Youth to get their first cast at 2026 North West Angling Fair

PICTURED BELOW: Mayor Ruairí McHugh launching the 2026 North West Angling Fair with Ciarán McGonigle, Director of Aquaculture and Shellfisheries at Loughs Agency, Pauline McClenaghan, Casting Instructor, and Jacob Griffin, Ireland Youth International Fly Fisher. The event will take place over the weekend of Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th March.

Thousands of fishing enthusiasts are expected to descend on the banks of the River Mourne this spring as the Melvin Sports Complex in Strabane prepares to host the 2026 North West Angling Fair.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, this week officially announced Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 2026 as the dates for the annual celebration.

Jointly organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council and the Loughs Agency, the event will feature some of the UK and Ireland’s leading fly dressers, casters, and angling specialists.

The programme will include professional casting and fly-fishing demonstrations on the River Mourne.

This year’s fair will place a particular emphasis on encouraging young people to get involved in the sport, with activities including an Under-16s Fly Tying Competition and beginner-friendly demonstrations designed for newcomers.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to browse and purchase angling merchandise from a wide range of fishing tackle producers, fly-tying brands, and fishing outfitters, all based in the Melvin’s Main Hall.

Mayor McHugh, himself a keen angler, said the fair provides an ideal platform to showcase the North West as a premier angling destination.

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“The North West Angling Fair is a wonderful celebration of every aspect of fishing and an opportunity for anglers of all levels to learn more about their craft.

“Whether you’re a complete beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced angler eager to refine your skills, there is something for everyone.

“Our region is blessed with world-class natural resources for angling, with the Foyle, the Mourne, the Derg, and the Finn rivers all located in close proximity to Strabane.

“This fair gives us a chance to showcase that to a wide audience and encourage more visitors to come here and sample it for themselves.”

Council’s Festival and Events Officer, Catherine Ashford, said they are looking forward to announcing a comprehensive full programme in the coming weeks.

“We are looking forward to welcoming a world-class lineup of fly dressers and casters to this year’s event.

"From expert demonstrations and technique masterclasses to sourcing the latest equipment, the fair offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with others who share a passion for angling.

"We also want to celebrate the many young people in our region who already take part in the sport and create opportunities for those who are new to fishing.”

Ciarán McGonigle, Director of Aquaculture and Shellfisheries at Loughs Agency, said: "The North West Angling Fair is a fantastic weekend for families, anglers or anyone curious to try something new.

"If you're learning new ways to enjoy time by the water, or want to enhance your passion for angling, we are always happy to engage with people at the event.

“We can share responsible angling practices, point you to helpful resources, and help children and adults alike learn more about our rivers, all while celebrating the vital role angling has played in our communities for generations."

For updates and programme information, visit www.derrystrabane.com/anglingfair and follow NorthWestAngling on Facebook.