Overview
Lough
McHugh must be one of the most beautiful and peaceful lakes in the area,
situated well off the roads and nestling in a most delightful, peaceful
valley. McHugh has a proper car parking facility and is never heavily
fished.
Species
Most of the usual species are to be found hear along with outstanding
Tench and large Pike (The authors largest to date is twenty pounds).
Location
From Dromod take the Mohill Road to the crossroads in the center
of Mohill, turn left and bear left at the church, follow this road for
approx four miles until you see the sign for McHugh on your right, turn
right and proceed for around half a mile to an entrance on your left (which
looks like a private drive) sign posted Lough McHugh.
Go up the drive and through the farm yard to the farm gate, go through
and please shut the gate behind you!!.
Follow the drive all the way down through the woods until you exit into
the car parking area. Please note: the landowner is a delightful elderly
gentleman, if you see him stop and chat, he is a wealth of knowledge on
the lake, and is always pleased to speak to visitors.
The Swims
There is a large shallow bay in front of the car park, it has
a reputation for good Tench but I have never had any luck there, the best
of the swims are to your left, down past the Island, on the far bank are
several platforms all of which are in a very poor and dangerous condition
and I would advise not using them, it's a hell of a walk anyway!
The Method
Mainly feeder fishing, there is a very deep channel down the center
of the lake, around forty yards out, the best fish are always on the edge
of this channel, plenty of free offerings will be required to get the
fish feeding, also a fairly heavy mix of ground bait carrier will be required,
all baits work well but especially Red and Bronze Maggots, you will need
at least four pints when the fish are on the go.
Summary
McHugh is a delight for the family angler with a safe and secure
car park and lots of nice grassy banks, there is a profusion of wild life
on and around this beautiful lake, it's the sort of venue where the fishing
can be secondary to the surroundings.
