Kells, Connor & Glenwherry Angling Club
Angling On The Kells Water & Glenwherry Rivers
Angling On The Kells Water & Glenwherry Rivers
About Us
The club was formed in 1948 with just 18 original members and has grown to approximately 200 Adult and 50 Junior members. Originally called the "Kells and Connor Angling club", the name was changed in 2002 to incorporate the Glenwherry River.
The club controls and protects in excess of 14 miles of river. As stated in its constitution the club's objectives are to "preserve, protect and improve game angling on the Kellswater / Glenwherry river and to help promote tourism in the area".
Battery Bridge
The two main tributaries which originate high on the Antrim Plateau are the Glenwherry River, which rises near Agnews Hill and the Killylane Burn, which flows from Killylane reservoir near Shanes Hill on the main Ballymena to Larne Road. Both of these flow west from source and near "the Battery Inn" (now the Misty Burn Cafe) on the A36 are joined by another sizeable tributary, the Douglas Burn, and the river becomes the "Kells Water". From here the river meanders approximately 10 miles to it's confluence with the Maine which in turn flows into Lough Neagh near Randalstown.
Rock Engine Bridge
The river holds a large stock of small native brown trout and is blessed with a substantial run of migratory "Dollaghan" in the latter half of the season (July onwards depending on water levels) from Lough Neagh. Dollaghan are a unique genetic indigenous species of brown trout which live and mature in Lough Neagh before running up the feeder rivers to spawn each year. These fish average 2-3lbs but can grow to reach double figures and provide wonderful sport on our river each year.
The Kells Water also enjoys a late run of Atlantic salmon via the lower Bann and Lough Neagh. In recent years the number of salmon returning to the river has been very significant with 2020 having been the best run of salmon in a generation.
Well-conditioned Dollaghan
The club set up its own hatchery in 2005 and every year since then has released 50,000+ Dollaghan fry into feeder tributaries throughout the river system to help support the natural breeding. In 2014, a new, larger "state of the art" hatchery was opened to further benefit the river.
Dollaghan fry ready to be released
We also work with various angling and environmental groups to enhance the river ecology and monitor the river system. We have also built relationships with local primary schools to educate local children on the wildlife in the river and its importance.
Subject to its membership limit, the club is open to all regardless of religion, political affiliation, gender, sexuality, race or ethnic group.
