I have done three 48 hour trips to Cromwell so far this year and have yet to get a run. Now don’t let that cast a shadow over the lake as I am neither an accomplished carp angler and on each occasion I have visited, blanking has been the lake average with unseasonal low temperatures. I suspect the fish have woken up by now but as has been said, IMHO Cromwell is far from a run’s water. It’s a lake where the fish have got used to the quiet life so a long chuck/boat out to/around the central bar’s is worth a go. Unlike Sapphire where the railway runs beside the lake, the line is further away from the bankside at Cromwell so the midnight freight doesn’t shake your bivvy. On the flip side at Cromwell the rumble of the A1 is a constant grumble in the background. Sadly neither lake offers the peace and serenity of that quiet country estate lake we dream of finding. For the facilities at Cromwell, secure parking, well maintained water and quality of the stock, 25 quid offers value for money and a chance for the day ticket angler to catch a fish of a lifetime.
Sapphire certainly is cheaper and is a cosy, more intimate venue but Cromwell is a much bigger water with elusive but weighty occupants. Two very different waters within a mile of each other so something for everyone.
