Reservoirs

Ballure Reservoir | Block Eairy Reservoir | The Eairy Dam | Clypse Reservoir | Kerrowdhoo Reservoir | Cringle Reservoir | Sulby Reservoir | West Baldwin Reservoir

The Island has eight still waters whose rough location can be seen on the adjoining map. They offer a great contrast in fishing as they vary from sheltered lowland reservoirs to exposed upland waters in the central hills. With the exception of the tiny Block Eairy (though plans for here are changing) they are all regularly stocked with rainbow trout with weights up to the mid teens of pounds and all hold a stock of wild brown trout, For safety reasons none of the reservoirs allow wading and no boats are available. All have ample parking close by, apart from Block Eairy, though facilities for disabled anglers are limited.

All anglers have their own favourite style of fly-fishing and it would be difficult to be dogmatic about successful methods on the Island. What works for rainbow trout elsewhere works just as well here - and that doesn't just mean stripping in a lure. Manx fish are receptive to small nymphs and dry flies and if you are fishing imitations it's always worth spooning a fish. Fly life is not prolific in these slightly acid waters, so frequently a 'near enough' pattern will be all that is required. There is little need or benefit to be had by long casting with heavy lines as these can serve to push undisturbed fish out of range. One word of warning - when you fish Manx waters make sure you have plenty of backing! (check your licence for permitted sizes and weights)

Again, every fisherman has his pet spinner and although a windy day may call for something with weight and a slim profile (i.e a Toby rather than a Mepps) small spinners on light lines are all that is needed. A breaking strain of 6lb is ample for any of the reservoirs.

Ballure Reservoir

This is a small reservoir nestling about 300ft in the hills just south of Ramsey. Anglers may fly fish or spin, but fly fishing opportunities are more limited because of the vegetation and steep banks.

Block Eairy Reservoir

A lovely little water which is at around 750ft and just to the west of Sulby Valley. Fishing it involves a steep walk into the hills - follow the track by the pipeline which comes down just by the Irish Cottage. Fly fish or spin and whatever you catch you'll have an afternoon to remember.

The Eairy Dam

Slightly larger than Block Eairy this water lies to the east of the old mining village of Foxdale at about 500ft above sea level. It is alone on the Island in being the only still water where bait fishing is permitted. The margins are marshy and somewhat dangerous so the main fishing area is a short stretch alongside the road - ducks allowing! The nearby Kionslieu Reservoir is private.

Clypse Reservoir

This larger reservoir is just north of Onchan and is approached by a narrow twisty road - take care. At around 250ft it is often fishable (fly only) when more exposed waters are made difficult by high winds.

It contains both shallower stretches and deep holes, mostly at the northern end, so whatever the water temperature the sport should be good. Adjacent to it is Kerrowdhoo reservoir.

Kerrowdhoo Reservoir

The same car parking covers both reservoirs. This water, also fly only, is considerably larger and offers about a mile of bank fishing. The western edge by the dam offers superb summer fishing into 6ft or 7ft of water and elsewhere it can go down to 20ft within casting range.

Cringle Reservoir

This is a most beautiful reservoir in the south of the Island. At around 750ft it can be breezy but the views you can look down to Langness Lighthouse while you are fishing more than make up for it. The western side has the deeper water but all round the underwater contours mean a variety of depths. You can either fly fish or spin.

Sulby Reservoir

Here is a huge splendid upland (c700ft) water which can be daunting because of its size and obvious depth. The shallower water is at the end of the track leading along the western edge away from the car park. You may choose to try and fish all the way round but although virgin water is attractive you will need to be fit! The dam and an area to the west of it is a well signed no fishing zone. Again fishing is either fly or spinning.

West Baldwin Reservoir

Another large water, parts of which probably aren't fished from one year to the next. It's about a mile long and 500ft above sea level. The road runs along the western side, where shallower water is to be found, so access is easy along this shore. Fly fish or spin in lovely surroundings.