Overview.
Of all the
lakes that I have, fished here in Ireland, Crenagh holds my attention
more than any other, the lake is not huge, by Irish standards, but it
does have a certain mystique which keeps me coming back again and again.
Species.
Crenagh contains Bream, Rudd, Perch, Pike, Eels and BIG Tench! To
the best of my knowledge there are very big pike in this lake but because
of the constrictions regarding swims they will prove very difficult to
land should you get into one of the bigger ones. The Tench are magnificent,
averaging four to six pounds, on the right day prolific too.
Location.
From Dromod take the road to Mohill, at the main cross road, in the
center of Mohill, turn right, follow the road for about half a mile and
take the right fork towards Lough Rynn, After about quarter of a mile
you will come to an electricity sub station on your left, turn left here
and follow the road until you see Crenagh on your left. There is parking
in the lay by opposite the farm gate.
The Swims.
Walk through the farm gate, closing it after you!, directly down to
the lake, the platform in front of you is, most unfortunately, not really
worthwhile as there are stakes in front of it which, for some reason,
have not been removed, the platform is most probably the best on the lake
but the stakes are a formidable obstacle, half an hour with a tractor
would remedy this matter.. Look to your right and you will see a small
foot bridge, cross over the bridge and follow the path to three platforms,
the last one is probably the best and that's where you will often find
me on those hot, lazy Summer days. The swims in front of these platforms
have a lot of lilies, and I do mean a lot, early in the season the swims
require a good raking to clear a reasonable swim.
Average depth is about four to five feet, the second platform can be very
productive for Bream on the feeder and I have witnessed some really big
bags from this peg, however my main interest is the Tench!!
The Method.
Although I always pre-bait, I am not sure that it does that much good,
the Tench are very nomadic, when they are around you will know it! When
they are not.. enjoy the lovely surroundings! You may have to fish Crenagh
several times before you connect with the Tench but when you do prepare
for the experience of a lifetime, great thumping, red eyed, olive beauties..
Don't use anything under five pounds breaking strain or you will, most
certainly, get broken up again and again. I use a fourteen foot rod and
fish the waggler over depth in traditional Tench style, good hook baits
are worms, corn and Maggots, eels can be a nuisance!
Summary.
Give this most delightful lake a try, be patient and expect several
trips, if you get it on the right day you will take home the experience
of a lifetime!
