Days Out NI
Fishing & angling Cookstown

Kilgad Fishery

One of the oldest fly fisheries in Ireland — a stocked 4-acre trout lake near Kells.

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

Kilgad Fishery — One of the oldest fly fisheries in Ireland — a stocked 4-acre trout lake near Kells.

  • Licence & permits: Fishery day ticket plus a DAERA rod licence for game fishing. Check current requirements on nidirect or with the fishery.
  • What you can catch: Rainbow trout (to around 18lb), brown trout (to around 4lb) and golden trout (to around 3lb).
  • Beginners & kids: Fly, float and bung methods are all used here, which helps newcomers. Confirm tackle hire and any tuition with the fishery.
  • Cost: Day ticket on the bank. Check current price by phone.
  • Booking: Turn up and pay; phone ahead to confirm opening.
  • Facilities: Long-established fishery lake; confirm on-site facilities with the fishery.
Plan your visit

The lake

The 4-acre lake is fed with river water and shaped by bays, points and islands that give you plenty of spots to try. It is stocked with rainbow trout up to around 18lb, brown trout to about 4lb and golden trout to roughly 3lb, so there is a real chance of a memorable fish on a good day.

Stocked rainbow, brown and golden trout Rainbows reported to around 18lb Fly, float and bung fishing all practised here One of the oldest fly fisheries in Ireland Small, characterful 4-acre lake
Good to know before you go:

Kilgad is restocked to keep the fishing strong and posts catches and updates on its Facebook page. Contact the fishery for open days or matches.

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
Day-ticket trout fly fishery
What you can catch
Rainbow trout (to around 18lb), brown trout (to around 4lb) and golden trout (to around 3lb)
Licence & permits
Fishery day ticket plus a DAERA rod licence for game fishing. Check current requirements on nidirect or with the fishery.
Beginners & kids
Fly, float and bung methods are all used here, which helps newcomers. Confirm tackle hire and any tuition with the fishery.
Cost
Day ticket on the bank. Check current price by phone.
Booking
Turn up and pay; phone ahead to confirm opening.
Facilities
Long-established fishery lake; confirm on-site facilities with the fishery.
Parking
On-site parking at the fishery.
Address
Kilgad Fishery, 89 Kilgad Road, Kells, Ballymena, Co Antrim BT42 3HY
Booking phone
028 2589 2806
Questions

Before you go

What licence or permit do I need?
Fishery day ticket plus a DAERA rod licence for game fishing. Check current requirements on nidirect or with the fishery.
Is it OK for beginners and children?
Fly, float and bung methods are all used here, which helps newcomers. Confirm tackle hire and any tuition with the fishery.
How much does it cost?
Day ticket on the bank. Check current price by phone.
What can I catch?
Rainbow trout (to around 18lb), brown trout (to around 4lb) and golden trout (to around 3lb)
Do I need to book?
Turn up and pay; phone ahead to confirm opening.
Getting there

Kilgad Fishery is at Kilgad Fishery, 89 Kilgad Road, Kells, Ballymena, Co Antrim BT42 3HY. On-site parking at the fishery. Tap below for directions.

Directions on Google MapsOfficial website See it on our map
Nearby

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The story

About Kilgad Fishery

Kilgad is a well-established 4-acre trout lake near Kells, counted among the oldest fly fisheries in Ireland. Fed by clean river water and dotted with bays, points and small islands, it holds quality rainbow, brown and golden trout. It is a friendly, low-key spot to spend a few hours on the bank.