillsborough Lake (PAE) is at Hillsborough Lake, Hillsborough Forest, Hillsborough, Co. Down. Tap below for directions.

Directions on Google MapsOfficial website See it on our map
Nearby

Make more of the day

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The story

About Hillsborough Lake (PAE)

Hillsborough Lake is one of the friendliest waters on the Public Angling Estate because it comes with a whole park attached. The 14-hectare lake is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and sits in the middle of Hillsborough Forest, so one person can fish while the rest of the family walk the lakeside path or the woodland trails. Coarse species live here too. The lake is a wildlife sanctuary, so it stays quiet and green year-round.