The Upper Bann is one of Northern Ireland's most celebrated fishing rivers, rising in the Mourne Mountains at Slieve Muck in County Down and flowing approximately 64 kilometres (40 miles) before joining Lough Neagh at Bannfoot, County Armagh. The river passes through a series of towns including Hilltown, Rathfriland, Katesbridge, Banbridge, Gilford, and Portadown, offering a diverse range of fishing experiences along its length. The upper reaches are prized as a quality game fishery for brown trout, salmon, and dollaghan, while the lower stretch from Portadown downstream to Lough Neagh is widely regarded as one of the finest coarse fisheries in Europe. The river's character shifts dramatically from its headwaters to its lower reaches — the upper sections feature streams, pools, and long glides ideal for fly fishing, while the lower river broadens into a slower, more productive coarse fishing venue. The Upper Bann is managed by multiple angling clubs and government bodies, making it accessible to visiting anglers through day tickets and permits across most of its length.