Near Hilltown, County Down
Spelga Reservoir
Spelga is the wildest-feeling venue in this set: a high Mourne Mountain reservoir where the target is naturally occurring brown trout rather than intensively stocked fish. Its government permit structure keeps access simple and affordable.
Rules
Authorised methods are fly fishing, spinning and worm fishing. DAERA's Spelga page publishes no bag limit. Licence and permit requirements apply, and DAERA can close Public Angling Estate fisheries for management reasons. Boat use is unspecified and is not published as an authorised method. Best months and methods (Better Angler editorial suggestion, not a guarantee of catch rates): April-June and September-October for wild browns, using fly, spinner or worm according to conditions and DAERA regulations.