In September 2009 I found this loch was stuffed full of small fish, but on returning in 2010 and 2011, they seemed to have disappeared. Could this be the result of two harsh winters?
I fished it from the bank this year (2011) in early September for about 4 hours in the middle of a cloudy, bright and mild day. There was nothing showing at the near end where the boat is moored, so I moved up to the narrow neck, and started to contact fish well out at long casting distance. I continued up the shore, wading close in (its difficult wading), and hooked a few more. But the density of fish seems low - once a fish is hooked (and returned), its time to move on, since there were no further offers. I had six trout, ranging from a solitary tiddler up to fish of about 8oz (an estimate, since all were returned from debarbed hooks). The highland cattle which wander around the lochside have impressive horns! On my next visit I'll try further up the loch.
Ok - its 14th September 2012, and time for my next visit to Crochach. There was a strong NW wind, but Crochach is still fishable from the north bank in such conditions. As proposed last year, I walked (and climbed) further up the loch to opposite the islands. Casting is reasonably easy from the bank, but there are deep fall-offs close to the edge, so wading does not look a good idea. I carried my waders in a rucksack, but never used them. I fished for about 2 hours in late afternoon, and caught 5 trout, ranging from about 4 to 16oz (all safely returned). Once again, there was no sign of the tiddlers that were everywhere in 2009. This would probably be my favourite loch if it were not for the presence of the cattle, who churn up all paths and make walking a very messy occupation. Boots are essential, and will need a lot of cleaning after a visit.
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