Cringle Reservoir

Cringle Reservoir offers fly and spin fishing. Surface area 4.5 acres, depth 21 metres. Map ref: SC 252 743. Postcode for satnav (not exact): IM9 3BA .

This beautiful reservoir in the south of the Island is located within the Cringle Forestry Plantation, at the foot of South Barrule hill, about 5 km northwest of Ballasalla.  With the exception of the top corner, the entire perimeter is fishable with good fly fishing clearance on most banks. There is a substantial wheelchair-accessible platform close to the disabled users’ car park.

This reservoir offers high quality stocked rainbow trout from 2lb upwards into double figures, along with the occasional wild brown trout. The reservoir is stocked between March and October on a regular basis. An Isle of Man Government Reservoir Licence is required to fish this reservoir.

Match the hatch on an evening rise, and you are sure to have fine sport.  Dry fly, wet fly and nymphing all produce fish.  Favourite dry patterns include Olives, Gnats, Midges and in August & September big Daddy Longlegs patterns.  Buzzer patterns work well for fish sipping from the surface film.  When there is no sign of fish, try a weighted nymph pattern fished on a long leader on a floating line.  Cold weather or seasonal low temperatures will require the use of a wet line to get your fly or lure deeper to fish that are hugging the bottom.  For lure fishing use simple reliable bladed spinners such as Mepps and Abu patterns.  Try a variety of colours until you begin to generate takes.

Parking: There is a large car park at the reservoir.  Disabled anglers can be issued a key to the disabled users’ car park (next to the wheelchair-accessible fishing platform) by Manx Utilities tel. (01624) 687687 or from DEFA headquarters, Thie Slieau Whallian, St Johns tel.(01624) 685857). Proof of eligibility and a small deposit is required.

Season Information: In summer (10th March – 31st Oct.) there is a four fish bag limit (two for a concessionary season licence) while in winter there is a two fish limit for all licence holders. Barbless hooks must be used in winter. The reservoir is closed to fishing from 1st February to 9th March (inclusive).