The Ballinderry River owes its name to a townland near Coagh which translated from Irish means - the place of the oak wood.

Centuries of agricultural development new building developments may have removed much of the great forest that once stretched from the shores of Lough Neagh to the slopes of the Sperrin Mountains; however, the Ballinderry River still flows on majestically as ever.

Its among the foothills of the Sperrins that the crystal clear streams gives the river her birthplace.

Small tributaries gather to the west and north of Cookstown, the largest town in the district before flowing east just touching the southern edge of Cookstown near the townland of Grange.

From here the river cuts through the countryside  meandering towards the hamlet of Drummullan, where the river joins with water flowing from Slieve Gallion and Moneymore. This spot is known locally as 'The Meeting of the Waters,' or simply 'The Meetings.'

Dividing Counties Tyrone and County Derry/Londonderry, the river passes under Coagh Bridge on the final leg of its journey before entering Lough Neagh, the largest inland lough in the UK.

Brown Trout and Dollaghan are constantly on the move from Lough Neagh into the Ballinderry River - and vice versa.

As the fishing season unfolds Atlantic Salmon make their way through the Bann Water System into Lough Neagh, as the fish migrate to their spawning beds in the Sperrins.

Eels, perch can also be landed, although not in as great numbers - commercial fishing in Lough Neagh has led to a decline in their numbers. Some eels are still found in the river and in slow flowing deep pools, an occasional roach can be found.

For further Visions for the Ballinderry check out the following on the WWF website:

http://www.wwf.org.uk/ripple

http://assets.wwf.org.uk/downloads/vision_booklet.pdf

Fishing on the Ballinderry is permitted by annual membership or the purchasing of day tickets. Membership (when free places are available is £20 per year.) Day tickets are £5 from 1 March- 31 May; £8 June - October 31.

Day Tickets are available from:

David Hagan, 16 Windsor Terrace, Coagh - 028 867 37055

Alex Bradley, 35 Bridgend, Coagh

Near Buy Store, Main Street, Coagh

For additional information on membership and fishing the Ballinderry, please use the feeback form above or visit our facebook from the link below

Read John Beers exploits as he searches out

Dollaghan on the Ballinderry River at Coagh

Weather Forecast for the Ballinderry

Ballinderry River Enhancement Association Website