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River Roe Estuary

County Londonderry · Coastal

Free

The tidal mudflats where the River Roe empties into Lough Foyle near Ballykelly, a wide, sheltered estuary mark that suits worm, crab and fish-strip baits fished on light gear rather than heavy beach-casting tackle.

Access: Free shore access around the estuary, no rod licence needed for sea species but sea trout require one

Parking: Ballykelly and the minor roads along the Lough Foyle shore give access to the estuary banks

Last updated: 20 September 2026

River Roe Estuary

Photo: Simon Huguet, CC BY-SA 2.0

Species you can expect

SpeciesBest season
Silver eel All
Flounder All
Bass Summer
Sea trout Summer
Mullet Summer

Size 1 to 1/0 hooks with worm, crab or fish-strip baits account for the eels and flounder that make up most catches here. School bass turn up in the same conditions, while mullet need the usual specialist float and bread or maggot tactics rather than a standard bottom rig. Sea trout are present but need a rod licence, unlike the rest of the species on this stretch.

Sea fishing needs no rod licence anywhere in the UK - shore, boat or wreck marks are all licence-free.

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Source: British Sea Fishing

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