River Clady

River Clady Guide

The River Clady rises in the Sperrin mountains a couple of miles above Maghera, and flows Eastwards through Swatragh, Upperlands and Clady before joining up with the Lower Bann, just downstream of Portglenone. It's a beautiful little Salmon river, with good clean banks and easy access (including disabled stands).

Disabled fishing stands at the club house

The river gets a good run of Autumn Salmon, with the best of the fishing coming in August, September and October. The season doesn't end until the 31st of October in order to accomodate the late running fish. Many fish arrive at the confluence in the Lower Bann as early as the end of June but few run the river until July, with the main run starting in early August. In fact fish run this river until Christmas and even the new year! As an added bonus the river also gets a good run of Bann Trout, which come up with the Salmon. These fish average between 1-2lb, but can get up to 6-7lb.

Head of Weir's pool at Glenone bridge

Most people fish the river between Weirs hole (where the Moneygran, A54, road crosses the river just below Clady), and the Drumnacanon bridge (at the Eden Road), which is a stretch of about 3 miles. The majority of fish are taken in the area starting at the Fishing Club premises (at the Waterwall bar), and extending to a point about 2 miles upstream. The half mile above weir, just upstream of the Fishing club, is particularly productive. Further up the river, just off the Ballymacpeake Road, there are lots of nice holding pools. These pools look a little sluggish but dont be put off, as the current is strong enough to fish flies. There is some nice fly water behind St Mary's College, Clady, which can yield plenty of fish after a spate.

New pools running down to the Waterwall bar.

In years gone by there have been a few 20lb+ fish taken, but like most rivers now the average size has dropped in recent years, to around 6-7lb, with a few double figure fish each season. The fishing is best when the river is fining down from a flood, and at such times you'll get at least 2 good days fishing, but its fishable on any day when the fish are resident. Some of the locals take up to 20 fish in the months of September and October.

Lazy summer day at Innisrush

River Clady Tributaries

River Grillagh

River Clady Neighbouring Rivers

River Agivey
River Lower Bann
River Maine
River Moyola

Fishing the River Clady

River Clady Season

Salmon - 1st March - 31st October
Brown Trout - 1st March - 31st October
Bann Trout - 1st March - 31st October

River Clady Methods

Fly Fishing
Spinning
Worming

River Clady Fishing Authority

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

Northern Ireland Fisheries Management

River Clady Permits

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

Fullans Supermarket
87-89, Main St
Portglenone
BT44 8HR
Tel: + 44 (0)28 2582 1310

River Clady Clubs

Clady & District Angling Club - River Clady
Mrs Margaret Dillon (Secretary)
33 Mayogall Rd
Magherafelt
BT45 8PD
Tel: +44 (0)28 7694 3331

The club leases the entire river, including its tributary, the Grillagh River.

River Clady Ratings

River Clady Fishing Conditions

River Clady 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 Clady, please check with the distributor.