Lake Coghinas

Lake Coghinas is an artificial reservoir in northern Sardinia in the historical region of Monteacuto, mostly falling within the territory of the municipality of Oschiri and a smaller part in the municipality of Tula. The basin was built in the 1920s and represents the barrage of the Coghinas into which the rio Mannu di Berchidda and rio Mannu di Ozieri also flow. The lake has a maximum depth of 50 metres and a surface area of 17.9 square kilometres, and recently the jurisdiction over the management of its waters passed to ENAS, the body that manages irrigation waters in Sardinia.

The reservoir is in itself a tourist attraction of considerable importance due to the nature, flora and ichthyofauna of the area. In fact, there are large expanses with the characteristic scents of the Mediterranean maquis and luxuriant holm-oak and cork oak forests that frame the lake. In addition to sport fishing activities, it is certainly an attraction for all canoe lovers as well as for all those who simply like to spend a few hours immersed in the most unspoilt nature.

The lake, being particularly large, is home to a fair variety of fish species. In addition to both queen and mirror carp, there are also large populations of catfish, a few eels, royal perch, sun perch and trout perch or black bass. With regard to the latter, it should be pointed out that Lake Coghinas is somewhat regarded, even overseas and beyond national borders, as a paradise for spinning fishermen in search of large ‘bigmouth’ or black bass weighing even more than 3 kg.

The lake lends itself optimally to all fishing techniques, especially bass fishing. The latter technique has been increasingly practised in recent years, both with motor and electric boats, kayaks and with the classic donut or belly boat.

Despite its excellent response to sport fishing, the lake is still characterised by a strong distrust of prey and this makes every technique practised even more fascinating. In fact, every catch can never be casual, but must be the result of a careful and in-depth study of the spot because prey, although present, are not so easily fooled.