Lowland · Mixed · Co. Antrim / Lough Neagh Tributaries

Six Mile Water

Six Mile Water terrain map
Terrain map

The Six Mile Water is the most famous dollaghan river — a Lough Neagh tributary flowing through Antrim town.

Species

A side-water session, not the main event

Low and clear — careful approach country. Long leader, small flies, slower casts.

75% confidence in this read
Water temperature for brown trout
Cool — slow
6°C est.ideal 1016°C
0°14°28°
Why this score · for brown trout
  • Temperature3928% weight
  • Flow6022% weight
  • Clarity9518% weight
  • Feeding Time5013% weight
  • Pressure807% weight
  • Prey Activity3612% weight
Conditions
Level
Dry recently
No gauge reading
Water temp
6.3°C
Estimated
Clarity
Clear
Air temp
7°C
Wind
W 24 km/h
Moderate breeze
Pressure
1005 hPa
Rain · 48h
0.0 mm
No meaningful rain
Rain · ahead
9.5 mm
Light rain · next 48h

Live readings — water temperature is an estimate where the gauge does not record it.

How to fish it · for brown trout
When
Nymphing can work through most of the day.
Where
Cover mixed depths.
Method
Start with tight-line nymphs and adjust if fish rise or drift higher.
Kit
9 ft #4 rod, floating line, 12 ft tapered leader to 4–5 lb fluoro tippet.
Why this works
Fair conditions. Clarity is favourable (95), Prey activity is weakest (36).
Through the year
0–3 scale · May highlighted
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Trout seasonSeason
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
Terrestrial BeetlesHatch
2
3
3
2
Blue Winged OliveHatch
1
2
2
2
2
1
Black MidgeHatch
1
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
Summer River MidgeHatch
1
2
2
2
1

Numbers are intensity 0 (none) to 3 (peak) — a guide, not a guarantee.

Directions
About this water

The Six Mile Water is the most famous dollaghan river — a Lough Neagh tributary flowing through Antrim town. Dollaghan are endemic lake-run brown trout unique to the Lough Neagh system, running upstream July–October to spawn. Night fishing for dollaghan is a Northern Irish tradition — big fish (2–8 lb, occasional doubles) taken on streamers and large wet flies after dark. Resident brown trout throughout. Managed by Six Mile Water Trust and local clubs.

  • Mixed
Seasons & zones
  • Trout1 March → 31 October
Other water nearby · 5
Booking & contacts