Fishing at Portstewart Harbour
A small working harbour on the North Coast that fishes well for pollock on float-fished baits, with cod, whiting, dogfish, wrasse and flounder coming to bottom-fished tackle and mackerel on feathers in calm summer conditions.
📍 View on the mapWhat you can catch → Full fish guide
| Species | Season | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Pollack (Pollock) | Apr–Sep | Float fished ragworm, sandeel or sprat |
| Codling (Juvenile Cod)Whiting | Oct–Feb | Bottom fished bait |
| WrasseFlounder | Spring–Autumn | Bottom fished worm/crab |
| Mackerel | Jun–Aug | Feathers/daylights in calm conditions |
| Dogfish (Lesser-Spotted) | Year-round | Bottom fished bait |
Tactics
Float fish ragworm, sandeel or sprat off the harbour walls for pollock, and switch to bottom-fished worm or crab for cod, whiting, wrasse and flounder. Mullet show up in calm, clear conditions and mackerel can be taken on feathers through summer. For a change of scenery, the adjoining two-mile Portstewart Strand gives bass to peeler crab and ragworm plus plaice, dab and winter whiting and cod off the open sand.
Best tide: Around high water · Best time: Spring–summer for pollock and mackerel; autumn/winter for cod and whiting
Dogs
No verified source. Check current signage and the relevant authority.
Access & parking
Park at the harbour car park in Portstewart town and fish from the harbour walls. Sat-nav: BT55 7BT.Get directions → Family rating: ★☆☆ — The harbour is calm and easy to fish from; the neighbouring Strand is a large, safe family beach.
FAQs
What can you catch at Portstewart Harbour?
Pollock is the headline catch on float-fished bait, with cod, whiting, dogfish, wrasse and flounder also caught on bottom-fished tackle, plus mackerel in summer.
Are dogs allowed at Portstewart?
The harbour itself has no known restriction; on the adjoining National Trust Strand, dogs must be on lead between posts 1 and 10 but can run free beyond post 10.
Nearby marks
Last updated 16 July 2026 — sources & disclaimer
Compiled from angling guides, forums and the relevant council's dog byelaws, cross-checked where possible.
Rules and conditions change, so always check current signage and tides before you go. We do our best to keep this accurate but can't promise it's error-free.