The River Bann (Irish: An Bhanna) is the longest river in Ulster, the total length being 80 miles (129km). The river winds its way from the south east corner of the country to the northwest coast, pausing in the middle to widen into the enormous Lough Neagh.

The river has played an important part in the industrialisation of the north of Ireland, especially in the Linen Industry. Today Salmon and Eel fisheries are the most important economic features of the river.

Upper Bann
This stretch of the River Bann extends from Point of Whitecoat to Lough Neagh. It is one of the best known coarse fisheries in Europe, with the reaches in the Portadown town area established as big match venues. The Department has provided an attractive path along the boulevard on the West bank from Point of Whitecoat to the boathouse.

Craigavon Borough Council has provided a footpath from the boathouse through Shillington's Stretch, which they have developed mainly for pleasure anglers. Other stretches are frequently used for competitions. The Council has also developed an amenity area and constructed a number of fishing stands, including some for use by disabled anglers in the Council Stretch of Hoy's Meadow.

Lower Bann
The Lower Bann drains the 250 square miles of Lough Neagh and all the salmon entering the huge system pass through it on their way upstream. The river is slow flowing but there are weirs and lock gates which create holding pools for fish as at Carnroe which provides salmon catches to rival anything in the country.

Two main tributaries of the Lower Bann, the Agivey and the Clady provide good sport when water levels are right with the Agivey being a highly productive small salmon river.

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