10 November, 2026
We had a great trip. We were impressed with the work that Anthony has done to the lake and the facilities. He was on site if ever we needed him but left us to do our thing. Fishing was tough but I managed 10 bites sadly only landing 7 and my friend caught 1. A common and mirror both 45lb, 37lb mirror and a 30lb mirror a beautiful fully scaled that’s one for the future and a good scrap with one of the resident Sturgeon. We will return at some time in the future.
08 November, 2026
A magnificent lake in a natural setting with turquoise-blue water and a great stock of fish—I landed a dozen between 12kg and 22kg over three days. For this time of year, I couldn’t have asked for more. A successful session; I can’t wait to return.
08 November, 2026
🎣 A delightful time at Étang de la Clarté!
As the owner of the pond, I found a bit of free time and decided to take advantage of it by doing some fishing at swim 2. The result: 8 fish on the mat! 😍
As for bait, 4 fish were caught using “Mûre-Cassis” (Blackberry-Blackcurrant) and 4 using “TKC” from APEC Baits. As a bonus, I even landed this magnificent Koi carp—I hadn’t seen it since it was first introduced to the pond! What a joy to come across it again! ❤️
The average size is superb; the fish are growing very well, boasting beautiful body shapes and incredible form. They are in perfect health and put up a fantastic fight!
I am very satisfied with how my stock is developing, and above all, thrilled to see that all this hard work is paying off.
Étang de la Clarté—where the fish are in great shape and the excitement is guaranteed! 💪🐟
08 November, 2026
🎣🎣🎣 Étang de la Clarté 🎣🎣🎣
Discovering the Étang de la Clarté in the Sarthe department.
A magnificent session at a beautiful gravel pit.
We landed 9 fish, all with truly breathtaking scale patterns.
The water is a stunning blue, the fishing spots are well-maintained and fully set up for catch-and-release, and there’s a chalet equipped with everything an angler could need for comfort (shower, toilet, kitchen, stove, fridge, etc.). The owner is absolutely fantastic—he takes the time to explain what works and how the lake operates, and he is just incredibly kind!
We were lucky enough to spend 24 hours with Anthony, the owner, who set up at swim #2.
It was a great time sharing stories, enjoying a hot meal at the picnic table, and—of course—catching fish!
All our fish were caught using APEC pellets and boilies.
During those 24 hours, Anthony helped us land some real gems from this gravel pit! I’ll let you check out his Facebook or Instagram page, “Étang de la Clarté”—prepare to be amazed! 😍
I’ll leave you with these lovely photos from our session.
Can’t wait to return to this lake!
06 November, 2026
Our final guests of the 2026 had had to postpone their summer visit for personal reasons and the weather when they arrived was definitely not hot. After a long hot summer the rain had finally arrived but this did not deter these two anglers, Andrew and Ken, who were visiting our lakes for the 3rd time with their wives, Teresa and Liz. The last time they were here was 22 years ago, on the Kingfisher lake. That was their 2nd visit, after having blanked on Lac Lucie the year before. Back then they had their teenage daughters with them who were now grown up and doing their own thing. We even managed to find the record of their week on Kingfisher in an old visitors book where they had had a great week.
Since then Andrew and Ken have not done a great deal of fishing but have spent some time in France, with property in Northern France and they have done a lot of travelling around the country. Having recently got back into fishing, and having sold their French property they decided to revisit an old haunt. And we were pleased that they did as we had a great week getting to know them.
They arrived just as the rain started but quickly got the camper van unloaded and everything unpacked into the chalet. The plan was to hopefully get set up on Sunday and start fishing once the rain stopped but it didn’t stop until about 2pm on Sunday afternoon with a total of 33mm since the day before. Having spent all morning in the chalet the two of them took their stuff down to the lake and got a few spots baited up, deciding to make a good go of it on Monday instead, after a visit to the supermarket. They had enough to amuse themselves though, bringing with them books and card games etc and enjoying the chalet and each others company.
With Andrew fishing to the left bank and Ken to the right they were quickly set up on the main bank together with a bivvy to store their things in just in case it rained again. They were not planning on fishing the nights, preferring the warmth and dry of the chalet but intended to start first light and fish until it got dark, weather permitting. They were here to get away from everyday life as much as to catch fish.
We popped down to see them on Monday afternoon and they had only had their rods in the water for about an hour as they had been out and it had rained a little. As is often the way, we must be lucky charms, the first rod went off whilst we were there chatting to them and we enjoyed seeing them land the first fish of the week, a 22lb 10oz mirror for Andrew.
Nigel discussed using the bait boat and had popped up to get it whilst they were getting the fish back in the water. He was just giving them a quick lesson on how to use it when Ken’s rod went off and he landed a 19lb 8oz common
Neither of them were over keen on having photos taken with the fish, preferring to get them sorted out and back in the water as soon as possible. Andrew ended the day with another three commons on Monday, weighing 17lb 5oz, 20lb and 24lb. Ken didn’t have any more that day.
On Tuesday it was Ken’s day, catching a new PB after 20+ years with this 36lb 8oz common. Andrew had another 20lb common on Tuesday. It had been a nice morning with the sun out and only a little bit of rain around teatime when they had packed up for the day anyway.
Unfortunately on Wednesday Andrew was not feeling very well so the group spent the day in the chalet whilst he recovered. Ken is not keen on fishing on his own but they were all happy and Liz enjoyed a nice walk around both lakes in the afternoon looking at all of the different fungi that we have growing here at this time of year – but not picking any to eat.
Thursday and Friday were both beautiful days with the sun shining all day and temperatures up to 18°C on Friday. The ladies made the most of the sunshine and spent the days outside watching their husbands enjoy the fishing. Liz enjoyed collecting some of the thousands of chestnuts that had fallen from the trees and making us a nice picture on the picnic table.
They also got to witness the spectacle of the cranes that we enjoy at this time of year. During their journey south for the winter, we have flock after flock of cranes travelling in a classic V-formation and are incredibly noisy. Apparently they travel between Scandinavia and southern Spain and Portugal. For us it is a sign that winter is coming and we will have to wait until the spring before they fly across us again.
Andrew and Ken made the most of their last two days fishing and enjoyed the sunshine and the ladies company. They popped out for a few bits on Thursday morning and were straight down to the lake when they got back. We were just going out at around 3.30pm on Thursday when we saw some activity and Andrew had a fish on. The ladies were filming him from the top of the bank and he landed a new PB common weighing 36lb 3oz. Ken had two further fish on Thursday weighing 29lb 8oz and 28lb 8oz so a worthwhile day.
Friday comes around way too quickly and there were no further fish on the bank for Ken but Andrew had two more, a common weighing 26lb 3oz and a mirror 23lb 3oz.
Considering they had only really fished for 4 days in total they had had a very productive week with Andrew landing 8 carp in total (we don’t count the one that got away, the roach or the other tiny fish that was apparently stuck to one of the carp) and Ken with 4 on the bank.
We have really enjoyed getting to know these two lovely couples and will look forward to seeing Andrew and Ken next year when they fly out to us mid season, with Andrew’s twin bother as well.
Final summary was 12 carp on the bank with zero babies, 2 at 10lb+, 8 at 20lb+ and 2 at 30lb+. Until the next time bonne journée et à bientôt….
06 November, 2026
Updated November 2026 for the 2027 season.
Northern France is the easiest place for UK anglers to fish for big carp. Many lakes are just a few hours’ drive from the ferry ports or Eurotunnel. In this guide we cover the carp lakes we list across northern France, grouped by region. For each region we explain which ports make the most sense, then pick out the lakes we think are worth a look for 2027.
Looking for the shortest possible drive? See our dedicated guide to carp lakes near Calais, which compares the lakes closest to the port by distance, fish size and availability.
Choosing the right crossing can save you hours of driving. As a rough guide:
Each lake listing shows the driving distance from every main port, so it is worth checking before you book your crossing. You can also compare ferry crossings here.
The Hauts-de-France region, which takes in Picardy, the Oise and the Aisne, is the closest part of France to the UK. Lakes here are mostly small, intimate venues booked by one group at a time, which suit short trips and small groups of friends.
A mature 7-acre former gravel pit in the Oise, near Beauvais. It holds around 150 carp with an average close to 40lb and fish over 60lb. There are only three swims, so it is perfect for a small group chasing quality rather than numbers.
A peaceful 5-acre lake near Soissons in the Aisne, booked exclusively for up to five anglers. Carp go to around 55lb with plenty of thirties and forties, and it is a good choice for a first trip to France.
A wild, mature 6-acre lake at Lac Soupir in the Aisne, stocked mainly with original carp dating back to the 1980s. It is booked exclusively for up to four anglers, with a private lakeside chalet and plenty of features for daytime stalking.
An intimate 3-acre lake for up to four anglers, with a comfortable lodge behind the water. It holds around 100 carp to 57lb and is ideal for father-and-son trips or anglers who want a bit of comfort.
A shallow 10-acre drive and survive lake in Picardy, booked exclusively for up to four anglers. It is an action water, with catches of 20 to 30 carp a week common and fish to just under 50lb.
A mature 5-acre exclusive lake for up to four anglers. Around 50 of its 120 carp are English-looking originals averaging about 40lb, giving it the feel of a traditional syndicate water.
The Champagne region, covering the Marne, Aube and Haute-Marne, has the biggest choice of carp lakes in northern France. It is home to several genuine big-fish waters, large gravel pits for groups, and quiet exclusive lakes, all within a comfortable day’s drive of the Channel ports.
A 23-acre lake in the Marne holding around 350 carp, at least 50 of them over 50lb and a lake record of 74lb. It can be booked per angler or exclusively for up to 12 anglers, with parking behind the swims and good facilities.
A fenced, secluded 8-acre lake set in woodland, where most of the carp are over 40lb and the lake record is 74lb. Up to six anglers have 14 swims to choose from, all reachable by car, and there are no crayfish, poisson chat or bream.
A natural, rugged 27-acre lake with around 450 carp, an average of about 31lb and at least six fish over 60lb. It rewards anglers with good watercraft who prefer less pressured fish.
A clear, weed-free 19-acre gravel pit for up to 12 anglers, with four double swims, five singles and a gravel track around the whole lake. It holds around 300 carp with a good head of forties and a lake record in the high 50s, and the owner’s feeding programme means they are growing each season.
A 10-acre lake near Vitry-le-François with carp to over 60lb and an average of around 35lb. Up to six anglers have 13 swims to choose from, with islands, bays and deep margins to fish to, and weekly catches of 50 or more carp are not unusual.
A 12.5-acre gravel pit booked exclusively for up to six anglers, with nine large swims, an anglers’ lodge and a bailiff on site. It holds around 200 to 250 carp averaging about 30lb, with the biggest in the mid to upper 50s.
A 3-acre lake north of Reims dating back to the 1960s, stocked mostly with original dark mirrors and scaly commons to a 62lb record. With room for only three anglers, it is one for experienced anglers who enjoy stalking.
A sociable 6-acre exclusive lake with accommodation right on the water and a hot tub close to the rods. It holds around 120 carp to 53lb and is a strong choice for families or groups that include non-anglers.
A clear, spring-fed 5-acre lake with two islands, booked exclusively for up to four anglers, close to Montier-en-Der and the Lac du Der. Extra non-angling guests can come for a small charge, which makes it a good option for a family trip.
A 52-acre former quarry in the Aube for up to 16 anglers, with around 750 carp, an average over 40lb and a mirror record of 71lb. It is a big, feature-rich water where an echo sounder and boat help you find the fish.
A wild 10-acre lake in the Aube with just two double swims, each with a cabin overhanging the water. It is booked exclusively for up to four anglers and suits friends or dads and sons wanting a private, natural setting.
Just east and south of Paris, these lakes are still an easy drive from Calais and offer some of the biggest carp in northern France.
New for 2027, a 45-acre former gravel pit at Méry-sur-Marne for up to 14 anglers. It holds around 600 carp with mirrors to 73lb, commons to 68lb and an average over 30lb, and boats are allowed for working the water.
An 18.5-acre lake near the River Marne with eight double swims for up to 12 anglers. There are over 500 carp averaging 33lb, including several sixties, plus grass carp to over 75lb.
A natural, syndicate-style 7-acre lake south-east of Paris, booked exclusively for up to five anglers. It holds around 100 to 120 carp averaging about 40lb, with mirrors and commons to over 65lb, and suits experienced anglers.
A tree-lined 17-acre lake south of Paris with around 500 dark carp to 70lb. It has four double swims, each with its own cabin, including an island swim reached by boat, and can be booked per swim or exclusively.
Normandy is often quicker to reach through Dieppe, Le Havre or Caen than through Calais. Lakes here tend to be small, peaceful venues, many with comfortable accommodation, so they suit couples, families and small groups.
A 5-acre estate-style lake in central Normandy, around 350 years old and surrounded by mature oaks. It holds big carp to over 60lb and can be booked per angler or exclusively for up to five anglers.
A stream-fed 5-acre lake for up to four anglers, within easy reach of Caen and Le Havre. It holds carp to over 50lb, and most swims have cabins with power, lights and Wi-Fi.
An intimate one-acre lake for two anglers in a chestnut forest, about two hours from Caen. It holds around 130 carp to 51lb, with a two-bedroom chalet and hot tub overlooking the water, plus a small, well-stocked second lake for children.
A 2-acre woodland lake in Lower Normandy, about 1.5 hours from Caen, for up to three anglers. Each swim has its own accommodation that you can fish from, and a food package is available.
For lakes in Hauts-de-France, Champagne and around Paris, Calais or Dunkirk is usually the quickest. For Normandy, Dieppe, Le Havre or Caen will often save a long drive. Check the port distances on each lake listing before booking your crossing.
Yes. Lac Baleine, Etang la Saussaie, Etang de Méry and The Farm Lake all hold carp over 70lb, and many other lakes in this guide have fish over 60lb.
Misty Waters, Noah’s Lake, Hill House Lake, Belenos Lake, Domaine de la Baronne, Chestnut Pool and Hideaway Lake all have accommodation or cabins by the water. See our full list of carp lakes in France with accommodation.
Yes. Many of the lakes in this guide are booked exclusively, so your group has the water to itself. Browse our exclusive drive and survive lakes to see them all.
Peak spring and autumn weeks on the smaller exclusive lakes go first, so booking six to twelve months ahead is sensible. If your dates are flexible, there is usually a wider choice outside those weeks.
Can’t decide? Search all our carp lakes in France, or message us with your dates, group size and how far you’re happy to drive and we’ll point you to the right lake.
04 November, 2026
Trying to book a carp fishing trip in France close to Calais can be frustrating. Many of the better-known venues are heavily promoted, talked about everywhere, and often booked up years in advance. That leaves a lot of anglers searching through the same lists, only to find the lakes they actually want are either unavailable or unrealistic unless they plan far further ahead than they want to.
This guide takes a different approach. It has been updated for 2027 with six more lakes, all within about three and a quarter hours of Calais.
Rather than simply listing carp lakes near Calais, this article focuses on venues that offer a realistic chance of being booked, while still giving anglers access to quality fishing, good facilities, and trusted venues. Some are ideal for groups, some suit anglers chasing big carp, and others are better for comfort, action, or a more natural style of fishing. The key point is that these are lakes worth considering if you want a France trip without having to wait years.
If you want to get straight to the point, these are some of the standout options depending on the type of trip you want:
See the comparison table below, then click through to jump straight to each lake.
Click any lake name to jump straight to the full write-up.
| Lake | Distance | Best For | Max Size | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheshire Lake | 3h 15m | Big carp, experienced anglers | 70lb | Hard |
| Chef de Ville | 2h 50m | Groups, action | 60lb+ | Medium |
| Misty Waters Lake | 2h | Comfort, small groups | 57lb | Medium |
| Lac Baleine | 3h 30m | Big lake, big fish | 74lb | Medium |
| Belenos Lake | 3h 30m | Unique, exclusive | 50lb+ | Medium |
| Hill House Lake | 3h 30m | Comfort, social | 53lb | Easy–Med |
| Domaine de la Baronne | 3h | Action, big carp | 67lb | Medium |
| Etang de Bernière | 3h 30m | Natural, big carp | 60lb+ | Med–Hard |
| Lac du Blaireau (Badger Lake) | 2–2.5h | Character fish | 50lb+ | Medium |
| Etang de Méry | 3h 15m | Big water, big carp | 73lb | Med–Hard |
| Etang 13 | 2h 20m | Big average, small groups | 62lb | Medium |
| Willow Pool | 2h 30m | Small groups, quality fish | 55lb | Easy–Med |
| Jack’s Lake | 2h 30m | Original old carp, stalking | 62lb | Hard |
| Noah’s Lake | 2h 30m | Original carp, lakeside chalet | 50lb+ | Med–Hard |
| Lac du Cygne | 2h | Action, drive and survive | Under 50lb | Easy |
The problem is not that there are no good carp lakes near Calais. The problem is that a relatively small number of venues get most of the attention.
The same lakes are recommended repeatedly, shared across forums and social media, and end up with demand far beyond what they can realistically handle. In many cases, the best peak dates disappear a long way in advance. For anglers who just want a good trip within sensible travelling distance of Calais, that can make the whole process feel more difficult than it needs to be.
That is why it makes sense to look beyond the obvious names and focus on trusted venues that still offer strong fishing and good facilities, but with a more realistic chance of securing a booking.
Not every venue suits every angler, and one of the easiest ways to choose the right lake is to think about what you actually want from the trip.
Look for lakes with exclusive booking, double swims, or accommodation close to the water. These venues make it easier to fish together and enjoy the trip as a shared experience.
Lower-stock lakes with a better average fish size can be a better fit. They are often more challenging, but the rewards are bigger when it comes together.
Higher-stock lakes with a strong head of carp will usually keep things moving and are ideal for shorter trips or anglers who simply want regular chances.
Focus on lakes with cabins, lodges, or well-developed facilities. These can make a huge difference, especially on longer trips or when fishing with non-angling guests.
Distance from Calais: around 3 hours 15 minutes
Best For: Big carp, experienced anglers, exclusive groups
Cheshire Lake is a 7-acre exclusive-use venue in the south-east of Paris with a very different feel to the average holiday lake. It holds around 100 to 120 carp, including some very old original fish, with an average size over 40lb and the biggest fish pushing close to 70lb.
This is not a runs water. It is a lake where each fish feels special, and the setting has more in common with a natural English syndicate-style venue than a heavily commercialised French holiday fishery. The facilities are basic but functional, with toilets, showers, and fridge freezers. Crayfish are present, so that is something anglers need to plan for.
Honest opinion: Cheshire Lake is a proper thinking angler’s water. It will not suit people who want quick action or easy bites, but if you are prepared to work for your fish, it offers the sort of rewards that make a trip memorable.
Availability insight: Because it is more challenging and more specialist in appeal, Cheshire Lake can still be more realistic to book than many heavily hyped big fish waters.
Distance from Calais: around 2 hours 50 minutes
Best For: Groups, action, big carp, social trips
Chef de Ville is an 18-acre lake with 8 double swims and a maximum of 12 anglers, making it a strong option for groups as well as smaller parties booking by the swim. The stock is impressive, with more than 500 carp, an average fish size of around 33lb, at least 25 forties, 8 fifties, and at least 3 fish over 60lb. There are also huge grass carp to over 75lb.
The lake offers a very good balance of action and fish quality. When you get on the fish, bites should not be too hard to come by, and there is still a proper chance of landing something special. The facilities are excellent, with a modern clubhouse, kitchen, seating area, terrace, hot showers, and flush toilets. Parking behind each swim makes access easy, and food packages are available.
Honest opinion: This is a very well-rounded venue and one of the easier lakes on this list to recommend to a wide range of anglers. It is social, accessible, and productive, while still giving anglers a proper chance of a 40, 50, or even 60.
Availability insight: Since being taken over by new owners in 2023, the lake has improved massively and is becoming more popular. Peak dates now really need to be booked around 12 months ahead, and demand is likely to keep growing.
Distance from Calais: around 2 hours
Best For: Comfort, small groups, quality fish
Misty Waters is an intimate 3-acre venue in the Hauts-de-France region, making it one of the most accessible options on this list. It holds around 100 carp to 57lb, including 4 fish over 50lb, around 20 forties, and at least 40 thirties.
The lake is limited to just 4 anglers, which helps it keep a quieter feel, and it is not a runs water, although it is not overly difficult either. What makes it especially attractive is the accommodation. There is a wooden lodge set just behind the lake with a bedroom, lounge, kitchen, shower, and toilet, and there is also a cabin that can be night-fished from. Food packages are available.
Honest opinion: This is a really appealing option for small groups, father-and-son trips, or anglers who want comfort without losing the sense that they are still on a quality carp venue. It strikes a very nice balance between accessibility, fish size, and ease.
Availability insight: Because it is easy to get to, comfortable, and limited to a small number of anglers, Misty Waters books quickly. For prime dates, booking around a year ahead is sensible.
Distance from Calais: around 3 hours 30 minutes
Best For: Big lake fishing, action, big fish, social groups
Lac Baleine is a 23-acre lake in the Champagne region with 23 swims and a maximum of 14 anglers. It holds around 350 carp, with at least 25 fish over 50lb, at least 10 over 65lb, and a lake record of 74lb.
This is a bigger water than many holiday venues, but it still has a good stocking density, which means anglers can often enjoy regular action alongside a very real chance of landing a serious carp. When the lake is fishing well, it can produce excellent weekly catch totals. There are plenty of features to fish to, and the facilities include hot showers, English-style toilets, a kitchen area, social spaces, and parking behind the swims.
Honest opinion: Lac Baleine is popular for good reason. It offers a rare balance of decent action and fish of real size. It is not a beginner’s runs water, but it is also not an ultra-hard challenge venue, which makes it a very appealing middle ground.
Availability insight: It is a popular choice, especially at peak times, but the larger number of swims and flexible booking options can make it more realistic to secure than smaller exclusive lakes.
Distance from Calais: around 3 hours 30 minutes
Best For: Unique experience, comfort, exclusivity
Belenos Lake is a 10-acre exclusive venue with just 2 double swims, each with cabins that overhang the water. It holds around 200 carp to over 50lb, with the possibility that there may be uncaught bigger fish still present.
The setting is one of the main attractions here. Apart from the two swims, much of the lake remains natural and overgrown, giving it a wild, private atmosphere. The larger cabin has solar-powered electricity, plug sockets, a kitchen, shower, toilet, and Wi-Fi, while both cabins can sleep two anglers comfortably.
Honest opinion: Belenos is one of the most distinctive lakes in the whole list. The overwater cabins and natural surroundings make it feel different to the standard French holiday venue, and that uniqueness is a big part of its appeal.
Availability insight: With only two swims and a maximum of four anglers, availability is naturally limited. Its growing reputation means booking ahead is wise, especially for the better dates.
Distance from Calais: around 3 hours 30 minutes
Best For: Social trips, comfort, families, mixed groups
Hill House Lake is a 6-acre exclusive venue in the Champagne region with around 120 carp to 53lb and an average size of just over 30lb. The owner’s feeding programme has helped the fish put on substantial weight, and the lake continues to improve.
This is a very social setup. All 5 swims are on the same bank, and 2 large double swims are just 10 metres from the accommodation. The accommodation itself is right on the water, and there is even a hot tub only a short dash from the rods. It is not a difficult lake, and action can be very good throughout the week.
Honest opinion: Hill House is one of the strongest choices for anglers who want a comfortable, sociable trip. It is especially good for friends, families, or groups that include non-anglers, because the whole venue is set up to make the experience enjoyable rather than hard work.
Availability insight: Good accommodation and a strong social layout always attract attention, so peak dates can fill well in advance. Still, it remains more realistic than many heavily promoted comfort-led venues.
Distance from Calais: around 3 hours
Best For: Action, big carp, groups, anglers happy to adapt
Domaine de la Baronne is located south of Paris and holds around 500 carp to 67lb, including a very healthy spread of twenties, thirties, forties, and a few grass carp over 70lb. It has 4 double swims, each with a newly installed cabin for the 2026 season, including one very distinctive swim on an island accessed by boat.
Historically, much of the fishing has involved finding spots at range, with boats proving useful for spotting and placing rigs. For the 2026 season, blue dye has been added to the water to suppress weed growth, which should open up more fishable areas and reduce the need to fish at long range quite so often. New showers, toilets, a kitchen, bait shop, solar-powered cabins, and food packages all add to the appeal.
Honest opinion: This is an exciting lake with a lot going for it. The stock levels should keep anglers interested, but the lake still has enough scale and variety to stop it feeling too easy. The 2026 upgrades make it one to watch very closely.
Availability insight: The improvements for 2026 are likely to increase demand, so although it should still be more accessible than some better-known venues right now, that may not last forever.
Distance from Calais: around 3 hours 30 minutes
Best For: Natural venues, big carp, experienced anglers, watercraft
Etang de Bernière is a 27-acre lake in the Champagne region holding around 450 carp to well over 60lb, including at least 6 fish over 60lb, 15 to 20 over 50lb, and well over 100 forties. The average size is about 31lb.
This is a bigger and more rugged venue than many holiday fisheries, with plenty of features to fish to and areas of weed that can play a role. There are some bream, poisson chat, and crayfish present, especially in warmer months, so anglers may want to adjust bait choice when nuisance species become active. Facilities include a wash block with hot showers and flush toilets, plus a lodge with kitchen and bait freezers.
Honest opinion: This lake will appeal to anglers who prefer carp that feel less pressured and behave more naturally. It is not manicured, and that is part of the attraction. Watch the water well, fish with good watercraft, and it can be a very rewarding place.
Availability insight: Because it is a more natural, less commercial-feeling venue, it can sometimes be easier to book than easier, more polished holiday lakes.
Distance from Calais: around 2 to 2.5 hours
Best For: Character fish, traditional angling, small groups
Lac du Blaireau is a 5-acre lake in northern France holding around 120 carp. What makes it stand out is the stock profile. Around 50 of the original pedigree carp average around 40lb, with some thought to be around 60 years old. Since then, additional fish have been introduced in 2020 and 2022, including a mix of twenties, thirties, and some larger fish to 50lb.
The lake has a natural feel similar to a traditional English syndicate water, but it is not overly difficult. Facilities are simple rather than luxurious, with a hot shower, flush toilet, and solar-powered sockets for charging batteries.
Honest opinion: This is a really interesting venue because it offers character fish and a more traditional atmosphere without becoming a brutal challenge. The original stock gives it something many commercial holiday venues simply do not have.
Availability insight: With only a small number of anglers and a style of fishing that is becoming more appreciated, the better dates can go, but it is still more realistic than many heavily promoted big fish waters.
Distance from Calais: around 3 hours 15 minutes
Best For: Big carp, experienced anglers, groups
Etang de Méry is a feature-packed former gravel pit of around 45 acres in Méry-sur-Marne, Seine-et-Marne. It holds around 600 carp, with mirrors to around 73lb, commons to around 68lb and an average size of over 30lb.
There are 14 swims for up to 14 anglers. The lakebed is a mix of stone, sand and silt, with depths to around 23 feet, so there is plenty to explore, from the margins to features at long range. Bait boats and rowing or electric boats are allowed, which helps on a water this size. Weed is managed as part of the lake maintenance, but anglers should expect some to remain.
Honest opinion: This is a proper big-fish water for anglers who enjoy working out a large lake. It rewards watercraft and patience rather than sitting on one spot, and the chance of a 60 or 70 is very real.
Availability insight: Méry is new to Dream Carp Holidays for 2027, so there is still a good choice of weeks. Once its catches become better known, that is unlikely to last.
Distance from Calais: around 2 hours 20 minutes
Best For: Big average size, small groups, short drive
Etang 13 is a mature 7-acre former gravel pit in the Oise department of northern France. It holds around 150 carp with an average weight close to 40lb, and specimens over 60lb, including a 62lb mirror and a 55lb common.
Depths range from around 13 feet to 46 feet, with clean slopes and defined levels left from the old workings. On one plateau, the remains of trees that grew during quarrying form a unique underwater area where many of the biggest carp are found. The rest of the lake is largely weed-free. There are three spacious gravel swims, each reachable by car, for up to three anglers, and a rowing boat is included. The village of Auneuil is two minutes away, and Beauvais, with its airport, is 12 minutes away.
Honest opinion: An average close to 40lb, this close to Calais, is hard to beat. With only three anglers, it suits a small group of friends who want quality fish without a long drive.
Availability insight: Etang 13 opened in 2026 and is still building its reputation, which makes it one of the more realistic big-average lakes to book for 2027.
Distance from Calais: around 2 hours 30 minutes
Best For: Small groups, first French trips, quality fish
Willow Pool is a peaceful 5-acre lake near Soissons in northern France. It is booked exclusively for up to five anglers, with five gravelled swims set around the water.
The lake holds carp to around 55lb, with plenty of fish in the 30lb and 40lb bracket. The lakebed is a mix of gravel, clay and silt, with gentle margins and clear spots that reward anglers who take time to explore their swim. Soissons has supermarkets and restaurants close by.
Honest opinion: Willow Pool is an easy lake to recommend for a relaxed, social week. It suits experienced anglers and first-timers alike, and anglers who have fished it describe it as peaceful and well run, with the fish in fantastic condition.
Availability insight: Willow Pool joined Dream Carp Holidays this year, so there are still plenty of 2027 weeks to choose from.
Distance from Calais: around 2 hours 30 minutes
Best For: Original old carp, stalking, experienced anglers
Jack's Lake is a 3-acre lake north of Reims that dates back to the 1960s. Most of its fish are the original stock: around 80 dark mirrors and scaly commons, with a 62lb common as the lake record, at least 12 fish over 50lb and an average of around 36lb.
There are four swims spread around the lake for a maximum of three anglers, so everyone has plenty of water. Snags, shelves, overhangs and deep margins give lots to fish to, and the deep margins make it excellent for daytime stalking. The lake can be booked exclusively or per angler. Facilities are simple, but a recent visitor rated the hot shower a highlight, and the bailiff is on hand when needed.
Honest opinion: This is a lake for experienced anglers who appreciate old, pristine carp in a natural setting. A recent angler summed it up: the fish make you work for a bite, which makes every capture more worthwhile. Fish tight to the snags, bait little and often, and be patient.
Availability insight: With room for only three anglers, weeks are limited, but it is far easier to book than the well-known old-stock waters further south.
Distance from Calais: around 2 hours 30 minutes
Best For: Original carp, a private chalet, small groups
Noah's Lake is a mature 6-acre lake at Lac Soupir, surrounded by trees and wildlife. It dates back to the 1960s and was fished by only a handful of anglers for decades before the current owners took it on in 2018.
Most of the fish are originals dating back to the 1980s, in pristine condition, from dark mirrors to golden commons. There are around 100 carp, with a lake record over 50lb. There are four swims, one of them a double, and the lake is booked exclusively for up to four anglers. It is packed with features, including lily pads, weed, overhanging trees, gravel humps and silt, so it is ideal for daytime stalking. A private lakeside chalet sleeps up to four, with views over the water.
Honest opinion: Noah's Lake is not a runs water. It suits experienced anglers looking for old, pristine carp in a wild, natural setting, with the comfort of a chalet on the bank.
Availability insight: As an exclusive lake for four, each week goes to one group, so popular weeks do get taken. It is still far more realistic to book than the best-known old-stock lakes.
Distance from Calais: around 2 hours
Best For: Action, short drive, drive and survive
Lac du Cygne is a picturesque 10-acre lake in Picardy, just two hours from Calais. It is a back-to-basics, drive and survive venue, so check the facilities on the listing before you book.
It is not a difficult lake, and catches of 20 to 30 carp a week are common. Around 170 carp were stocked in 2008 at 12 to 15lb, and they have grown on well: the lake now holds carp to just under 50lb, with a big head of twenties and thirties. Originally dug for peat, it is shallow, only 4 feet at the deepest, with a silty bottom, no weed and superb water quality. Fishing is from one side only and there are no set swims, so you can fish where you like. The far bank is around 100 yards away and very productive, but the near margins should not be ignored. Up to four anglers can book it exclusively. The owners do not live on site, so you get complete privacy, and the bailiff visits during your stay.
Honest opinion: If you want action and a short drive, Lac du Cygne is one of the best options on this list. It is ideal for a group of friends who are happy to rough it a little in return for plenty of bites.
Availability insight: As a simple, exclusive lake, it books up mainly in the peak spring and autumn weeks. Outside those, there is usually a good choice of dates.
If you want the best choice of dates, it is worth planning further ahead than you might expect. For the more popular lakes on this list, especially those with accommodation or strong social appeal, booking around 6 to 12 months in advance is sensible.
Peak spring and autumn weeks usually go first, while summer holiday periods can also book quickly on lakes that suit families or mixed groups. If you have some flexibility, midweek sessions and less in-demand weeks can open up far more options and make it easier to secure a better venue.
Some lakes are becoming more popular because of new ownership, stock growth, or recent improvements, so it is often worth acting sooner rather than later if a particular venue stands out.
Every lake in this guide is between about 2 hours and 3½ hours' drive from Calais. The closest are Lac du Cygne and Misty Waters, at around 2 hours, followed by Etang 13 at around 2 hours 20 minutes, and Willow Pool, Jack's Lake and Noah's Lake at around 2 hours 30 minutes.
Yes. With a morning ferry or Eurotunnel crossing, you can usually be at any of these lakes and set up by the afternoon. Most bookings run from Saturday to Saturday, so check the arrival time on each listing.
They can be. Several lakes in this guide hold carp over 60lb, and Etang de Méry, Lac Baleine and Cheshire Lake all have fish around or above 70lb. You don't need to drive to central France for a genuine chance of a big carp.
Misty Waters has a lakeside lodge, Hill House Lake has accommodation right on the water, Belenos Lake has cabins over the water, Noah's Lake has a private lakeside chalet, and Domaine de la Baronne has a cabin in each swim. Check each listing for what is included.
Cheshire Lake, Belenos Lake, Hill House Lake, Willow Pool, Noah's Lake and Lac du Cygne are all booked exclusively. Jack's Lake can be booked exclusively or per angler.
For peak spring and autumn weeks, booking 6 to 12 months ahead is sensible, and sooner for small exclusive lakes. If your dates are flexible, there is usually a much wider choice outside the peak weeks.
The good news is that you do not need to wait years to book a worthwhile carp fishing trip in France close to Calais. There are still plenty of strong options out there if you are willing to look beyond the most overexposed names.
Some of these lakes are better for comfort, some are better for groups, and some are best suited to anglers who want a proper challenge and the chance of a very special carp. What they all have in common is that they offer something real, and they are all far more realistic than the same handful of lakes that dominate most lists.
For anglers who want to fish France without a three-year wait, these are exactly the sort of venues worth focusing on.
03 November, 2026
We arrived on the Saturday for a 7 night stay. Upon arrival we were informed the lake wasn’t fishing well and the previous week nothing had been caught. Unfortunately, our trip was pretty much the same where the fishing was concerned. Four of us fished it fairly hard from Saturday to the following Friday and no one had a single bite. Tim, the owner, was a decent guy and provided us with a good food package for the week. We decided to cut our losses and we left a day early, as the fishing was just so poor. The venue was lovely, the food was good, all that was missing was the main course, a bit of action on the rods.
02 November, 2026
I’d been on the look out for an exclusive booking that I could bring my eldest along too. We needed somewhere just the right size and stocking and facilities that would see us through the week.
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Eventually I landed on Jack’s lake and pleased to say we had a thoroughly enjoyable week. The fish really make you work hard for a bite but it made the captures all the more worthwhile. It was tight to the snags, little and often baiting and waiting. The fish clearly know they’re being fished for, so patience is the key and don’t chase them around.
The toilet and shower facilities whilst basic, suited us fine and added a bit to the adventure type fishing we enjoy. The red hot shower was a highlight though.
Chewy the bailiff couldn’t have been more accommodating, helping out where needed but just as happy to leave us to our own devices.
The location is very scenic and best of all, quiet… no road noise, just the occasional plane going overhead.
Would highly recommend.
31 October, 2026
Our group last week, Chris, Paul and Paul aka The Calendar Boys (!!) left us at the weekend. It was our pleasure to host the guys.
Their week was very difficult with drastic changes to the weather. There was finally some welcomed rain which we were hoping would improve the fishing but with the crazy storms, strong winds, it made the fishing very difficult for the group.
The anglers made the best of a difficult week with limited fish on the bank.
They managed carp to 36.8lb and
Paul had a welcomed surprise whilst packing up on the Saturday morning at 9am …. Meet “Stanley” the sturgeon, one of Steve’s brothers!! Weighing in at 63lb.
31 October, 2026
Thats it for 2027 the final anglers leave this morning and were now shut til April 3027.
What a great last week its been for sue on her 6th visit to foxpool sue had to had to watch huppy and daughter pull big fish out but was stuck on 38lb for a while and that elusive forty just wouldn’t pick her bait up after watching daughter debbie pull out a first fish at 44lb on her 1stc visit .then repeated it again in August anther 40lb plus. And Ron’s had a few biggies upwards 53lb
.
But this time the girl done good bagging her 1st fmorty after losing a big fish at the net sunday she landed her 1st 40lb mirror and followed that up with a newclake fifty .
31 October, 2026
50s and 40s on the feed this week. Good to see the fishing is still good when many other local lakes are really slow
29 October, 2026
31 Carp caught
11x30s
16x20s
4x10s
Total weight 825.7lb
29 October, 2026
Had a great week 10-17th October with family, Dave and Doreen were very welcoming, the gite was lovely. Fishing was hard during the days, almost all fish caught during the night. We fished all four swims and favoured swim 2. Caught 17 carp, both common and mirror biggest 40lb, also 1 lovely 9lb tench. A great venue overall.
29 October, 2026
i had the chance to beat my personal best twice, whith a mirror carp of 58,2 pounds and a common carp 66,3 pounds i’m very happy thanks renaud
What a place once again beautiful, never fails to put up a fight not an easy lake due to its size but with some help from the man himself who runs it we have had some success, he’s been kind enough to show us with his drone spots in the lake, carp even over waterlife like 🐢 The most welcoming host!! so again thank you
28 October, 2026
The lake continues to fish well as I predicted it would back end of the season after the heatwave diminished.
We had phil on all the way from Ireland driving over unfortunately his week was cut short as he had to leave Thursday due to work commitments in America sunday.
He dropped into peg 3 and broke his pb first night and went on to break it several times during the week bagging 4 fish over 40lb biggest a 56lb leather and 2 x38lb and several more 30s to 37lb plus his first ever grass carp taking 19 fish in total the 5 nights he did . He dropped a few aswell and lost a biggie he thought with a hook pull.
His sonar on his baitboat found a spot in the drop off that was hard snd polished and served him well. He used our nut brittle bollies with a bright dumbell fished over particle and pellet and had the bollie hopper that spreads the bait out .
Our last week sees sue and ron return for there 2nd trip of year last out in April hoping sue finally grass a forty after watching hubby ron land forties and a fifty on previos visits hopefully this time its her turn to beat her pb 38lb.
We have strong winds blowing this afternoon into peg 3 and had a bit of rain too.
We have froze the price for next year so £1800 for four exclusive with food and tackle hired or £550 individualy .not much left in may and September now .
Its been a tough year with the extreme heat in the summer making fishing slow in france a lot of lakes had to shut early due to lack of water and fish deaths.
We are buying some fish to stock in the new lake and a few lumps going into foxpool in January more on that later.
Not the best night pictures from phil on his self takes at night but I got a few of daytime forties .hopefully he wants to return in 2028.. cheers Graham foxpool
26 October, 2026
Good morning
Unfortunately we were quite disappointed why as follows .
The dry toilet was nothing far short off disgusting me and my friend were both agreement on this ,it had not been cleaned for how long who knows .There was no hot water in shower it was luke warm at best in the summer ok not this time of year .NO FRIDGE FREEZER as advertised. The fridge was OK.Again the cooker was dirty we had to clean it .We were not greeted by owner so we had nothing really to go on as far as the lake was concerned. So in future bookings I need to do my homework on venues more carefully.
Regards
Paul Phillips
25 October, 2026
Excellent trip, caught 11 carp between 30 lb and 48lb, fish where in great condition, will definitely return
21 October, 2026
Hello David.
Here is the catch report.
We had 11 fish over the weekend between us.
Karl’s fish were a 59lb 12oz and the biggest of the session. Thanks for the extra night. Due to other anglers leaving to catch their ferry. Karl got his rods out early on PVA bags and it paid off. A smashed PB and what a start.
Ben our most successful angler who fished maize only had a PB of 45lb with 5 fish. All good 30lbers bar a pretty 16lber.
I personally had a couple the biggest a PB of 41lb 14oz.
Dan came in with 2x nice 30lbers biggest 35lb.
Overall we had a great time with 3 out 4 anglers with pbs. So all drove home happy.
Thanks to Jack for his advice. He was a pleasure and did all he could for us. Tactics, areas to fish and where they lay up and patrol. Finally the cooking and food was beautiful. Thank you Karen.
So thank you for a great week.
Regards Karl, Dan, Ben and Simon
20 October, 2026
What a lake every fish caught was immaculate, the owner of the lake could not of been more helpful, i would highly recommend if you like you carp fishing also the accommodation was clean tidy everything needed was provided i couldn’t of asked for a better trip thank you lac claudette
20 October, 2026
CAVAGNAC was as breathtaking taking as usual, although water levels were the down the stamp of quality fish was superb.
The customer service was excellent and wildlife was spectacular.
20 October, 2026
My partner had not been to rural France so the trip was not fishing 24/7. Lovely lakes and gite.The owners were very hospitable and helpful. Fished maybe 4 nights,didn’t fished many afternoons as we were visiting local places. Still managed a dozen + fish to low thirties. Excellent house bait…nice chill out week..
20 October, 2026
A wonderful week deep in the heart of the French countryside with cosy, well equipped facilities and complete peace and quiet.
12 carp to 50lb 2oz. All were in immaculate condition. We only fished during the day so we could enjoy the cosy cabin during the evenings. There is everything you could need including a full kitchen, microwave, dishwasher and log burner.
Supermarket about a 15 min drive away. Beautiful grounds to explore. It’s so peaceful we could hear the sound of a flock of swallows above us!
Great spot if you love peace, quiet and tranquility. Highly recommend.
18 October, 2026
Fantastic venue . It’s a very hard lake but we made the best of it. Ten fish landed the biggest being 56.6 after a difficult start the owner Martin couldn’t be more helpful his home made bait done the business I would recommend anyone coming to make full use of the hemp and corn 🌽 we would definitely make a return visit.good luck with your future plans Martin don’t work too hard. 🎣🎣🎣🎣
17 October, 2026
Some of the lovely carp caught by Jeremy, Matt and Mike this week. Thanks for coming guys, we loved having you all here, and we’ll see you in 2028.
16 October, 2026
Great group of guys at Lac Bundy last week. Scott, Lee, Del and Jordan were a pleasure for us to host. Plenty of laughs had on the bank. They got off to a flying start with a busy first night and then continued to catch throughout the week. A total of 26 fish for the group with a few loses. They managed carp to 46lb with Lee having a great experience with “Simon” the sturgeon at 59lb.
15 October, 2026
Fished end of September 26. 2nd time we have fished this venue.
My son and I caught 20 carp , smallest 24lb and largest 43.5, all mirror and common but we had previously caught 3 grass carp but obviously not this time. We had three over 40lb.
Basically , mostly used the owners (Dave) house pellet and particle along with his boiles and hook bait.
Last year caught 30 good fish but didn’t fish the venue so hard this year . Jason my son had fair results night fishing but I prefer the comforts of the lodge !
We never left the main swim because it accommodates two anglers (has electric hook-up), easy access to the lodge and we could still fish two thirds of the lake.
Dave and Doreen are great hosts and we thoroughly recommend this venue.
14 October, 2026
Ronnie and wife Sue visited the lake last week , good stamp of fish landed including two fifty’s too 56,13 great sharing the waters edge with you both .
14 October, 2026
Ian his father and daughter Mia visited last week , some great carp landed including three forty’s for Mia and a new PB of 45 lb
14 October, 2026
Andy one of my oldest fishing buddy’s , Chris and Dane fished the lake last week, over twenty five runs and some lovely carp landed . Andy and Dane both breaking their pb ‘s . Was great to have you here
14 October, 2026
Walter had five runs, one lost though at the net for a couple of days fishing.
14 October, 2026
Alex has just finished a week at the lake with his partner Lois, landing 15 carp, including two over 50lb!
Leading the captures was White Tips, a common weighing 52lb 2oz, closely followed by Wishbone, a mirror at 52lb. The original half linear also made an appearance at 49lb 14oz, alongside a cracking 43lb common.
The full catch included:
Commons: 19lb, 24lb 2oz, 28lb 8oz, 37lb 6oz, 39lb, 43lb and 52lb 2oz (White Tips).
Mirrors: 8lb, 19lb, 31lb, 32lb, 35lb, 38lb 8oz, 49lb 14oz (the original half linear) and 52lb (Wishbone).
A memorable week with some lovely carp on the bank. Well done, Alex!
14 October, 2026
Dave and friends fished the lake last week and some lovely carp including little scale .
14 October, 2026
Was a hard week at the lake with only four fish landed , a few hook pulls also . Kev landed a lovely 49,06 mirror and Steve had a 37,08 common and a 39,04 mirror .
I managed to break my PB with Little scale at 72,06
14 October, 2026
Kevin and Bas had 14 lovely fish last week.
13 October, 2026
We’ve just spent a week at Villereal Carp Fishery, staying in our campervan right beside the lake and fishing just outside the van.
We chose this lake because it has everything you need for a fantastic holiday and fishing trip. The lake itself is absolutely stunning! We managed to catch a 37lb grass carp and a 42lb mirror carp, although we did lose two others.
We only spent a couple of days and nights fishing, as we also wanted to explore the surrounding area. The location is perfect for sightseeing, with Château de Biron just a 10-minute drive away and Monpazier around 20 minutes away.
Dave was very helpful and on hand whenever we needed anything, which made our stay even better.
We also enjoyed a lovely Sunday lunch in the onsite restaurant. The food was great, and the desserts were delicious! There’s also a little onsite shop “The English Pantry” which stocks your favourite items from home.
The nearby medieval village is just a short walk away, with restaurants, shops and a supermarket, so everything you need is close by.
All in all, we had a lovely week combining fishing, sightseeing and relaxing. A beautiful lake in a fantastic location, and somewhere we’d happily recommend to anyone looking for a great fishing holiday.
Will definitely return just for the fishing next time as there are much bigger fish to be had.
13 October, 2026
We were welcomed by the owner who then left us to our fishing. The lake was gorgeous and the perfect size for 2 anglers. We caught 15 fish between us with the biggest 41lb 3 ounces. The Lodge was superb, it had a full size fridge freezer, oven and hob and comfortably sleeps 3. A big plus for me was that I didn’t see a single rat and bait left out remained untouched. The only issue is that the €100 bait package is no longer available. There are supermarkets, a bait shop and lovely restaurants within 20 minutes drive. Would highly recommend.
13 October, 2026
Firstly the lake is beautiful, looks natural serene and the whole setting is lovely. The owners Mark and Lisa are a lovely couple, very down to earth, kind, friendly and very accommodating with your needs and requests. They would happily do pit stops to the bakery for you if required although the shops are only 5 mins down the road. A very adequate toilet and shower to be able to refresh, for a new business it looks very promising. Fish wise we had somewhere in the region of 28 between four anglers ranging from 18lb upto 46lb on the carp front and also a beautiful 59lb sturgeon which was stunning. I would and will return for another crack at this lake as the fight in the fish was great. I look forward to returning and trying to catch the 60lber…. Would recommend this venue for a visit.
13 October, 2026
had a great time at Noahs Lake W/C.22 AUG 2026.
Caught 19 tench and 2 carp, both weighing in at 32 and a half pounds each!..this is when hubby smashed his PB.😁
The lakeside lodge was lovely, clean, comfortable and well equiped.
The baliff Calvin, was an absolute legend and an inspiration to us all.. his knowledge was vast and couldnt do enough for us!
What a great place to fish and great areas to relax on the porch
A most enjoyable week!.. thank you😁
12 October, 2026
We had Lee and Tony arrived for there first visit to foxpool through dch this week .
Tony was tired when he arrived and didn’t fish Saturday then surveyed the lake depths before putting a line in sunday afternoon a 42 lb was his first fish he unfortunately took ill midweek and pulled out for 24 hours and friday afternoon to pack down ready for the early start Saturday. So only fished 4 nights and had 9 fish 42lb being the biggest 3 over 30 lb to 36 lb and 3x 29lb fish. Lee didn’t get going really despite his hard work in peg 2 only landing 5 fish but nothing big.
Great lads to have on the lake they used there own bollies fishing rh baits then Tony bought 5k of house bait.
Phil just arrived and hes on the house bait 4 fish in the first 24 hours beating his pb with a 36lb leather a couple 30s out with a smaller common andxa large catfish.last night with a double take. Hes in peg 3 and said the fish are all over him unfortunately his week will be cut short leaving Thursday morning due to work commitments in Ireland.
12 October, 2026
16 Fish to 49.12. Average weight of 31
12 October, 2026
No photos but lots of fish out this week.
12 October, 2026
we had a disapointnig time at Moulin de Boutineau, the fishing was great, but either the owners or the cleaners/marketing team tried extract another 440 euro from us after paying over 4400 euro for the week and also threatened us with fishing licences of £150 per angler, this was enroute on the day off arrival!
to say we will not be going back is an understatement, the place is also tired and needs an update ovens do not work properly
again the fishing was good if you are going to go fish from the island as close to the water inlet as possible
regards Julian Pitts
12 October, 2026
Feedback as requested.
Regrettably I did not enjoy my time at chestnut pool.
Firstly the pool advertised that it is 1 acre in size and carp to 50lb, I would say the pool measures no more 0.5acre in size. The pool had some large unessersary snags, such as a Huge concrete pole outlet at one end, and large rock snags at the aerator end.
Looking over the catch report book located in the cabin by previous guests, going back the past 3years, nobody has caught a 50lb carp. I cannot find any recent pictures of a 50lb carp.
Whats also not mentioned in the advertisement that there is steep 30+ steps from the cabin to the lake.
I am asmatheic and found it difficult going up and down the stairs, even the outdoor toilet is located at the top of the stairs behind the cabin which was blocked full of fishing tackle.
The amenaties in the cabin were basic.
Bedside lighting in the bedroom was unable to work due to UK plugs being on them with no uk-eu adaptor plug available.
The shower head and frame was loose and nearly coming off the wall.
Nets and weigh slings had large holes in.
I had asked about bait in my message to the owner and he said there was plenty of bait available when I get there onsite. There was 0 options onsite when I got there.
I had to drive 25mins to a local tackle shop for bait.
The fishing was poor, 6 fish all week in perfect weather conditions, plenty of fish jumping and showing on day one, I noticed a multicoloured oily looking slick on the water which got progressively worse, after a few days this covered approximately 70% of the pool, with also what looked like green algae starting to form.
The fish had stopped jumping and showing at this stage after this had formed.
I sent pictures to the owner and informed him of this which he replied he hoped the fish would be ok…and he thinks it’s because its autumn after asking a friend of his.
I have been fishing 30years and have never seen a pool turn like that in the autumn.
And if it was, you would expect that the owner would know this from previous years…
After spending £1800 on this trip including ferry fees, I expected more.
10 October, 2026
We arrived 26th September at Oakview. A very peaceful and serene lake.
Our accommodation was a gite. It was extremely clean and was a home from home.
It came complete with a cooker with 4 cooking rings and an oven. There was a microwave, airfryer, toaster and even a slow cooker.
A comfy living area provided wind down time in the evening.
2 bedrooms with bedding provided, and comfortable beds.
We ate breakfast in the dining area, but enjoyed our lunch and evening meal outside under the pergola.
The lake is a decent size and has plenty of carp. But given the weather being hot in the day and cold at night we only managed 4 catches each. However, my wife was extremely elated to have raised her PB from 36lb 4oz to 37lb 12oz.
Our (English) hosts, Harry & Izzy were extremely helpful and on hand when we needed them.
They gave us space to enjoy our fishing, but popped down for a visit every other day just for a catch up.
They are very warm and friendly and made our stay fantastic.
I needed help with a mechanic as the battery on my car died.
Harry’s mum, Sharon came down with jump leads and told me she would arrange something with the local, trustworthy mechanic.
An appointment was arranged for the next day.
Thank goodness for Google translate as he didn’t speak any English.
We are coming back to Oakview early September 2028.
10 October, 2026
This week we welcomed a great group of anglers to Saussaie, fishing the lake for the first time.
The lads had a tough start, with bites hard to come by during a period when the fishing had slowed down considerably. The high pressure certainly didn’t work in their favour, but thankfully things picked up as the week progressed.
They eventually managed to land 8 carp, with the biggest weighing 56.6lb! Some cracking fish and well deserved rewards for their efforts.
What made this week especially enjoyable was the attitude of the lads. They were respectful anglers and a genuine pleasure to have on the lake, particularly after a few difficult weeks.
They also helped us inspect the carp following what we discovered with one of our big girls, and we really appreciate their support and cooperation.
A massive thank you to you all, lads! It was great to have you at Saussaie, and we’d love to welcome you back again. And finally, thank you for the fantastic review you left us. It means a lot!
Tight lines, and hopefully see you again soon!
08 October, 2026
Birthday boy Mark , dad Richard , son Connor and cousin Harry on this week to celebrate Narks birthday and here in “ Marks words to catch some of the best looking carp in France !”
The carp didn’t disappoint with over 40 plus fish to the net to mid 40’s including some of their target fish , some stunning fully scaled mirror carp and both the Siberian Stugeons to 37lb. All taken on yellow pop ups or wafters fished over our own particle mix , pellet and boilies.
They loved our luxury cottage , best fishing accommodation they ever stayed in ,in over 20 years of fishing in France and great having the supermarket and village just 2 mins down the lane ,and enjoyed the pool table ,the hot tub and Connor the Xbox in between fishing.
Great feed back from the lads on our new lakeside cabins on the swims with fridge , kettles , lights etc so no bivvys and all landing nets , air cradles , slings , buckets , chairs , scales and carp care all provided making a great birthday week for Mark and the lads.
08 October, 2026
❄️🎣 WINTER FISHING AT LAC BUNDY 🎣❄️
Introducing our 2026/27 Winter Fishing Tariff for November through to February.
🚿 Toilet & shower onsite
🇫🇷 North-West France
Fancy escaping to France for some winter fishing?
08 October, 2026
Our anglers last week were Rhos, Karl, Terry, Jacko and Ian. Great guys and we look forward to seeing them again. Their week was difficult with Lac Bundy’s fish playing hard to get but good angling from all produced some lovely fish to 44lb.
On Friday one of the anglers was awaiting news on the birth of his second grandchild. The news came through just as he landed a stunning common!!
He asked us if he could name the common after the new arrival. With pleasure we now have “Freddie” the common.
08 October, 2026
A few of our anglers suggested that having bikes available would be a great idea… so we listened! 😊
We now have 2 bikes available to hire during your stay at Lac Bundy.
Perfect for getting around the lake, getting between swims or simply making that trip to the onsite toilet and shower facilities a little easier! 🎣🚿
💶 €30 per bike for the week
We only have 2 bikes available, so if you’d like to hire one during your stay, please let us know when booking to avoid disappointment.
Another little addition to make your stay at Lac Bundy that bit easier!
05 October, 2026
Lake owner response – the small carp were as a result of losing some of the pike and other predator species in the extreme heat. These predators usually eat the carp fry. The lake is being netted in the winter and the small carp removed.
Customer review:
Great lake, lovely accomadation and facilities just a shame about the small fish no-one wanted to fish the night as pestered with small fish!! – between 4x anglers we only had 6 fish between 21lb & 28Lb nothing bigger but lots smaller(between 1 & 4lb) We would go back if the smaal fish problem was solved.
05 October, 2026
We just returned from a fantastic fortnight at Lac De Mandeix, a beautiful quiet lake in stunning surroundings. We caught 19 carp for 10 nights fishing, new 52 6 PB mirror for my wife and a new Common PB for myself at 52 8. The fish were in great condition. Boillie and pellet approach worked well with most fish coming in the early hours through to 10am. The lodge is excellent with everything you need.
Massive thank you to Theirry and JC. They keep in touch through text to ensure you are enjoying your stay but leave you to enjoy the tranquility and your fishing. Great guys.
If you like peace and quiet in beautiful surroundings then this is a place you should seriously consider.
We will be back soon.
05 October, 2026
This is the fourth time at Baronne and we have already booked for 2027. This is a great venue with the owner Rafal being one of the most helpful people we have met. Always on hand to support and wants you to experience his hard fighting fish. Continually improving the swims and lake surroundings to make your stay comfortable. A definite venue for you to visit as a pair or lake exclusive booking.
You won’t be disappointed.
05 October, 2026
Super tough weeks fishing, 3 fish caught the whole week between 4 anglers, biggest going 32lb. One of the hardest lakes we have ever fished. Besides this the facilities were great and Tim the owner was very nice 👍
05 October, 2026
Fabulous venue run by a very knowledgeable owner who also happens to be a pretty good cook. Around 40 fish caught throughout the week including carp to 51.5lb Grass Carp to mid 30’s Sturgeon to 45lb and one catfish at 45lb. If the same week for next year was available I would have booked another lake exclusive, but not surprisingly Anthony already has the lake booked up. I will definitely be booking a return trip.
05 October, 2026
Very successful trip thanks very well organised guillaume very helpful bait prepared well good basic facilities well maintained and clean 122 carp approx between 7 fishing I think the grass carp I had was very the biggest @20kg once again thanks
03 October, 2026
Good facility’s ,plenty of water to fish , not a easy lake to understand , bring plenty of tackle lots of snags , caught 6 between us 3 an a bonus sturgeon , enjoyed our week 👍🎣
03 October, 2026
This week’s lads were a great bunch of people to meet: a little older, experienced anglers who clearly know their way around a lake. They had a difficult week of fishing, but still managed to land 9 carp, with the biggest going 57.3lb.
They enjoyed their time at Saussaie, and anglers like these are always welcome back. Thank you for being a pleasure to meet – we hope to see you again, lads!
30 September, 2026
Lots of fish coming out for last weeks group. They are definitely feeding again after the hot weather ready for winter.
30 September, 2026
Terry , Martin and their lovely wives on this week with both the lads looking to get into the 40’s club and both got they’re wish with a a 43lb mirror for Martin and a 43lb 8oz stunning fully scaled mirror for Terry with a total of 15 fish to the net.Absolutely loved the new lakeside cabins and the cottage and all it offers our guests.
30 September, 2026
Andy, Steve, Paul, Rick and Ben joined us for a week’s fishing on Kingfisher lake this week to celebrate Andy’s birthday (we won’t mention which one). They had previously fished in France 10 years previously for exactly the same occasion so it must’ve been a ‘big’ birthday tradition. Although it was only their second trip to France carp fishing they had all fished together from a very young age, and had in fact been mates since school, so a good number of years.
Paul’s dad used to have the fishing rights to a lake near them as they were growing up and apparently they used to get dropped there whenever they could when they were little, until eventually they were old enough to drive and took themselves. So there is a lot of history between these guys and it was certainly evident they had all grown up together. And each had their role to play over the week…
Andy booked the holiday and was in charge of sorting the money out, Steve took responsibility for photography and video production, Ben was the chef, Paul the daddy and Rick was brought along to make up the numbers (his words!), but did take over the cooking after Ben left us on Wednesday due to other commitments.
We collected the five of them from Limoges airport Saturday lunchtime and took them all to the supermarket on the way home. With a long list carefully made before they came they gathered 3 trolleys and filled one with beer and wine before Ben started sending each of them off to find certain items from his list. Before too long they were done and were surprised at how little they had to pay for everything, but we know that beer and wine are a lot cheaper here.
On arrival at the lake they got the fridge stuff stored away and had a quick beer before Nigel gave them a tour of the lake, explaining the depths in each swim and where he would fish if he was there. With their bait and tackle all sorted we left them to get themselves set up and have the usual debate of who was fishing where. Rick decided he didn’t want to be particularly close to any of them so selected swim 4 originally but then moved to swim 3 once Andy and Paul decided to go on the dam wall and Ben and Steve shared swim 2. This meant that only Andy and Paul had to get bivvies set up. Once Ben had left on Wednesday lunchtime Andy moved into the ‘hut’ swim with Steve and Paul moved round to swim 1 to make it a little bit more sociable for them all.
We had a job keeping track of who had caught what all week but they were all excited to tell us their stories and so we will list their catches by individual this week rather than by day.
Andy – swim 6 on the dam wall and then into the ‘hut’ swim 2
Andy was first off the mark on Saturday evening with one of the biggest catfish we have seen this season, at 74lb 2oz, followed during the night by a 26lb common and then a small kitten on Sunday morning. He then had a 14lb 8oz common and a 19lb 8oz common before moving to swim 2 on Wednesday. He was fishing to the left hand side of the swim here, where Ben had been but for whatever reason it was a lot quieter at that end of the lake and he just had the one fish from there, a 41lb 6oz common. So just the 4 carp and 2 cats for Andy but still a new PB and he was a happy man.
Rick – swim 3 or the ‘Nightingales’ hut swim
Rick started so well, catching the second fish of the week, but unfortunately it was a one and only. A new PB none the less at 46lb 3oz, so not to be sniffed at. He did have the pleasure of seeing a deer, who came to have a drink from the lake next to his swim. We are not sure if Rick was joining in with rutting season which is in full swing at the moment and that’s why the deer came to visit and we will never know. He decided quite early on in the week that he was not going to be braving the autumnal nights out by the lake and instead chose to make the most of the comfy beds in the chalet and he took over the helm in the kitchen after Ben left on Wednesday so did not spend as much time with his rods in the water. Rick kept us entertained all week with different stories whenever we went round to see them and we thank him for that. But guess the fish were not interested in being caught from the shallower water that week or were they all down there at night when Rick was catching up on his beauty sleep?
Ben – in the ‘hut’ swim 3 until Wednesday
Ben knew he was only here until Wednesday and with his cooking duties had less time by the lake than the others but AI gave the impression he was sat by his rods with a few cans of Stella all the time. He did manage to land 3 fish and a cracking mirror weighing 45lb 4oz giving himself a new PB. He also had a small catfish weighing 14lb 5oz and a roach which was used as bait for Steve’s catfish landing.
Paul – swim 5 on the dam wall and swim 1
Paul was 4th off the mark as it started to get light on Sunday morning with a gorgeous little 10lb common and then had a 46lb catfish later in the day. He then had nothing else until just before he moved into swim 1 on Wednesday, a pretty 27lb 2oz mirror. Swim 1 somehow proved to be the best swim in the second half of the week and Paul landed 6 carp from here. On Wednesday night he was just putting a 45lb 7oz mirror back in the water and another rod screamed off, netting a 27lb 3oz common. He also had commons weighing 21lb 9oz and 35lb 7oz and a 22lb 9oz mirror before Friday when early evening he landed the biggest fish of the week and one of the biggest out this year, a 48lb 4oz mirror. One happy man, and not just because he had beaten Rick.
Steve – the ‘hut’ swim 2
When we walked round to see the guys on Sunday morning Steve was the only person who had not managed to catch a fish and he was feeling a bit dejected. But that did not last long and Steve went on to net the most fish of the week with 11 on the bank including two catfish over 70lb and four 30lb+ mirrors to 38lb 2oz and a new PB. Interestingly when Ben left and Paul and Andy moved away from the dam wall, Steve’s swim went very quiet with only 2 of his fish being netted after the change round. It was role reversal for Paul.
The weather was generally good for the week with temperatures up to 35°C on some days although we did have about 5mm of rain on the Friday morning which coincided with a power cut all morning. The five of them made the most of the facilities, even enjoying a dip in the pool, which is now getting cooler as the nights are colder. All fish were caught on house baits, with the maple wafters being the favourites.
The final summary was 30 fish on the bank in total, with Steve catching 11, Paul 9, Andy 6, Ben 3 and Rick 1. There were zero babies, 4 at 10lb+, 6 at 20lb+, 5 at 30lb+, 5 at 40lb+, 9 catfish up to 76lb 5oz and a roach. Pretty good going and we hope to see some or all of these guys again in the future. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
30 September, 2026
After a busy week on Kingfisher with 15 fish on the bank between them, Richard and Mick moved across to Lac Lucie for their second week here at Carp France Fishing. With the water levels down they chose to set up on the dam wall bank with Richard fishing towards the main bank and Mick to the top corner. As we said last week Richard likes to fish close in. It was set to be another warm week but there is lots of shade on that bank and there was possibly some rain in the forecast for Friday morning.
It was definitely going to be a noisy week with September being rutting season for the deer around us. We are very lucky to live in this part of France and in particular right next door to the Domaine des Etangs, a 1000 acre estate of forests, pastures, and prairies which becomes filled with the powerful, guttural roars of stags (le brame) as they compete to attract hinds and mark their territory. Starting at dusk the air is filled with their calls and some nights last week they were shouting all night. It would appear that people come to try to photograph them and park up at the bottom of Lac Lucie with their night vision cameras, hoping to catch a shot. Richard did manage to take a photograph of one just before dusk, which when cleaned up with AI has become the feature image for this post.
So the competition continued between Carp France baits and Carp Chaser UK baits, as well as between Richard and Mick and it was Richard who was first off the mark on Lac Lucie with a 34lb 10oz common on his cinnamon zest flavour. A stunning big common.
Mick had nothing on Saturday during the day but landed two during the night, a 21lb 4oz mirror and a 24lb 2oz common. The first on Carp Chaser garlic mussel and the second on Carp France maple syrup. Richard had a 10lb mirror overnight also on cinnamon zest flavour.
Around lunchtime Richard lost one after playing it for a good 25 minutes. Nothing worse than losing a fish that close to the net but they only count if you get them on the bank. Mick had a lovely scaley 25lb mirror mid afternoon on garlic mussel.
Richard spent the afternoon taking a few nature photos (see end) and just before tea time they managed to rescue a fish that had been tethered when he hooked the line, for which we thank him.
Mick had a 35lb 7oz common overnight on Sunday on maple syrup flavour and this was followed by another one on cinnamon zest for Richard, a 26lb common.
Jo spent some time on Monday trying to hunt down some vape refills for Richard, who has learned that although Google might tell you that certain brands are widely available in France, they are not that common around here!
There was only one more carp on the bank for the pair on Monday, a pretty little mirror weighing 10lb 10oz. We made the decision to leave this in Lac Lucie rather than moving it to the stock pond. It must have been bred in here and it will be great to see it grow bigger.
Richard spent Monday afternoon watching a Kingfisher who kept landing on one of the posts of the new jetty and eventually managed to get a great shot of it. This has not been sharpened up with AI so he should be proud of that one!
Tuesday was a blanking day for Richard and the pair had decided to have the breakfast baguettes down by the bank for the rest of their stay, so as not to miss out on an hour or so fishing in the morning. And it paid off with Mick catching the first fish of the day at a time when they would have been pulling their rods in for breakfast, a 24lb 7oz mirror caught on maple syrup. This was followed half an hour later with a 22lb 8oz common, also on the maple syrup.
An hour later he had a 16lb 2oz common on garlic mussel and a couple of hours after that a 25lb 7oz common on maple syrup. A great Tuesday for him.
Richard spent the day asleep, undisturbed by his bite alarms!
So by the end of Tuesday it was 9 carp to Mick and 3 for Richard and bait wise 7 for Carp Chaser UK and 5 for Carp France Fishing.
Mick had another smallish 12lb 13oz common overnight on Tuesday night and Richard decided he was going to back lead his rigs, hoping he might stand a better chance of landing one. And it paid off with 2 commons on the bank for him on Wednesday, a lovely 32lb 7oz and a smaller 21lb 8oz. Both fish were caught straight after the other at lunchtime so a mad half hour and then it went quiet again. With no beers down by the lake they decided they would have the cakes we got them in the morning to celebrate.
That was it for Wednesday and Thursday morning we were greeted with a few photos of birds from Mick. What better way to spend some time, rods in the lake and just watching nature do it’s thing. The heron was ever present by the lake all week and they managed to get some great shots.
Thursday saw two fish for each of them with Richard first off the mark at breakfast time with a 18lb 8oz common on cinnamon zest followed by Mick at lunchtime with a 22lb 8oz common
Richard had a 25lb common a couple of hours later and Mick followed this around 3pm with a 34lb 8oz common.
On Friday morning, just as we were getting up the power went off and it started raining. Not that we think they were related but it was the first rain we had had for a couple of weeks so whilst we were celebrating that and hoping it would last all day we were also trying to get breakfast and deal with power related issues! The power stayed off all morning and the rain stopped at lunchtime but we had just under 5mm so not to be sniffed at.
Again at breakfast time Richard managed to land a lovely 21lb 8oz mirror and then a couple of hours later a 28lb 7oz common. Both caught on Carp Chaser baits.
Mick finished their holiday off with the final carp of the session. Not the biggest but another stunning 29lb mirror caught on cinnamon zest
We would like to thank Mick for giving our bait a try and showing that you can have some great fish out on it. There were 22 carp on the bank in total, 15 of which were caught on Carp Chaser UK bait but Richard did have all of his rods set up with this and Mick had one or two at all times so not a really fair match! But they work so why not check them out if you have not done so already https://carpchaseruk.co.uk/
So the final summary for this pair’s week on Lac Lucie was zero babies, 5 at 10lb+, 13 at 20lb+ and 4 at 30lb+. Richard and Mick have already booked for next September, next time with Lac Lucie first followed by Kingfisher. We have enjoyed their company and competition this last two weeks and will look forward to seeing them again. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt…
Here are a few more of their wildlife photographs from this week
30 September, 2026
We first met Richard in 2023, about 6 months after we had moved here. He was landscaping Jo’s sister’s garden in Northamptonshire during our autumn visit and we got chatting about carp fishing, the lakes and our new life in France.
Fast forward two years and Richard contacted us about booking two weeks on both lakes with a friend for this September. In the meantime he had set up his own bait company, Carp Chaser https://carpchaseruk.co.uk/ designing and selling his own boilies and hook baits. He had got himself a team of people together to promote it and these keen carp anglers can regularly be seen on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook promoting his products. Richard had never fished in France before and was obviously keen to get out here and see what his bait could do abroad.
Richard and Mick arrived on the Stansted flight Saturday lunchtime and Jo spent the journey to the supermarket and back to the lakes chatting about the bait, her sister’s garden and fishing in general. The pair go to the same lake fishing on a regular basis and get some decent carp out of it, as well as other species of fish. Richard’s PB was in the low 30s and Mick’s in the high 20s so we were confident that these would be beaten in the first few days. They had also never had a catfish before and although Richard was not over keen, Mick was looking forward to hooking a cat.
The weather forecast was fairly good for the week, not as hot as it had been and no rain in the forecast, although we are still desperate for the lakes to start filling up again. The Fishing Points App said that fish activity would start low, move to average by Monday and Tuesday and then getting to very high by Friday. We were hopeful that they would both leave Kingfisher at least with a good head of fish on the bank.
After a quick tour of the lake by Nigel the pair got their tackle all set up with Mick in swim 2, the ‘hut’ swim and Richard in swim 3, ‘Nightingale’s’ as Nigel likes to call it. There was much banter about what bait our carp would prefer, Carp Chaser or our own house bait and we could see that it could get quite competitive all round
Mick was first off the mark just after midday on Sunday with a 34lb 7oz common, caught on Nigel’s maple syrup boilies. A happy man, with a new PB. He had doubted if he would catch anything as he told us it was always Richard who caught the most fish when they went in the UK.
Later that evening they had the first catfish out of the session, and what a beast it was. The biggest we have had out of the lake all season so far, weighing 78lb 4oz. And Richard was also hooked, telling us he hadn’t wanted to hook a catfish but now he wanted more! As usual with the cats, it put up a great fight in the water but then was as good as gold on the bank. Caught on Carp Chaser garlic mussel flavour.
Mick followed up with another common early on Monday morning weighing 32lb 4oz and then mid afternoon it was his turn to land a catfish. At 77lb 4oz, it was not quite as big as Richard’s but still put up a great fight, and again caught on Carp Chaser garlic mussel.
The next one on the bank was a small 6lb kitten for Mick on Tuesday morning, very much a baby in comparison to the two monsters they had had out but he was still happy with it. This again was caught on Carp Chaser garlic mussel. And then at lunchtime the 4th catfish of the session was landed, this time another big one at 50lb, and again liking the garlic mussel.
Mick finished Tuesday off with another carp on maple syrup boilies, weighing 18lb. A lovely looking common.
It was certainly looking like the catfish were loving the Carp Chaser baits and so far it was 3 carp on the house maple syrup and 4 cats on the Carp Chaser garlic mussel. Richard was becoming despondent, having only landed the one catfish in the first three days. But he was thrilled for his mate and loving just sitting by the lake, watching the nature and relaxing, away from work and the busy lives they lead back in the UK.
The guys had a good routine going, coming up to the house for breakfast each morning, back down at their swims by 10.30am and then only stopping for tea at 5.30pm before getting back out for the night by 7pm. Mick had one night in the chalet, we reckon so it gave Richard a chance to catch up with him, but apart from that they fished as much as they could.
Richard moved up to swim 1, the ‘chalet’ swim on Tuesday afternoon, taking some of the deeper water for himself and Mick moved his rods slightly further to the left. But Wednesday it was still Mick who was catching and Richard photographing. Only one carp graced the bank on Wednesday, a 24lb mirror around 12.30pm. A lovely looking fish and caught on our maple syrup bait. So 4 all draw on the bait front but 7 fish for Mick against Richard’s 1.
Richard told us that back home he likes to fish close into the near margins and he had seen a lot of splashing just in front of his swim on a few of the nights so he was hopeful but he had not had much luck so far. He was only fishing with his baits though, using some pellet and parti-blend of ours but his own boilies and hook baits. It has been said that if you throw new flavours into a lake, the fish take a while to catch on. So whether it was that or just where the fish were who knows. As Nigel frequently says, he has given up trying to think like a fish.
Richard spent some time on Wednesday afternoon taking some drone footage for us of the lake and swims – some stunning stills here.
On Thursday morning we were back with Mick again who messaged us around 8am saying he had caught a funny looking fish. We knew instantly which one it was, one we affectionately know as Quasi, who although slightly deformed seems to be feeding ok and surviving in the lake full of cats, as he has been out a few times in the last couple of years.
Finally on Thursday afternoon Richard caught a carp, and he didn’t start with the smaller ones – straight in with a 41lb 7oz mirror at around 2pm. As Mick said, his persistence paid off, and it was caught on his pineapple coconut bait so a very happy Carp Chaser with a new PB.
To give the guys a break from the lake, and our cooking, we took them down to the pizza bar at le 16 beach for their tea and a couple of pints later they managed to get their rods back in and half an hour later Mick struck into an even bigger mirror, weighing 42lb 4oz, but caught on Carp Chaser garlic mussel. Another new PB for Mick and Big Fish Thursday living up to it’s name.
As the guys were only moving to Lac Lucie on Saturday they were in no rush to get their stuff packed up by the lake, although they managed to get most of their things out of the chalet on Friday afternoon. They enjoyed their last day by the lake and they managed to land four fish over the day, with Richard starting the day with a 15lb 13oz common at 8am, followed by a 33lb 8oz common at midday. 45 minutes later Mick landed a 13lb 13oz common and 10 minutes after that Richard had a small catfish weighing 12lb 8oz. All four were caught on Carp Chaser pineapple coconut.
So whilst Carp France Fishing bait started well on the carp front, by Friday the fish had got used to some new flavours and the week ended with our bait catching 5 carp and Carp Chaser bait catching 5 carp and all of the catfish. For the anglers Mick, who was willing to give our bait a fair chance, caught 10 of the total 15 fish landed.
The final summary of the week was zero babies, 4 at 10lb+, 1 at 20lb+, 3 at 30lb+, 2 at 40lb+ and 5 catfish up to 78lb 4oz. A really good first weeks fishing in France and we will see how they got on at Lac Lucie next week. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt…..
Richard also managed to catch a few stunning photos of butterflies and frogs over the week
30 September, 2026
Andy and Tracy stayed with us in September 2025 on their campervan tour around France. They were keen to get here last year after a few days sleeping in the van and were pleased to be able to use the beds. They had a great week with 12 carp to 35lb 12oz between the two of them and what Tracy affectionately referred to as her ‘twins’, a double take of two 30lb+ commons on the Friday afternoon. You can read their last years catch report here.
It was less than a week before they came that Andy messaged us to see if we had any short notice weeks available. We luckily had this week and so they packed their new van up with everything they would need for a month on the road in France and away they came, stopping for a night or so on the way here. When they arrived we were pleased to see that they upgraded their van to a slightly bigger one, with a proper bed in it too. They still seemed to have managed to fill every gap, bringing with them their bikes and paddle boards so they could enjoy the outdoors on their travels.
After a quick catch up on the Saturday afternoon we left them to get unpacked and sorted out. As last year the plan was to both fish during the day and enjoy the comfort of the chalet overnight.
Although it was only for a brief stint, they managed to get their rods in on Saturday afternoon, following Nigel’s suggestion of going down onto the side swim. The water level is still quite low and even though we have built the jetty the water beside it is still very shallow. Andy was rewarded with the first fish of the session at around 5.45pm with a 29lb mirror.
There was rain forecast for the week, well we are always hopeful we will get something, so Andy and Tracy set their bivvy up for somewhere to shelter during the week and enjoyed their pastries from the bakery down there mid morning each day.
When we went to see them on Sunday morning Andy had had another two on the bank, a 21lb 9oz common and a little while later a 25lb 6oz common. Tracy was yet to catch anything but was loving sitting by the lake, reading her kindle and was in no rush. The afternoon was spent in the bivvy and we managed to accumulate 10mm of rain around teatime. There had been another 3mm of rain first thing in the morning but the temperatures were climbing again, reaching 26.3°C by the end of the afternoon.
The couple fish a lot in the UK, mainly fisheries in Kent and have recently been spending a lot of time at The Hop Farm at Paddock Wood more recently, getting up early and coming back happy with their days there.
Having looked in the book they noticed that, where the Visitor’s Logs have been completed, people were generally catching them mid morning rather than too early, so they were not in any rush to get down there each day. Andy would usually head down by 8am with Tracy taking more time to get up and tidied but normally down by 10am at the latest.
Monday was their most lucrative day of the week with Andy getting a 23lb 2oz mirror just before 11am, followed by a 23lb 10oz mirror for Tracy just after lunch, a 27lb 8oz for Andy at 8.20pm and 20 minutes later a 25lb 10oz mirror for Tracy.
On Tuesday Tracy decided to have a day off and rest her back but Andy stuck with it and was rewarded with a couple of fish, a 29lb 4oz common and a 33lb 11oz mirror – the first 30lb+ of the week. There was none of the forecasted rain and the temperatures continued to rise in the afternoon.
Tracy was again down and in the water by 10am on Wednesday and withing half hour of casting she had landed a 19lb 12oz mirror. Andy ended the day with no fish but they said that you could see the fish swimming up and down on the far bank.
They spent a couple of hours in the afternoon on Wednesday on the main bank as Tracy fancied a change but it is quite shady there in the afternoon and Tracy loves sitting in the sun with her kindle.
Andy blanked again on Thursday but Tracy managed to land three mirrors over the day, two of them in the morning within ten minutes of each other weighing 33lb 10oz and 30lb 8oz and the third around 3.15pm weighing 20lb 2oz.
There had been very little of the 50mm of rain that had been forecast and by Thursday the temperatures were back up to 30°C. The Fishing Points App showed fish activity as very low on Friday and this was proven with just one mirror in the net for Andy, weighing 25lb
And another week for this lovely couple came to an end but not before Andy had a little wander round to Kingfisher to have a look and a chat with the anglers there who were just finishing their two weeks stay on the lake. Maybe they will be back to give this a try next year….
Jo’s Fishing Points App had said it was going to be average to low fish activity all week and it was certainly not as productive as the week before but still a couple of fish more than last year and the couple went on from us to St Emilion, near Bordeaux for a few days cycling, fishing and visiting vineyards. All the fish were caught on our maple syrup boilies using the couple’s own tackle, including some lovely looking telescopic rods) and hook baits.
The final summary of their week was zero babies, 1 at 10lb+, 10 at 20lb+ and 3 at 30lb+. We hope that this lovely couple will be back to see us again someday, maybe to fish on Kingfisher. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
These are some of the fish caught
30 September, 2026
We were contacted by Adam and Chaddy in June as the lake they have been going to for the last 20+ years had had to close due to issues with the water quality and fish health. Not an easy decision for any lake owner to make when your livelihood depends on anglers having their holidays with you but fish health always comes first. Luckily for these guys we had both of the weeks free on Kingfisher lake and so they snapped it up. It has been unusual for us not to have August fully booked but this year seems to have been a bit different.
Usually there are five of them who meet up for two weeks fishing every August for a fishing social, but some people like what they like and that is fine. Adam and Chaddy were supposed to be coming with one other person who unfortunately was unable to make it due to health issues so they came on their own and had the whole of Kingfisher to themselves. The lake they usually go to has a good head of carp in the 50s as well as some 60s, as well as huts on every swim with proper beds and power, in so we were concerned that they may be disappointed with our lakes and were slightly apprehensive about them coming.
How wrong we were. From the moment Jo collected them at the airport it was clear that the duo were excited about trying somewhere new and spent the whole journey home asking lots of questions. A quick stop at the supermarket to stock up on beer and meat for Chaddy and vodka and lots of healthy foods for Adam and they were soon at the lake where they were greeted by Nigel and Maisie of course.
Being used to sleeping by the lake for two weeks the guys opted for a cabin each with Chaddy taking swim 2 and Adam in swim 3 and a loose agreement that they would swap the following week so they both got to fish the deeper end of the lake. The water level has been low for several months now, with no new water coming into the lake, apart from the few rain showers we have had. We sat and had a few drinks with them into the early part of the evening and they agreed they were going to get unpacked and start fishing the next day after breakfast, the beauty of having a two week break.
Sunday was spent getting themselves sorted out and eventually they got their rods in the water. Chaddy was first off the mark on Sunday evening with a 36lb mirror and this was followed with a 40lb common overnight on Sunday.
These were followed by a 30lb common for Chaddy on Monday evening and a 31lb common on Tuesday afternoon in the sunshine. Adam had had two bites overnight but when he struck into them they did not pick up. He was starting to get the feeling he had picked the wrong swim and on Tuesday afternoon decided to move into swim 1 and got his bivvy set up.
Now the lads have busy jobs in the UK, Chaddy is a postman (or that’s what he told us when Jo asked Nigel to get the downstairs cloakroom decorated) and Adam is a site manager so they know their trades and they are not good at just sitting by a lake when there are things they feel need doing. Those of you who have been here will know that we never ask anyone to do anything for us when they have paid to come fishing but if someone volunteers it is a different story! The lads thought that swims 2 and 3 in particular needed a step down into the lake to make netting and releasing the fish safer. So armed with all they needed from Nigel they set to and sorted them. We hope that they will soon be under water again
Swim 1 is good for fishing off the dam wall whilst remaining sociable but Adam was not happy only having a bivvy to sleep in. Whether Chaddy was trying to get further away from Adam or was just being the bigger person we will never know but he decided he was going to move down to swim 3 and Adam then jumped at moving into swim 2. He could still fish the dam wall as well as the far bank but had a hut to sleep in so all was good.
On Wednesday Chaddy had a 12lb common at 5am and then a 26lb mirror and on Thursday evening a 23lb mirror. He was now on 7 fish in the 4 days they had been fishing and Adam had not managed to bring one to the bank. Chaddy had had 4 on a tiger nut hook bait and 3 on a halibut pellet and he was a happy man. (Chaddy had asked Nigel if he could use the tiger nuts as a hook bait only.) Adam had had nothing from swims 3, 1 or 2 and was half way through his first week already. But he was enjoying his view, the company of Chaddy and throwing the ball for Maisie at breakfast and whenever we went round.
We could not work out what Adam was doing wrong and were sat discussing it when we had a message from Chaddy saying that Adam had caught a 13lb common and it was about to be on the news…..at last! By 10pm he had had 2 out and by the next morning he had caught 5 altogether, a 13lb kitten, a 13lb common, a 15lb common, a 9lb common and a 22lb mirror. Nothing of any great size but a fish is a fish as he said and they can only get bigger. So there was Chaddy thinking he was way out in front and Adam then started to charge up behind him.
We were not aware that there were so many smaller fish in the lake as we had not had anything less than 10lb out for a couple of years but Adam reckoned they must have been avoiding capture as they fought like mad. Late on Friday morning he had another one, a 14lb mirror, making it 7 to Chaddy and 6 to Adam. The gap was closing fast.
Adam decided to set Nigel a challenge and asked him if he could make some bigger boilies, donkey chokers he called them so Nigel got straight onto the challenge. Chaddy on the other hand had decided to try some garlic, which has worked for him previously. Jo had given him a bulb that morning and by 2pm he had his first fish on it, a 28lb common. Half an hour later Adam was into his next fish, a 20lb mirror and then at about 3.30pm got his first 30lber out of the lake. A lovely common and he was still just 1 fish behind Chaddy.
Their first week on the lake was coming to a close and at 6.15pm Adam drew even with a 33lb mirror.
Overnight saw Chaddy take the lead again with two mirrors weighing 33lb and 23lb and then he was woken up at 6.50am with a 32lb common, again caught on garlic.
This was the end of their first week here. Chaddy had caught 11 and Adam was on 9. With our lake average being 6.3 fish per angler they were both doing really well, had managed to read the lake and settled in nicely into the huts, with the occasional night or half night up in the chalet in the comfy beds.
The summary of their first week 1 baby, 4 at 10lb+, 6 at 20lb+, 7 at 30lb+, 1 at 40lb+ and 1 cat to 13lb. Not a bad week and hopefully more of that to follow for their second week here.
Week 2
Saturdays are usually a busy day for us with two lakes changing over so it was nice just having new people arriving on Lac Lucie and we pretty much left the lads to it for the day. It was Adam’s turn to take the lead on Saturday with a 69lb catfish at 11.45am, followed 10 minutes later by a 43lb mirror.
We popped over to have a drink with them in the afternoon when Adam had his third fish of the day out – a 42lb mirror. Not a bad days fishing when you have had 154lb of fish on the bank! And this has to be the photo of the week
Now he was ahead and having had his line snapped twice in the night Adam decided to spend the night in the chalet. Chaddy stayed out all night though and was rewarded with a 32lb common as it was just starting to get light.
There was a bit of rain on Sunday but not enough to keep these lads sitting still and their rods stayed in the water all day. Chaddy had another common overnight weighing 41lb and Adam was woken up at 2am but a 36lb common.
This was followed by two more in quick succession by Adam, a catfish weighing 51lb and a 34lb nicely scaled mirror
Nigel went off to play golf early on Tuesday morning, leaving Jo to sort breakfast (they said it was the best they had had all week). They had not had a peep from the fish all night so managed a good nights sleep. The day time was good going though with a 43lb cat for Chaddy, followed by a 19lb common for Adam and then a 26lb common for Chaddy all before tea. When we went round to see them around 6pm Chaddy had just caught a 44lb mirror and then later in the evening he finished the day off with the biggest catfish of the week weighing 73lb. A proper result for Chaddy as he was excited about the fact that there were catfish in the lake. The problem was the left sleeve of his jumper got really wet so he had to cut it off so he could get to sleep – we are sure most people would’ve just taken their jumper off!
Temperatures climbed again slowly over the second week, with the hottest day being Friday at 33.9°C. Jo’s Fishing Points App said that fishing would be slowing down towards the end of the week but these guys did not really notice a lot of change in the catching.
Nigel took the lads out to the tackle shop in St Junien on Wednesday morning as Adam couldn’t find the new line he thought he had bought with him and he had lost 3 big cats in the night. This meant that it was early afternoon before they got their rods in the water. Once again though Adam had two in quick succession. Two mirrors weighing 24lb and 26lb, which had a mega set of shoulders on it. Chaddy blanked on Wednesday in swim 3.
We often find it a long week for anglers who have flown in, especially when they have no transport so we arranged to take them to Mamie’s bar in Montamboeuf for some tea. Nice chippy style fish and chips, which even Chaddy ate. They enjoyed sitting in the square with a few drinks and hearing about the history of the bullet holes in the church clock and the reason why the clock strikes several times at 7pm.
Thursday saw another four carp landed for this pair. Adam had three commons weighing 12lb, 11lb and 22lb and Chaddy also had a common weighing 27lb. Some more babies that must have evaded capture for the last few years.
Chaddy had a further two fish in the early hours of Friday morning a common weighing 19lb and a 30lb mirror. Unfortunately Adam was not up to take photos of him holding them though. Adam then had a 30lb mirror at around 11.30am
As their flight was not until Saturday afternoon the guys decided they would have one last night by the lake, just so they could fish until the last minute and it paid off with 2 more carp in the net for both of them. A 26lb and a 44lb mirror for Chaddy overnight and a 33lb common and a 26lb 8oz mirror for Adam. This meant the final scores on the doors for the two weeks were 22 carp for Chaddy and 24 for Adam. A pretty even match and this has increased our average catch rate for Kingfisher lake to 6.7 fish per angler
The summary of their second week was zero babies, 4 at 10lb+, 7 at 20lb+, 6 at 30lb+ and 5 at 40lb+.
We would like to thank Adam and Chaddy for trusting us with their holiday after so many years going to the same place. It has been an absolute pleasure having them here, they have done a few jobs and made lots of suggestions, some, like a shelf in the huts, that we have already put in place whilst they have been here. Adam also managed to eat some of our produce, courgette chutney, figs straight from the tree and some of our long tomatoes – we hope he manages to grow some himself next year.
The final summary for their two week was 1 baby, 8 at 10lb+, 13 at 20lb+, 13 at 30lb+ and 6 at 40lb+. All caught on a mixture of our home boilies, hook baits and maybe a little bit of garlic – but don’t tell everyone Chaddy’s secret!
We are hoping that they will both be back in 2028 and ‘to cut a long story short’ we will look forward to seeing you then. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt…
30 September, 2026
When Darren made the booking to come to fish on Kingfisher there was something a bit different on his booking form which details the names of who are coming, if they are fishing and whether or not they are under 16 years of age. It said ‘baby due in June’. A first for us, our youngest ever guest!
It was hot when this lovely family arrived, in the mid 30s and they had a car packed with everything they needed to make their holiday as easy as possible, including several fans! As well as 11 week old baby Arlo, Darren also brought with him his wife, Emma and son, Ollie and Emma’s mum, Sherry who, it seemed, had come to help with everything from looking after the baby, providing food and drinks and getting up in the middle of the night to help Darren with the fishing.
The car was quickly unpacked and everyone had a chance to cool down a bit before Nigel took Darren and Ollie round the lake, showing them the lay out, the swims and where the fish were often seen. Jo spent some time with Emma and Sherry, getting to know them and introducing them to the chalet and then they were left to unpack the car.
Darren got himself set up on swim 1 very quickly with a couple of rods out for Ollie as well. He ended up sleeping in the chalet on Saturday night as, although it was very warm (18°C) there was a big storm right overhead and we had some much needed rain (23.7mm in an hour). The storm even tripped the power in the chalet but they managed to keep the fans working and stay cool. The storm did not have as much impact on the daytime temperatures as we had hoped and it was still 32°C during the day on Sunday. But this was perfect for Ollie who seemed to be more interested in the pool than he was in the fishing.
When we walked round on Sunday morning Darren was having a few issues with the bait boat which was getting so far out into the lake and then stopping. He was desperate to get his lines under the trees on the far bank as he had seen the fish splashing there. We got onto a chat with Angling Technics and explained that it kept losing range. Even on a Sunday someone was available to chat to and we soon discovered that the aerial was not working. Luckily we keep some spares here so once that was changed over Darren was good to go.
On Monday morning Darren told us that he had fished until about midnight and then noticed that red lights were lighting up on his bite alarms which on Googling he found out was low battery. Unfortunately they were not standard batteries so we didn’t have any and when they went to a couple of shops on Monday they were unable to find some so he put in a next day collection to a shop near Limoges and went on Tuesday to replace them. They also paid a visit to Decathlon which, in France, has a very good fishing section and bought a shelter from there that packs up really small and is perfect for warm night.
We were starting to get a bit concerned about the lack of fish from Kingfisher so far this week but Lac Lucie was also very slow from the fishing perspective up until then and this completely matched Jo’s Fishing Points app which said that fishing was not going to be great this week. Why? Who knows!
We were relieved when on Wednesday morning we woke up to a message from Darren, he had at last caught something with two commons getting in the net over night. One at 27lb at 1am and one at 19lb at 5am. And he said that he had also lost two more. Thank you Sherry for getting up for the fish!
We always recommend Piegut Pluviers market to our guests if they fancy getting out and experiencing a really good French market. It winds through the town and sells anything from live chickens to bed mattresses, as well as lots of local, seasonal produce and gifts and food. They had a lovely morning and even found somewhere for Darren to have his coffee. Arlo behaved himself for the most part and got a bit of attention from both French and English people around the market.
The afternoon was spent fishing and chilling and Ollie spent most of it in the pool. Darren took his rod off to the far bank next to the stream for a bit of stalking and said that all of the fish were huddled up in the snags under the trees.
Another fish was bought to the bank on Wednesday night, not the big cat that he lost unfortunately but a kitten weighing about 20lb+ but a fish was a fish and Darren told us that he had lost another carp overnight as well so they were evidently feeding.
Nigel and Darren chatted for ages Thursday morning about where all the fish were and Nigel suggested he tried a bit of stalking down at the shallow end of the lake as he had seen some fish mooching around there the day before when he was doing some digging in the stream.
By Thursday the temperatures had dropped by 10°C to the mid 20s so was a lot more comfortable for everyone and night time temperatures were also down to 13°C rather than 18°C when they arrived. There was still some sun to enjoy, and the oak tree provided some lovely shade for Arlo’s pram.
In the evening we went round and had a few drinks with them as they told us that they were possibly considering moving to France and having a lake themselves in a few years time. We discussed what it was like to live in France, house buying, taxes, food, wine, and the lovely roads and told them how much we love it here and how we wished we had done it 10 years earlier. While we were sat there Darren’s rods went off and everyone got involved in watching this 24lb 10oz mirror bought to the bank. It was the perfect opportunity to have a photo taken with Arlo in it as well as although he may have been awake feeding when the other fish were landed he was kept in the chalet whilst nanny took the photos.
And Friday came around again. They fancied getting out again on Friday morning for a few hours and went down to the Lac Lavaud to spend some time at the big public lake, having a walk near the man made beach and enjoying a drink at le 16 Beach pizza bar.
There were sadly no more fish to come out for Darren even though he fished until around midnight ready for the early start the next day.
The family were planning on slowly making their way back up the country to Calais before they headed home on Sunday so they popped to the château at La Rochefoucauld on the way and enjoyed their visit there before heading to Alençon for the night.
Final summary zero babies, 1 at 10lb+, 2 at 20lb+ and 1 catfish at 20lb+. Not a very productive week from a fishing perspective but a great family holiday, with lots of trips out to enjoy the surrounding area and a wonderful first holiday for baby Arlo. We wish this lovely family all the best for their future, wherever that may be and would welcome them back here any time should they want to come. Until the next time bonne journée et à bientôt…
30 September, 2026
Joining us on Lac Lucie this week was this lovely family from South Devon who made the journey across from Plymouth to Roscoff and then the long drive down to us, with their trailer packed with fishing gear. Catherine and Christopher brought their sons, Henry and Ted, and 5 month old puppy, Lara, for their first French carping experience.
Usually we find that it is the parents who have got their sons into carp fishing but Christopher is a sea fisherman and has had nothing to do with the boys discovering the carp. Apparently Ted was first to go fishing for carp with his friends and then Henry tagged along and they fell for it, hook, line and sinker. Catherine told us that they had been researching for their trip ever since it was booked, reading the catch reports and planning their trip.
They were soon unpacked and we went off down to the lake with Nigel talking them through where all the best spots were. The water level has been low for many weeks now and most of the fish have come from the deeper part of the lake, near to the monk valve in the stream of the aerators.
It was hot when this lovely family arrived, in the mid 30s and temperatures only dropped to 18°C overnight with a huge storm right overhead, and some much needed rain (23.7mm in the space of an hour). They slept in the chalet overnight and the two lads were down by the lake first thing on Sunday morning. Temperatures stayed over 30°C on Sunday so the storm had not had much impact on clearing the air.
On Sunday when we went to see them we found them set up on the dam wall, just by the monk valve with a table in front of their chairs and everything laid out and getting sorted. They were already off the mark, Henry had had a 14lb 5oz common the night before just after 9pm.
But that was it for a couple of days and by Monday morning the whole family was feeling a little despondent. The only one that seemed her bouncy playful self when we saw them was Lara, who was finding all sorts of things to chew on and chase and was desperate for Maisie to play with her. Those of you who know Maisie will be aware that she only has eyes for whoever is throwing the ball for her and would have a little grumble at Lara if she got too close. But who could resist this pretty face.
Nigel spent some time with the lads, advising them where to put the bait and their rigs and told them to be patient and to leave their lines in the water for several hours at a time and to have confidence in what they were doing. An hour or so later we heard some shouting, Henry had a fish on and he managed to get it to the bank, only to discover the net had a hole in it and the fish had swum right through and managed to get off before they had chance to get another net there. To say he was gutted is an understatement.
Nigel had also suggested that they moved up to the main bank and fished from their instead as the vibrations from people moving on the bank may well have disturbed the fish to a different part of the lake. So that is what they did and set up a day shelter and all of their gear with Henry fishing on the right of the lake and Ted to the left hand side.
However the lake remained very quiet for another 24 hours but Kingfisher was also very slow and Jo’s Fishing Points app said that fishing was not going to be great this week. Who knows why? So they opened up the box of golf darts they had brought with them and kept themselves amused playing that and making a fuss of Lara.
On Tuesday morning there was still no news of any fish. The family had spent the whole night down by the lake, in shifts and there had been plenty of signs of fish jumping but no bites. Nigel found them some more glug and some of our smaller Pallatrax hooks and we all crossed our fingers, not wanting to kill the passion and enthusiasm that these young anglers had.
At around midday Nigel saw one of them going down with a camera. Ted had managed to land a 20lb common, a new PB, from the left hand side of the lake near the reeds, using the Pallatrax hooks so they were sold on these. Just under an hour later Henry caught his second fish, a 30lb mirror, and a new PB, so they were both feeling way happier and impressed with the information that Nigel had given them. And they were all doing their bit to help. One going in the water with Christopher with the nets whilst the other playing it and Catherine helping by threading the rig tubing, a job even Nigel hates!
And this became the pattern for the next few days. Catherine described it in the visitors log as ‘Periods of high adrenaline and excitement as the boys worked together to land the fish combined with moments of calm in this beautiful tranquil setting’. In five separate cases, when one of them caught a fish the other one managed to land one within an hour, keeping the competition active between the pair of them throughout the week.
On Wednesday morning they all went out to the market at Piegut Pluviers and really enjoyed walking through the town. Christopher was invited to have a go on the barrel organ that is often there and loved engaging with the man playing with it. They bought a few gifts and enjoyed a coffee in the middle of it all. Even Lara had lots of people making a fuss of her but it was very tiring for such a young puppy and she decided just to lay down and not move in the middle of it.
The lads were straight back down to the lake when they got back and the lines in the water, with mum and dad providing all of the meals and refreshments all they had to do was fish. But it paid off and their spots were now doing well. Ted caught a 17lb 3oz common around 3pm and 45 minutes later Henry had a 23lb 7oz mirror.
Just when they were about to call it a night and head back to the chalet Henry’s alarms went off and he landed another new PB, a 32lb 3oz mirror around 11pm and so they waited for Ted’s turn, hopefully. And it happened. Ted beat his PB again half an hour later with, what ended up being the biggest fish of the week, a 35lb 5oz mirror.
By Thursday the temperatures had dropped by 10°C to the mid 20s so was a lot more comfortable for everyone and the fishing seemed to have improved. Thursday was a key day for Henry who was expecting his GCSE results. We waited until after lunch to go and see them and were delighted to hear that he had passed everything and got a place at Exeter college for September. Congratulations Henry!
There had been no fish in the morning but Nigel was round at the neighbours lake having a little dabble and heard them shouting around 4pm and he was right as Henry landed a 30lb 4oz common around 3.45pm and Ted followed at 4.40pm with a 28lb 1oz mirror and it was the fish he had been keeping an eye on in the catch reports, Nemo, who only has one pectoral fin so he was over the moon. Henry then finished the day with a 20lb common but there was no further one on Thursday for Ted.
Friday comes round too quickly but the lads were still down by the lake early in the morning and keen to get the rods in. We often find that by the end of the week younger anglers have got bored and their time by the bank has got less and less but Henry and Ted were making the most of this week and as keen on Friday as they had been on Sunday morning. We love to see the passion and enthusiasm in young people, wanting to be outdoors and catching fish.
It was just gone midday again when Henry caught the first carp of the session with a 27lb 4oz common from the dam wall swim. We were just coming back up from our morning visit and so stayed to watch and went round to take a photo of the whole family together. Again this was followed an hour later by one for Ted, another 27lb 4oz common.
However that was it for Ted as in the evening the fish seemed to have forgotten the rule about coming in in pairs and it was Henry who caught the last two fish of the session, a new PB mirror weighing 34lb 2oz and a smaller mirror at 25lb.
The final summary of what turned out to be a very productive week for these young lads at the start of their carp angling journey zero babies, 2 at 10lb+, 7 at 20lb+ and 5 at 30lb+. Henry had the most fish (9) but Ted caught the biggest at 35lb 5oz and also Nemo so all is fair. We would love to see this lovely family again someday and wish them a lovely second week holidaying in France. Until the next time bonne journée et à bientôt….
30 September, 2026
Josh, his brother, Matt and 7 year old son, Vinny travelled overnight from Milton Keynes to join us on Kingfisher lake last week and by the time they got here were shattered but excited to be here. Josh has fished in France before but his brother was quite new to carp fishing and Vinny goes fishing with his dad, Josh, a lot at weekends at their local lakes. They have had plenty of carp out of there and some catfish too up to about 40lb so were hoping that they could get some big fish on the bank. Josh’s wife and other two children were also meant to be coming but as they had just got a new puppy they decided that it would be kinder to stay at home rather than use the kennels.
We walked the three of them around the lake on their arrival and they were keen to get set up and sorted. The plan was for Josh and Vinny to fish through the night but Matt was still undecided about 24/7 fishing. Father and son quickly got set up on swim 1 and settled in for the week.
Saturday night delivered some much needed rain and a massive storm could be heard right over us with some amazing bolts of lightening. Josh decided it was probably not a wise idea to be sleeping under canvas so quickly got Vinny up to the chalet and reeled his rods in around midnight.
When we called round on Sunday morning they had not long been down by the lake but Vinny had his float rod out and was doing some amazing casting for a lad his age, putting the bits of corn on the hook himself and really enthusiastic. Josh said that they had had a couple of small, 10lb catfish during the night but nothing major.
On Monday it was Vinny who was a happy boy as he had smashed his PB with a 36lb common. Matt had also had a 32lb common and Josh had caught another 12lb catfish as well as a 26lb carp.
Vinny was delighted to tell us on Tuesday that he had caught a catfish weighing 21lb and had had a 18lb mirror so they were catching well.
Matt had obviously decided that night fishing was not for him and not being a morning person was not often seen when we went round to see them but Josh and Vinny were always up and about with Josh cooking breakfast for them both and Vinny always keen to show us the bucket of crayfish he had managed to hunt down which increased in numbers each day. He appeared quite happy to pick them up to put in the bucket so a brave lad as they always look quite scary on the bank when they are up on their back legs. He also managed to get some frogs in a bucket too so a proper little wildlife hunter.
Early on Wednesday morning we had a message from Josh saying that he had skipped the 30lb club and joined the 40lb club instead with this 46lb mirror – a lovely new PB for him and finally with the biggest fish of the week.
Wednesday evening saw the eclipse and it is a shame it was not a totality as the view across the meadow would have been stunning. As it was unless you had some special glasses it was a bit of an anti-climax. We were lucky enough to be out at a friends who had the glasses so did get to see some of it
With temperatures over 30°C all week and for two days over 40°C the swimming pool was well used this week and Jo had found an inflatable and some bits for Vinny to use in there. We were stood chatting to them one afternoon when Josh and Vinny were cooling off and Vinny decided to jump off of the steps, splashing us a little. As we stood for longer and longer the splashes got bigger and bigger and we were glad that we had been cooled off walking back round to home.
We have not got any details of what was caught on Thursday as Jo was not very good at keeping track of the catches this week and as this is being written we are waiting for more information and hopefully some photographs. We do know that on Friday they reported that they had had a 25lb mirror and a 30lb common.
Maisie is going to miss Vinny and his great ball throwing. In fact one morning when we were round there they had just pulled their rods in ready to go to the supermarket and Maisie spent about 15 minutes in and out the water chasing her ball that Vinny had thrown for her. What a great life she leads.
From what we know they had zero babies, 1 at 10lb+, 2 at 20lb+, 3 at 30lb+, 1 at 40lb+ and 4 catfish to 21lb. We have loved seeing such a young, keen angler here with his dad and uncle this week and hopefully will see them all again some day. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
30 September, 2026
We welcomed the Aldridge family this week and again soaring temperatures with only John fishing he managed to snarl 8 fish with the biggest going 44lb mirror
30 September, 2026
This week we had the pleasure of the Waller family once again scorching temperatures and hardly any rainfall for months with only 1 fishing Harry managed to land 10 fish with the biggest going to just over forty pounds
30 September, 2026
Returning anglers Liam and Andrew were amongst the fish again this included 2 forty’s to 42lb and several 30 in some very strong heat with temps hitting 36 degrees
30 September, 2026
The Richardson family on this week and another blisteringly hot week with water temperatures of 34 degrees ! and air temperatures of 44 degrees making fishing difficult and days and night very hot but Kevin and his son stuck at it and and were rewarded with some nice fish and the rest of the family loving the cottage and it all it offers our guests making use of the pool , garden , hot tub and loving the new smart cabins on all our swims with fridge , lights electric , kettles etc making for a great stay.
30 September, 2026
Wonderful week in total 74 fish all caught on DGF Baits seems like they love this good quality Bait
30 September, 2026
Super weeks fishing 74 fish in total all caught on DGF Baits looks like they love this quality Bait
29 September, 2026
Sport was slow but enjoyed the fishing, it was 30 degrees+ most days so that didn’t help. This was at the end of September as well. The owner Keith was excellent, good advice and always ready to help, he was so laid back as well, overall enjoyed it.
29 September, 2026
We had a fabulous stay at Etang Rouge and I can’t recommend the venue highly enough. Jeff and Shan are the most incredibly welcoming hosts and do their best to make you feel at home. Jeffs lake knowledge and angling experience came in very handy during what was a very difficult week’s fishing, and enabled us to bag a couple of stunning hard fighting carp (including a new PB of 49 lbs) and a real surprise of a lovely healthy eel.
The food is exceptional, and the evening conversations in the Anglers Rest make you feel like you’re with a bunch of friends.
The tackle set ups are great quality, the bivvies are spacious, and the caravan is well worth booking for a comfy night or two on a soft mattress.
This is by far the best French fishery we have stayed at, and we will definitely be booking a return when dates are available
28 September, 2026
Well session to remember for simon putting 27 fish on the bank for over 800lb of carp in tip top condition.
4 over 40lb 13 over 30lb to back it up aswell as few smaller fish for what he described the session of a lifetime. Steve in peg 2 got into double figures aswell.with several thirties upto 39lb and Liam on his first french trip landed a pb mirror and common with a brace of thirties from peg 4 . The summer seems to be dragging on with 34 degrees on friday and mid twentys all week as we reach late September crazy weather but we do need some rain now. Cheers Graham foxpool. Prices held for 2027 if you fancy a trip out next season.
28 September, 2026
A great week for James and Terri , both first timers to France and they had a great week with all targets achieved and new pbs fit them both. Loved the cottage and the cabins and in their words “ the pictures don’t do it justice and it exceeded all our expectations , wow , loved it.
28 September, 2026
🎣🇬🇧 A great week at Étang de la Clarté! 🇫🇷🎣
A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of welcoming three English anglers, who came to spend a week by the water, enjoying their passion for carp fishing. 🎣🤝
A week filled with friendship, good times and great fishing, with some beautiful fish to show for it! 🐟💪
Plenty of exciting moments, some great battles and, above all, lots of memories shared between friends. ❤️
A big thank you to them for their trust and their great spirit! 🙏
🇬🇧 Thank you guys, and see you next time at Étang de la Clarté! 🇫🇷
28 September, 2026
Keane and Jane staying with us this week and with the weather cooling down Keane had a great week , fishing just two rods and our house boilie over our particle and pellet and smashed his pb and into the 40’s club. Loving the new lakeside cabins and enjoying some great local restaurants in the evenings.
28 September, 2026
The Brahams on this week another very hot week but again fishing just mornings and evenings they worked hard for their fish but brought some nice fish to the net and new pbs for all the family. The cottage providing fun in the daytime with the pool , bbq , hot tub etc making fir a great stay in our luxury cottage and once again the new lakeside cabins proving a big hit in the hot weather with cold drinks at hand and plenty of shade on the very hot days.
27 September, 2026
Fantastic week in hot weather with a total of 42 carp landed,15 x 30+ and 1 x 40+ as well as numerous mid 20s made for a great week.location was spot on and Izzy and Harry were extremely helpful.Can’t wait to return next year .
27 September, 2026
Father and son anglers, Mick & David, supported by the catering staff of Rita & Natalie.
Our first time at Lac Bois de Printemps but it won’t be the last.
The weather was against us, very hot sunny days and very high air pressure.
Nevertheless, we stuck at it and landed 15 carp between us.
David – 22lbs, 24lbs,27lb 8oz,32lb, 33lb, 33lb 12oz, and a PB of 37lbs, the top common as shown in the photo.
Mick – 18.8lb, 21lb,22lb 8oz, 32lb,32lb 10oz,33lb 4oz, 33lb 5oz and a new PB of 44lb 12oz, the mirror above. A crap photo but the fish was so lively and I was more interested in getting it safely back into the water.
Tremendous hospitality from Dave and Doreen, who had catered for every conceivable thing. The accommodation was extremely comfortable and the whole fishery setting is superb.
27 September, 2026
From 27 September to 4 October, we welcomed back our Swedish friends, a group who have visited our fishery several times. They are a fantastic bunch of lads, respectful anglers, and a pleasure to have on the lake.
Fishing has been particularly challenging following the period of hot weather, but the lads persevered and managed to land 12 carp during their week. A big thank you to all of you for your continued support, your respect for the fishery, and the great atmosphere you bring whenever you visit. We look forward to seeing you again!
For the week from 4–11 October, the fishing remained difficult, although the lads did manage to land some good fish.
27 September, 2026
Greg, Gary and Simon fished kingfisher last week, the boys managed to land 27 fish going to 47lb. All booked to return next year to go again. 🎣🐠🐟🐬🐳
25 September, 2026
David greeted us at the lake and was on hand if required all week. With four of us fishing on a lake exclusive we had a good head of carp caught including a 64lb, 55lb, 53lb and 2x 50lb. Alongside 2 catfish one at 109lb and one at 89lb. Great week would come back in the future.
22 September, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Absolutely fantastic fishery – highly recommended!
I honestly can’t say enough good things about ST Brice Fishery. From the moment we arrived, Patricia and Jay were absolutely brilliant. They are genuinely lovely people, so welcoming, friendly and helpful in every way you could possibly imagine. Nothing was too much trouble, and that really made the whole experience even more enjoyable.
The food was a 10/10 – absolutely fantastic! The fish were beautiful, healthy and clearly very well looked after. You can tell there is a lot of care and pride that goes into the fishery.
The location is 10/10, and the lake itself is 10/10. The water level was quite low due to the time of year, but that certainly didn’t stop me catching! 🎣 There are some fantastic fish in there, and I can only imagine how impressive this lake is going to become as it continues to develop.
I genuinely believe ST Brice Fishery is going to become a premier water and I’m really looking forward to seeing how it progresses. It already has so much going for it – beautiful surroundings, stunning fish, a great lake and, most importantly, fantastic people running it.
A massive thank you to Patricia and Jay for making the experience so enjoyable. I’ll definitely be back!
Steve Smith UK 🇬🇧🎣
22 September, 2026
Saturday we said farewell to Michael, Dave & Wayne. Wayne had been to us in May so it was fantastic for us to experience our first returning angler 🎣
The guys were a great group and a pleasure to host and we are sure we will see them back on the bank next year 🎣
After a difficult start to the week with high temperatures to 32 and still no rain, the guys worked hard on the lake chasing the fish and ended the week on 18 fish between them and with a few loses.
22 September, 2026
Had an amazing week with Paul on the river Vienne, catching truly wild carp to over 34 pounds, These fish are a completely different proposition to those in overfished ponds, in that the river fish were looking immaculate and putting up a tremendous scrap. Paul put in alot of work before we even arrived, in research, and preparing the swim, and took pride in leaving the swim as pristine as we found it. The camp had all the basics we needed to enjoy the week. We got off to a flying start with big fish on the first day. With his laid back, but friendly and knowledgeable style he steered us towards the right approach, since tackling this type of environment was new to us.
The river Vienne was packed with wildlife, and a fantastic venue to spend a week. I only wish we had longer, and I will definitely be back!
20 September, 2026
Great week at Wellington Lakes. Matt and Magali were great hosts. We didn’t fish hard ( no nights ) but we still caught more than our expectations. A lovely set up and hope to return in the future.
20 September, 2026
What a week these lads had at Baleine!
We had a magnificent group on Baleine this week. Respectful, well organised and taking great care of the fishery and all the equipment. Their effort absolutely paid off.
The lake fished hard, with only 13 carp landed, but what a set of fish they had!
The numbers may not have been huge, but the quality certainly was.
The lads really enjoyed their time at Baleine despite the difficult fishing, and they also gave us some fantastic feedback about their week.
Honestly, I wish every group was like this. It makes such a difference when guests respect the fishery, look after the fish and equipment, and put the effort in even when the fishing gets tough.
A massive thank you to all of you, and congratulations on some fantastic captures. It was a real pleasure having you at Baleine, and we’d absolutely love to welcome you all back again!
Until next time – tight lines!
19 September, 2026
Chef de vile where to start what a place lots of water in each peg and lots of fish to the biggest to 54lb grass followed by lots of 40lb 30lb and loads of 20lb and a 41lb sturgeon a massive thank you to Antony for the food and a very knowledgeable. Bloke knows the lake at the back of his hand was very helpful to put us in the right direction gonna be happier with the way the week went many thanks Dan Jay and Matty
19 September, 2026
Last week we had a fantastic group on Saussaie. Really respectful, clean guys and an absolute pleasure to meet. Guests like these are always welcome!
The week started off a little slowly, but things really picked up towards the end and the lads finished with 17 carp landed in total.
The numbers weren’t extreme, but wow… what a set of fish they had! The week produced:
The lads also gave us some great feedback on the size 2 hook rule – they didn’t lose a single carp all week. That’s exactly what we want to hear!
A massive thank you to all of you for looking after Camo and Moos as well. It was really appreciated, and it’s always great to see guests taking such good care of everything around the lake.
Thank you again for a fantastic week, guys. It was a pleasure having you at Saussaie, and we’d absolutely love to see every one of you back again! Until next time – tight lines!
18 September, 2026
Over the past two weeks the the fish here at oakview have been feeding like crazy, with over 2000lb landed. The week before last producing 40 carp (fishing days only) followed by last week’s brilliant 32 landed! It was Dave and Karen’s first time here and they used what they learnt throughout the week to keep catching! Here’s some highlights; Can’t wait to have you both and Harley back.
18 September, 2026
*Lake update*
A lot been happening here at oakview lake we’ve had lots of returning customers and a few new ones. Considering the hot weather we’ve had this summer the lake has still manage to fish well but with this cooler spell we are currently having the fish have began feeding very heavily (pictures to follow soon of the most recent couple of weeks) Pictures below from Baz, Dawn, Simon and Julie annual 2 week stay at the start of August with a total of 47 carp over the to weeks the carp certainly weren’t put of too much by the heat.
18 September, 2026
Last week we had the pleasure of the Juke family at oakview lake. With temperatures slowly coming down the bites kept coming! 26 carp landed over the week and 2 new PBs, the Jukes have already booked for next year taking one of our last available summer weeks.
18 September, 2026
The fish are well and truelly on the feed now after some consistent weather (albeit still very hot!) Our current guest are on their second week of a fortnight stay. With 20 carp landed up to 40lb on their first week the action doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon! Our guests the week before weren’t as lucky with the weather, 4 consecutive days of 40+ degrees made the fishing difficult, choosing to dodge the heat with short morning and evening sessions all anglers we able to get amongst some fish (see pics below) great angling from a brilliant group of lads who will be returning next year with hopefully more favourable conditions.
18 September, 2026
The month of may at oakview lake had everything. Scorching hot weather, big temperature drops with lots of rain, PB’s, a couple tricky weeks fishing and some prolific weeks. It all culminated in the carp spawning (finished about a week ago) and our now back on the feed. Overall a very good month with some regular customers and a couple of new ones, from single anglers up to families of 6! We can’t wait to see what June brings, with some perfect weather this week and spawning out of the carps mind we hope for some very happy anglers!
18 September, 2026
Oakview lake in its spring colours 🌺 a few shots from Saturdays change over. With the new ducklings swimming around the lake 🐣 we had a regular angler on last week who had a fantastic weeks fishing, can’t wait to share the details of his results later this week!
18 September, 2026
Last week we had the pleasure meeting Rob. It was his twelfth visit to Oakview but first time back since we took over in 2024. He is an experienced angler and knows the lake well. Rob only fished during the day but was able to land an impressive total of 25 carp. This includes: 4 40lbs (up to 44lb) and 13 carp over 34lbs.
Rob is a solo angler who prefers to return the fish back to water as soon as possible so we don’t have any photos of the catches. However we will share the catch report of his great week.
We look forward to seeing Rob again the same time next year! It’s been great having you fish here at Oakview lake again and we really appreciate your kind words: “One of the best, if not the best weeks holiday with fishing I’ve had in France in over 20 years!”
18 September, 2026
A few of our anglers suggested that having bikes available would be a great idea… so we listened! 😊
We now have 2 bikes available to hire during your stay at Lac Bundy.
Perfect for getting around the lake, getting between swims or simply making that trip to the onsite toilet and shower facilities a little easier! 🎣🚿
💶 €30 per bike for the week
We only have 2 bikes available, so if you’d like to hire one during your stay, please let us know when booking to avoid disappointment.
18 September, 2026
At the weekend we said goodbye to Steve, Wes and their Dad, Phil. Great guys and an absolute pleasure to have them at Lac Bundy. Plenty of chats and laughs shared with the guys.
With difficult weather conditions the fish made them work for it and after a few moves, their hard work paid off seeing multiple PBs broken throughout the week. The biggest fish of the trip was our newly discovered resident Sturgeon at 57lb.
18 September, 2026
Saturday we said goodbye to Chris & Big Al. They had a steady start to their week with carp to 46lb and three sturgeon to 56lb. The largest carp and the three sturgeon were original stock and not seen before.
It was a pleasure to host the guys and we hope to see them again.
Chris sent a few words ….
Thanks to Lisa and mark for looking after Alan and myself last week. I’m sure this venue will be amazing as the fish grow on. The Bundy’s could not have done anymore for us even running back and forth to the shops, thanks again for all your help. Good luck with this lovely lake.
18 September, 2026
🚨 BREAKING NEWS FROM LAC BUNDY! 🚨
Well, it seems Steve isn’t the only sturgeon in our family! 😮🎣
Our anglers this week, Chris and Alan (Big Al), have made an incredible discovery — Steve has brothers! 🐟
During the early hours of Monday morning, Big Al was the first to lock into a powerful battle with what we initially thought was a worryingly underweight Steve. When the scales settled at 56lb, we knew something wasn’t quite right.
A closer inspection revealed the truth…
This wasn’t Steve! 😲
But the story doesn’t end there…
Yesterday afternoon, Chris found himself in his own battle — and incredibly, it turned into a double sturgeon hook-up! 🤯
Two more previously unknown sturgeon were landed, weighing:
🐟 55lb 12oz
🐟 56lb 12oz
So it turns out that Steve has THREE brothers… and their mother is still unknown! 😂
We are absolutely delighted to have discovered these new members of the Lac Bundy family and, of course, give them a very warm welcome! ❤️🐟
And the surprises don’t stop with the sturgeon…
Chris and Big Al have also enjoyed some fantastic carp fishing, with carp to 46lb.
Even more excitingly, this 46lb fish is another completely new fish to us, believed to be part of the original stock that we have never seen before.
With so much of Lac Bundy’s original stock still unknown to us, it seems the lake is going to keep throwing up surprises for both us and our anglers for years to come. 🎣
Happy days at Lac Bundy! 🇫🇷🎣
16 September, 2026
We had a wonderful time fishing the river at Grand Felin. The hosts were helpful and friendly, the property was beautiful and idyllic. It is the perfect spot to relax and unwind. The river was challenging to fish but despite that, caught plenty of carp and enjoyed the peace and quiet of the Vienne. Lots to do in the area and some lovely nearby towns to explore. Highly recommend a trip to Le Grand Felin!
15 September, 2026
Steady start to the the week averaging 3 carp a day for the first few days. 3 PB’s broken and a 100lb Cat and the large Sturgeon banked. A change in weather seemed to turn the fish off. However all the carp caught were in great condition, 6 out the 7 of us caught from all around the lake. Facilities are basic but both toilets were clean and in full use. Ample fridge and freezer space for food and bait. David is a great guy and extremely helpful.
15 September, 2026
Hill House proved to be a very relaxing and beautiful venue with great accommodation. It was exactly what I was looking for.
I managed to catch 11 carp ranging from mid 20s to a 37lb mirror. images attached. Lee – Bailiff was friendly and helpful.
Recommend for those who appreciate peace and quiet in lovely surroundings.
14 September, 2026
We had Alex biok on late through dch and what a session he had with 31 fish including 5 over forty many 30s aswell . He arrived late from cannes snd hisc1st fish was a 40lb mirror in peg 1 then followed that up with another 3 fish before he moved to peg 4 where there was a lot of fish showing. He caught consistently all week to take the most fish caught by 1 angler this season. The change in westher helped and Stephen in peg 2 also had 19 fish upto 41lb in peg 2 . Both the nut brittle and coconut cream fished with pellets and particle doing the job .
14 September, 2026
We returned to Etang Furet first week in September, this time taking advantage of the Loft. It’s the 3rd time we have fished Furet, but different parts of the water each time. Great week fishing, with over 20 carp on the bank, with 5 over 40lb, including a beautiful 42lb ghostie common, and a further 2 at 50lb+, majority of rest mid 20 to mid 30lbs. The loft facilities were exceptional, adding extra comfort to the week. Already looking forward to next year 🙂
14 September, 2026
Gregory and his family had a great week catching 15 carp including 4 40’s to 47lb. Dynamites Peppered 🦑 worked well this week. They also had great family days out at the zoo and swimming lakes.
13 September, 2026
Great place , lovely people, , nice fish , fantastic accommodation right next to lake .
13 September, 2026
Great week with 28 catches for myself and 53 catches as a group of 4 of us. Lovely place with a great bailiff In charge. Would 100% recommend.
13 September, 2026
Another great week at Baleine with Adam’s group, our friends from Boatman UK. Adam is a repeat customer with us, and the lads know the lake well and clearly know how to fish it – and once again, they had a fantastic result!
The lads landed an impressive 43 carp in total, including:
Some great numbers and some seriously good fish for this time of year.
The boys will be back again in April/May, so we’re already looking forward to seeing if one of Baleine’s big girls decides to make an appearance and help them push towards their top weights of the season!
A massive well done to Adam and everyone in the group. It’s always a pleasure having you guys at Baleine, and we’re looking forward to seeing you all again next season.
One small reminder for anyone fishing Baleine: Baleine is a big lake, and we don’t allow anglers to drive around the lake to use the toilets or showers. We really appreciate everyone helping us keep vehicle movement to a minimum around the lake. A scooter or bicycle is ideal for getting around. If you don’t have one yourself, don’t worry – we have bikes available to rent at the fishery.
Thanks for understanding and helping us keep Baleine looking its best. Well done again lads – see you next time!
12 September, 2026
The lads had a great week of fishing on Saussaie, managing to land 13 carp up to 45lb.
Unfortunately, none of the bigger fish decided to make an appearance this time, but the lads still did a great job and enjoyed some good fishing.
As we move towards the end of summer, the fishing has slowed down a little, especially with the night-time temperatures dropping. The carp are still feeding though, and you can really see them starting to get back into shape. The fish are looking very healthy and are putting on some serious condition for the months ahead.
The lads were also a fantastic group to have on the lake, and it was a pleasure having them with us.
A big well done to all of you, and thank you for another great week at Saussaie. Tight lines and see you next time!
11 September, 2026
Hi Guys, we are back after a weeks summer break but don’t worry we are here now every week right through to the end of October when our season will finish unless we get another booking😀
This week we had 3 new anglers booking the lake exclusively.
Simon, Matt and Rob fished swims 6/7, 8 and 10, Matty moved to swim 2 which paid off at the beginning of the week
Guys used Boilies from CC Moore, Mainline, sticky baits and are using our Aller Aqua pellet, pepperami done well for Matty on swim 2 but sadly only stockies fell for it.
Simon got off mark first on swim 8 with China Plate at 42lb 4oz a PB for him other fish that followed Vinnie 40.4m, Archie 37.6m, coup 46.2m, chunky lumpy 47m, for Rob, Matty with his pepperami 36.12c, 30.4m, 26.8c, Scales @ 35.2c, 26.12c, Nutty @ 27.2. 3 fish this week won’t micro chipped so we did for our records. The main lake now holds 162 micro chipped fish.
The weather was much more cooler lots of sunshine back into 30’s by end of week, We started off on a south westerly before the end of the week it then flipped to a northerly.
11 September, 2026
Hi Guys, we are back after a weeks break,
This week we had returning for the third time is Chris, wife Laura and two boys Jake and Harry.
Fished swims 4 and 5.
Baits used Cell and essential cell boilie baits they brought with them and our pellet.
When Chris and his family arrived the fish were stacked up in swim 5 after a change in wind overnight to a south westerly, Chris went on to bank Sylvia 49, China plate 42, Nutty 26 and two other stockies, fish seemed to be over the cut in front of swim 8 first part of week, Fish then followed Lily Pad 33 lb the mighty Mole 62 lb 8 oz, Albie 33 lb, Bubbles the common 25.14, Hot Fuzz 24.8, Tash 48 lb, Loarse 32.10 was a double take Jake landing Tash while dad banked loarse then followed Winnie 27.8, Arnie 22.8 both Commons he also banked a 19 lb common early on in the week. Both Harry and Jake float fished the blue lagoon catching numerous carp and roach Harry caught a wicked koi common hybrid, so Dad ended up with 19 takes 15 carp. Awesome 👏💪🎣 oh before I sign this week off mum Laura assisted around the clock especially on the double take.
Weather was red hot temperatures hitting over 43 degrees which continued through the week winds were mainly south westerly, also visibility first part of week was very poor and air quality which was caused by the wildfires in the Bordeaux area.
11 September, 2026
Hi Guys, we’re back after two weeks break.
We had Richard who has visited multiple times along with his son Carrick, having booked the lake to themselves.
They fished swims 9 & 10, changed on Tuesday lunchtime time to other side of lake 3 & 4
They are used Hand Craft Baits Herb and particles with our pellet
Monday morning 31.8 common and Charlie’s Shoulders at an unexplained weight of 56 lb 8 oz let’s hope he gets through this heatwave ok 🙏 Carrick tripped up clover mirror @ 38.8 and Dad Richard caught Millie common @ 40.4 before they moved to swim 3/4 fishing back on 9/10 just in the day Carrick tripped up Marley the Leather @ 47 lb 12 oz swim 9. After this Dobby 26lb 1oz, 29lb 2oz common and then to finish the week off Carrick had Fred at 40lb exactly.
Weather was very hot, cooling down a bit after the storms on Tuesday & Wednesday.
11 September, 2026
Hi guys, we are back after a couple of weeks break.
This week we had back Scott, Deano, Fred and newbies Paul and Lee.
Fished swims 2, 4, 5, 9, 10 and 11
Boilie baits used were Archiepeachy white/Red some Munch baits tutti fruity double strength pineapple and our pellet, the guys also brought with them maize and particles.
It was always going to be tough with temperatures going over 45 degrees in the shade Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday Paul swim 9 38 lb mirror, Deano Bacon tail 33 lb swim 10 Scott on swim 11 Starburst 1 at 38lb, Lee and Fred sadly left Friday morning both on a blank.
Weather was brutal we had temperatures up to 43 degrees the week before much the same lots of hot sunshine light winds.
Sadly we lost Katie one of the A team last time out just under 65 lb nature is cruel and its not much fun being a fishery when this happens.
11 September, 2026
Hi guys, this week we had regulars, Dave who’s been coming for over 14 years Jason and Mark.
Fishing on the cooler side fishing swim 10,11 and 12 Mark then moved to swim 3 from 12 after his capture of The Hulk.
Guys used Boilies they brought with them Baitworks Atlantic heat being one poacher baits the guys also used our pellet.
Mark swim 12 tripped up the Hulk @ 46 lb 8 oz 🎣 following his early morning capture 💥 Dave swim 10 tripped up a fish he caught over 10 years ago a lot smaller back then The mighty Mole new PB @ 66 lb 6 oz on Poacher boilie Baits, Mark moved to swim 3 Tuesday morning he then went on the to tripping up the Old one @ a best weight of 42 lb 12 oz thenwas Mark went on to trip up whiskers @ 41 lb Thursday morning Mark again with Gold Leaf common 29.8 sadly Mark had to leave early Friday morning, It was Roasting outside a high of 38.9 degrees for the week shade temperature.
Weather was roasting up in to the high 30’s blue skies lots of sunshine winds are north easterly changing to a southerly.
11 September, 2026
Hi Guys, we had Richard and Jason exclusively booking the lake to themselves,
Fished Swims 4 and 5
Guys used boilie baits they brought with them nutra baits Trigger being one also using our pellet.
Guys got off the mark quickly so no blankers this week, the fish seemed at first to be holding themselves in the top bay where Jason on swim 5 tripped a few up then they pushed out followed by some spawning along the far bank which didn’t last
Clover, Tommys common, Archie, Hunchie, Pumpkin, Chunk, and Cassie were the named fish with other unnamed mirrors and commons they finished up with a average of just over 38 lb.
1 x 50- 52lb Chunk,
4 x 40s- 46lb 4oz mirror
5 x 30s- 39lb 12oz Hunchie
2 x 20s- 29lb Common
Weather was unsettled first part then lots of sunshine towards the end of the week into the 30’s winds were south, south westerly turned around at the end of week to a northerly.
11 September, 2026
Some returning anglers this week,
Ryan, Steve and newbee Connor.
Fished swims 3,4 and Steve fishing swim 10/11 on alternative days.
Guys used mainline cell our Archiepeachy boilies Red and white.
Ryan swim 5 was off the mark first with a mid 20 common chipped already but now named Chrissy’s common after his late Father, Also Me Duck @ a best weight 40 lb 12 oz new PB grassy @ 41 lb 8 oz.
Steve caught Yogi @ 47 lb swim 10.
Connor swim 4 caught a already chipped mirror @ 30lb
Guys have rebooked before they left the fishery See you in September 2028😀
Weather was very stormy to start off but got warmer and brighter as the week went on lots of sunshine by Friday hitting the mercury @ 30 degrees.
11 September, 2026
Hi Guys, returning anglers from our neck in the woods in Essex.
Grant, Archie, Martin, Craig and Mark aka Baker.
Swims fished 3, 4, 5, 9, and 11
Baker swim 11 tripped up Abby @ 54lb early on.
Craig swim 5 Tommy’s common @ 40lb 12oz, 35lb 6oz and Bacon Tail twice 🫣 around 35lb
Martin swim 9 tripped up a newbee Chops @ 28 lb 8 oz
Baits used form mainline, Urban and some of our pellet.
Weather was settled for the week with changeable winds starting on a south westerly
11 September, 2026
This week we had returning anglers who are also returning again in September,
Jeff, Steve, Charlie and Lee.
Fished swims 2, 4, 6/7, 10, 11 and 12.
Guys used bait from DNA baits no pellet was used.
Charlie swim 11 Conky 56 lb, Castle Al 48.12, Roxy 45b lb, Two Faces (ghostie) 43.12, Sprinkles 42.12, Vinnie 41 lb, and mid 20 Mirror.
Steve swim 4 Shoulder Scale 50 lb 4 oz, Axo 34 lb 12 oz, 27m and 26.13m.
Jeff Swim 6/7 26lb 4 oz common
Weather was settled lots of sunshine but a chilly wind from the north east not the best.
11 September, 2026
WHat a week for Geoff and Jackie with some mega fish topped by Mace’s common at 53lbs
11 September, 2026
2 anglers last week caught a total of 40 carp for the week fishing nights only. Mega result especially considering the conditions. Thanks again Andy and Jules John and Gale.
11 September, 2026
Brian’s family and friends had a good week catching a total of 30 carp to 43.7lb and a few p.bs to Kyle aswell.
👍
11 September, 2026
Laurie and Caroline had a week at Laneuville in the onsite Gite. Laurie fished some of the week and caught plenty of fish. 26 carp in total with a 48 a 42 and 2x 30s being the biggest.
11 September, 2026
Some recent captures from Mike and James’s week 👌
11 September, 2026
Carp to 53lbs this week and plenty of action.
11 September, 2026
A great start to the season so far with some cracking fish being caught. Gary and Jeff ended up with over 40 fish last week, the biggest was Jeff’s pb @ 54.12lbs.
11 September, 2026
35 carp landed to 55lbs between 5 anglers. 👌
09 September, 2026
Amy and Luke arrived in France at the beginning of August for their long summer break. The first two weeks were spent in a couple of eurocamps for the two children, aged 13 and 12, to enjoy everything it had to offer but their last week in the country was for Luke and Amy to enjoy what they love doing together. A nice week carp fishing on Lac Lucie. They have busy lives in the UK, working hard for their kitchen business and running round after Lexi, who loves dancing and Louis who plays a lot of football.
Having travelled the three hours from the west coast of France, via the supermarket to stock up for the week, they could soon got themselves unpacked and set up on the main bank. With Lexi and Louis happy in the chalet and the pool they could focus most of their attention on the fishing, coming up at various points in the day to provide food and drinks for the children.
On Saturday evening they managed to get a few hours fishing under their belt and it wasn’t long before the fish were reaching the nets. Luke started them off with a 26lb common and 23lb 8oz mirror by 8pm and then Amy had a 14lb 7oz common at 8.45pm. 2-1 to Luke
They were down by the lake early on Sunday morning and Amy was first off the mark with a 22lb 7oz common. Luke had a 24lb 4oz mirror at 11.05am whilst we were down there and then there were two mirrors around 18lb for Amy within 10 minutes of each other at around 11.45am. The afternoon session saw two in the cradle for Luke – first 30lber of the session with a 30lb mirror and then a 21lb 7oz mirror an hour later at 3.40pm. There was only one in the evening for Amy, a mirror weighing 26lb 2oz. 4-3 to Amy so all square at this point.
Their routine quickly fell into place, heading down to the lake most days by around 9am, stopping around 1ish for some breakfast/lunch and then an afternoon session before tea and going back down about 6.30pm for an evening period until about 9pm. The evening was spent with the children, in the hot tub watching the stars and up until Monday lunchtime, when there were a few showers, they had some nice warm weather. There was a little bit more rain during the week but not nearly as much as we had been forecast and most of that fell overnight. And the temperatures were over 30°C some days so nice enough for everyone.
During the Monday morning session Luke had another 32lb 8oz mirror at 10am, Amy caught a common weighing 36lb 3oz and then Luke had a double take. A common at 30lb 8oz closely followed 5 minutes later by a 20lb 6oz mirror. Amy then had another common at 17lb 6oz an hour later at around 12.40pm and a 21lb 6oz common an hour after that. It certainly wasn’t restful and they both got involved in every fish. With the water levels low it has been necessary to get into the water to net them.
There was nothing further then until the evening when Amy a 27lb common at 7.30pm, closely followed by a 26lb 7oz mirror at 8.15pm for Luke and then Amy 5 minutes later with a 32lb 2oz common. Luke finished the evening with a 30lb 3oz common around 20 minutes after that. Monday finished at a 5-5 draw.
When we saw them on Tuesday lunchtime they had had another four that morning and were up to 24 fish in total between the two of them which was pretty good going. Our average catch per angler for a week is only 8 and they had smashed this by midway through the week. But all of the carp today were caught within the space of an hour mid morning. Amy had a 18lb mirror at 10.30am, followed by a 26lb 1oz mirror for Luke at 11.00, then a 35lb 2oz common for Luke at 11.20 and a 18lb 2oz mirror for Amy at 11.30. The lake had gone quiet and Tuesday ended with a 2-2 draw.
It was a draw again on Wednesday with 3 fish in the net for each of them. Amy started with a 16lb 3oz mirror at 10am and then a 24lb 4oz common at 12.30pm, Luke had a 26lb 7oz mirror at 4.45pm and 2 hours later a 29lb 7oz mirror. Amy landed a 22lb 5oz common at 7.30pm and then Luke finished the day with a 21lb 14oz mirror at 8.18pm. So by the end of Wednesday Amy had had 15 carp and Luke had had 15 carp. What great teamwork.
We hardly heard Lexi and Louis at all and they amused themselves throughout the day keeping up their exercising by running laps around the lake several times a day and having ball control exercises on the lawn. Nigel was very tempted to join in a few times!
On Thursday they decided to move along to the side swim as they had seen plenty of splashing in the shallow end under the willow tree. We saw Amy at lunchtime and she told us that Luke had hooked into a really big fish that morning and they had reckoned it was a good high 40, if not a 50. But when it got to the bank and Amy went to net it, it slipped away. It’s always the biggest one of the week that does this but Luke had forgiven her by lunchtime.
Thursday was their last full day fishing as the family were leaving to catch the overnight ferry on Friday afternoon so they made the most of it. Around 12.30pm Amy caught a 26lb 4oz mirror but there was then nothing more until 6pm when she had a 36lb 2oz common. Luke’s only carp of the day was a 32lb 6oz common at 7.50pm, and then ten minutes later Amy landed a 31lb 12oz common and then a 20lb 5oz mirror at 8.50pm. They had been neck and neck right up until Thursday when Amy suddenly went 3 ahead with a score of 19-16.
There was lots to do on Friday, getting their stuff packed up and the roof box and the car loaded up ready for their five hour drive to Caen but they did manage to fish for a little while in the morning but there was nothing wanting to be caught.
So no new PBs for this lovely couple but they had an amazing week with 35 on the bank in total. The final summary was zero babies, 7 at 10lb+, 18 at 20lb+ and 10 at 30lb+. We hope that they all enjoyed their week here and hopefully we will see them on Kingfisher next August as part of their French vacances. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
09 September, 2026
After highs of last week for Alex and steve, we had 4 lads from Manchester return after 6 years away.
Malcolm had two tone at 70lb last time here and was accompanied by 2 french virgins Ian and matty who both smashed their pbs in pegs 2 and 3 matt had 11 fish a couple of forties to 43.8lb leather carp biggest and matt had some high 30s to 39lb in 2.
Sean in 4 had most with 17 fish but no forties just 3x37lb biggest .
Malc in one struggled but managed 11 fish upto 39lb.
Just under 50 fish out for the boys and a few lost unfortunately. They vowed to return next year .
06 September, 2026
Fabulous week.
52 fish (and we didn’t fish the nights!).
Loads of 30’s topped off with 3 40’s – all in great condition.
Food package great.
Well looked after.
06 September, 2026
What a week at Baleine!
We had a great group on the lake this week. It was a little hectic towards the end, but all in all they were a fantastic bunch of guys to meet and a pleasure to have at Baleine.
The lake fished really well this week and produced some magnificent carp.
Unfortunately, 8 bites were lost, which could have made an already impressive result even better. In the end, the lads landed an incredible 28 carp.
And the weights were seriously impressive for this time of year:
Baleine certainly delivered on the weight front this week, and it was great to see so many big fish coming out as we move towards the end of the season.
The lads were absolutely buzzing with their week, and we’re already happy to say that their next trip is booked!
A massive well done to everyone and thank you for a great week at Baleine. We’re looking forward to having you all back again – let’s see what the lake has in store for you next time!
05 September, 2026
What a week at Saussaie!
These lads have had what they described as the holiday of their life, and looking at the fish they managed to land, we can certainly understand why!
The numbers weren’t huge, with 11 carp landed, but the weights more than made up for it. There were PBs smashed and then smashed again, exactly what Saussaie is capable of producing.
Some very special fish made an appearance:
What a week and what a set of fish!
Unfortunately, not everyone managed to get amongst the fish this time, but that’s carp fishing. It just means there is some unfinished business to come back and sort out next time!
And that’s exactly what we’d like to see. These guys were fantastic from start to finish, kept the lake and facilities absolutely spotless, and were a great group of people to have at Saussaie.
A massive thank you to all of you. It was a pleasure meeting you, and we’re already looking forward to seeing you back on the bank to finish that unfinished business!
Until next time, lads – tight lines!
05 September, 2026
Scroll to the bottom to see the lake owners response.
Disappointing overall experience despite good fishing
We stayed at Chestnut Pool for a week and paid £1,500 for the holiday. As anglers, we actually had a good week on the fishing side, catching 15 fish, and we made the best of the situation and enjoyed our time together. Unfortunately, the accommodation and facilities let the experience down considerably.
The biggest disappointment was the hot tub. It was extremely murky and foamy when we arrived and, despite the company later telling us that the water had supposedly been changed and the tub cleaned before our arrival, our experience was very different. I have photographs showing the condition of the water. We had specifically planned to use the hot tub on a couple of evenings during the week, so this was a significant part of the holiday that we couldn’t enjoy. In fact, we ultimately changed our Eurotunnel booking and left on Friday evening rather than Saturday morning because we weren’t fishing that night and had planned to spend the evening using the hot tub.
The outside toilet was another disappointment. We had specifically requested beforehand that it be opened and had explained why having an additional toilet was important for our party. We were told this would be done, but it was never opened during our stay.
On arrival there was nobody there to greet us and we initially couldn’t get hold of the owner, although this was resolved after around 10 minutes.
The cleanliness of the property also wasn’t what we expected for the price. There were cobwebs around the accommodation and belongings from previous guests had been left behind. The sinks, plugs and shower were also extremely slow to drain throughout the week.
For us as carp anglers, the most concerning issue was the fish care equipment as photos . The landing net and other equipment provided were not, in our opinion, suitable or safe for handling carp. The landing net had sharp and broken parts, and the scales provided were also broken and effectively unusable. We raised this with Dream Carp Holidays, and they subsequently acknowledged that damaged or unsuitable fish care equipment should not have been left available for guests to use and that this needed addressing.
There was also an issue with the outside bins, with one being full of maggots on arrival, and bait that we had been told would be available wasn’t there when we arrived.
I did raise all of these issues formally with Dream Carp Holidays after returning home. To their credit, they did respond and acknowledged that there were areas that needed addressing, including the fish care equipment and outside toilet. However, I was disappointed with the overall handling of the situation and felt that too much of the response focused on explaining or defending what had supposedly been done rather than addressing the experience we actually had.
I want to stress that we did enjoy the fishing and caught 15 fish, so this review isn’t because we had a poor fishing week. We made the best of things and enjoyed the time together. However, when paying £1,500 for a week’s holiday, I think it is reasonable to expect the accommodation to be clean, advertised facilities to be available and usable, and fish care equipment to be safe and fit for purpose.
Unfortunately, based on our experience, I wouldn’t return to Chestnut Pool or recommend it to others without significant improvements being made.
Lake owner’s response
Thank you, Marc, for your feedback. I’m pleased your group enjoyed the fishing and caught 15 fish, but I’m sorry that the accommodation and facilities detracted from your holiday.
The cleaner always sends me photographs and videos after cleaning the accommodation between guests. The hot tub water is also changed between each booking, and the cleaner confirmed that it had been emptied, cleaned and refilled before your arrival. However, I recognise that this differs from the condition you describe, and the changeover footage cannot establish what the water was like when you came to use it. I understand that the hot tub was an important part of your plans and why being unable to enjoy it was disappointing.
The outside toilet should have been unlocked following your request and our agreement. I’m sorry this was not done, particularly as you had explained why the additional toilet was important to your party.
New landing nets, slings and mats had been supplied approximately three weeks before your stay. However, the old equipment should have been removed, and I acknowledge your point that you could not find the replacements. Damaged equipment should not have been left available for use, and suitable fish-care equipment needs to be clearly accessible to guests.
I also acknowledge your comments about the accommodation’s cleanliness, drainage, scales, outside bins and bait availability. These are relevant concerns about the preparation and upkeep of the venue.
Although we spoke during the week, I understood that most of these issues had not been brought to my attention at the time. The cleaner lives approximately ten minutes away, so there was an opportunity to investigate and, where possible, put things right during your stay. I appreciate, however, that you had already requested access to the outside toilet and this remained unresolved.
Thank you for acknowledging the enjoyable aspects of your stay while explaining where the experience fell short. I’m sorry that these issues affected your holiday.
Tudor
Owner, Chestnut Pool
04 September, 2026
We went to Villereal for a week, stayed in the cabin by the lake. Beautiful part of the world we drove down but hired rods and Bobby. David was super helpful, always available, bought us a beer on arrival. We had a delicious Sunday roast home from home. I don’t fish but the town is so close and is very pretty has lots of events, trotting, markets, bands, car show so well catered for!! Best coffee and pastries I have ever eaten! Boys loved the fishing was tough fish only fed at night, but Robbie got the Abbott record 38lbs and was over the moon! He is still buzzing. Had the whole lake to ourselves so super lucky.
We ate in the town at lunch, need to book restaurants as busy but food is delicious and reasonable. We would definitely go again great family fishing we had a fabulous holiday! Thanks to David for being a fantastic host what a lovely place!
03 September, 2026
Paul and Andy’s turn this week again no rain and searing temperatures they managed to sneak a few out to 39 lb but the main thing for them they enjoyed themselves and also rebooked for next year
03 September, 2026
15-22 Aug
Fantastic week at a very well ran lake, Antony was a superb host and couldn’t do enough to make our stay enjoyable. 7 lads fishing with over 130 carp caught into the upper 40’s. Smashing venue , pegs are well covered to keep the sun at bay , facilities are clean and well kept. We did drive and survive with Antony cooking the group a meal on the last evening which was superb. Already booked for next year
02 September, 2026
We returned to cottage lake for last week in August. This lake is so peaceful, steeped in nature, but with great fishing opportunity. We had 85 carp in total, up to 40lbs, many 20-30lb, few over 30lbs, and rest doubles. We only fished during the day, taking time to chill during the night. Fish are in immaculate condition and on average 5lb growth from last year. As usual Guilliame and Eloise very supportive for anything we needed. Thanks again for a great week 😀
02 September, 2026
Just a big thank you to Nick
The lake owner he is a gent, there are so many plus’s to rushes lake the little huts dotted around the lake ✅WiFi ✅fridges✅kettle etc , the food Nick
Cooks is high standard , like all lakes in Europe drought has had a large effect on catches , we caught and in the hardest of conditions, make sure you take crocs or waders to net fish as there are large swan mussels and can cut you off, have great time at Rushes we hope to return
🍺Nick you are in our opinion, in fishing France for more than 28 years a Gent , Newt
01 September, 2026
Autumn has always had a special reputation among carp anglers. Cooling temperatures, changing weather and carp approaching some of their best weights of the year can make it one of the most anticipated periods on the fishing calendar.
But there is a problem with simply talking about “autumn carp fishing”.
Conditions at the beginning of September can be completely different to those towards the end of October. Early September can still bring warm days, high water temperatures, thick weed and carp behaving much as they did throughout summer. Six or seven weeks later, colder nights, shorter days and rapidly changing weather can produce a very different lake.
That means the tactics that work during early September won’t necessarily be the right approach in late October.
Understanding that transition — and reacting to what is actually happening in front of you — is much more useful than following a fixed set of autumn carp fishing rules.
One of the easiest mistakes to make is looking at the calendar rather than the conditions.
September might officially mark the beginning of autumn, but the carp don’t know what month it is.
Following a warm summer, lakes can still be carrying plenty of heat well into September. Weedbeds may remain healthy, natural food can still be abundant and carp can continue spending significant amounts of time in the shallows, margins and upper layers.
Early September can therefore fish much more like August than October.
On warm days, don’t automatically abandon areas that produced throughout the summer. Weedbeds, snags, islands, shallow bars and margins can all remain productive.
Observation remains far more important than seasonal assumptions. Showing fish, bubbling, coloured water, moving reeds and other signs of activity should influence where you fish more than the date on the calendar.
Our guide to carp watercraft and reading a lake looks in more detail at the signs that can help reveal where carp are spending their time.
As September progresses, one of the biggest changes isn’t always the daytime temperature — it’s what happens overnight.
Days can remain surprisingly warm while nights become progressively longer and cooler.
Water temperatures change much more slowly than air temperatures, so one cold night isn’t going to instantly transform a lake. But repeated cooler nights gradually begin to take the heat out of the water.
This is when the transition into genuine autumn fishing starts to become more noticeable.
Carp may still feed hard, but feeding periods can become more defined. Areas that produced consistently throughout the day during summer may become quieter, while particular periods around dawn, dusk or during favourable weather changes can become increasingly important.
Rather than completely changing tactics at the first cold night, look for patterns developing over several days.
This is particularly useful on longer sessions. What happened during your first 24 hours shouldn’t dictate how you fish for the rest of the week if the conditions and the behaviour of the carp begin to change.
Location matters throughout the year, but autumn can punish anglers who become too attached to a productive spot.
The areas carp used throughout summer aren’t guaranteed to remain their preferred areas as conditions change.
Food availability, water temperature, wind, angling pressure and cover can all influence their movements.
One obvious example is weed.
Healthy weed can provide carp with cover, oxygen and huge amounts of natural food throughout the warmer months. As temperatures fall and weed starts to die back, some of those areas can become less attractive, while other parts of the lake start opening up.
That doesn’t mean you should automatically stop fishing around weed. Healthy weedbeds can remain extremely productive well into autumn. Instead, look at the condition of the weed and, more importantly, whether carp are still using it.
If you’re fishing a lake where weed plays a major part, our guide to fishing effectively for carp in weedy lakes covers the subject in more detail.
Natural food can also influence autumn location.
Bloodworm, snails and other food sources can keep carp returning to particular silty areas even after some of the more obvious summer features have stopped producing.
Sometimes the best autumn spot isn’t the cleanest gravel patch in the swim. It is simply the area where the carp actually want to feed.
The traditional image of autumn carp fishing involves fish going on a huge feeding frenzy before winter.
There certainly can be periods when carp feed extremely heavily during autumn, but assuming they will automatically eat large quantities of bait can be an expensive mistake.
During a warm September session on a well-stocked water, a substantial bed of bait can work extremely well. Carp may still be highly active and groups of feeding fish can clear significant quantities surprisingly quickly.
By October, things can become less predictable.
If the lake is still relatively warm and conditions are favourable, fish may continue feeding aggressively. Following a sudden cold spell, however, that same quantity of bait could sit relatively untouched.
The answer isn’t simply to “use less bait in autumn”.
Instead, let the fish tell you what they want.
Start with an amount appropriate for the water and its stock, then react to what happens.
If you’re getting regular bites and believe several fish are feeding on the spot, topping up can keep the area producing. If nothing is happening, repeatedly introducing more bait isn’t necessarily going to solve the problem.
You can always put more bait in. You can’t take it back out.
We’ve covered this subject in more detail in Bait Application: When to Bait Up and How Much to Put In?.
It is also worth remembering that the amount carp eat isn’t the only consideration. How confidently they are feeding can be equally important. Our article on how carp really feed underwater looks at how competition, feeding behaviour and confidence can influence whether your rig actually gets picked up.
Weather affects carp throughout the year, but during autumn a significant change in conditions can completely alter a session.
A warm new wind arriving after several days of settled conditions can suddenly bring an apparently quiet lake to life.
Likewise, a sharp drop in temperature accompanied by a cold wind can change where the carp are holding and how confidently they feed.
This becomes particularly noticeable during October, when weather systems can become much more changeable.
Rather than simply looking at whether the forecast shows sunshine or rain, pay attention to the trend.
Has the pressure been high and stable for several days before dropping?
Is a new wind arriving?
Are temperatures rising after a colder period?
Or is the first genuinely cold weather of the autumn approaching?
Changes can often be more important than the absolute numbers.
If a significant weather front is due to arrive during your session, it can pay to think ahead. You may want to position yourself in an area you expect the fish to move towards before the conditions change, rather than trying to react once the lake has already come alive.
We look at wind, pressure, temperature and changing conditions in more detail in our guide to how weather patterns influence carp behaviour.
“Get on the end of the wind” is probably one of the most repeated pieces of advice in carp fishing.
Sometimes it is exactly right.
But autumn is a good example of why it shouldn’t be followed blindly.
A fresh, mild wind can push warmer, oxygenated surface water towards one end of a lake and encourage carp to move with it.
A very cold wind can be a different story entirely.
The length of time a wind has been blowing also matters. Carp may respond strongly when a new wind first arrives before gradually changing their position once those conditions have become established.
Lake depth, shape, surrounding trees and the position of shallow and deep water will all influence what happens.
Watch the water rather than automatically heading for the windiest bank.
If the carp are showing somewhere completely different, believe the carp.
By October, the fishing can become less predictable — but the potential rewards can be considerable.
This is often the period many experienced carp anglers look forward to.
Carp can be in excellent condition after months of feeding, and favourable autumn weather can create concentrated spells of activity.
There may also be less angling pressure on some waters than during the height of summer, which can make a noticeable difference.
October fishing can therefore go from seemingly uneventful to exceptional surprisingly quickly.
The key is being prepared to capitalise when an opportunity appears.
If the lake suddenly starts producing after a weather change, don’t assume the feeding spell will last indefinitely. Keep rigs fishing effectively, top spots up appropriately following captures and avoid unnecessary disturbance when the carp are clearly active.
Equally, don’t spend several days waiting for the famous autumn feeding frenzy if all the evidence suggests the fish are somewhere else.
Not every lake responds to autumn in the same way.
A small, shallow water can react relatively quickly to changes in air temperature. A larger or deeper lake is generally slower to lose the heat accumulated during summer.
Stock density can also affect how consistently fish continue to feed as temperatures fall.
A heavily stocked water where carp compete for food may continue producing regular bites later into the year, whereas a low-stock water can require much more precise location.
The same applies when travelling further afield.
For example, anglers taking an autumn carp fishing holiday in France shouldn’t assume conditions will mirror those at home in the UK. A lake several hundred miles further south could still have considerably warmer water and fish behaving much more like they would in late summer.
The important point is that there isn’t one date when every lake suddenly switches from summer to autumn behaviour.
Two venues being fished during exactly the same week can require completely different approaches.
If your priority is more consistent conditions, September probably has the advantage.
Water temperatures are generally higher, daylight hours are longer and carp are likely to remain active for longer periods.
October is different.
The weather becomes less predictable and fishing can become more challenging, particularly following the first significant cold spells.
But when the conditions come together, October can produce some outstanding carp fishing.
For anglers who enjoy watching weather systems, adapting their approach and trying to identify short feeding spells, it can be one of the most interesting times of year to be on the bank.
As autumn progresses towards winter, your approach may eventually need to change again. Our guide to locating and catching carp in winter covers that next stage of the seasonal cycle.
The biggest lesson from autumn carp fishing is simple: don’t fish according to the date.
A hot September afternoon might require almost exactly the same approach as August.
A mild spell in October could produce some of the strongest feeding of the season.
A sudden cold snap could change the lake within a matter of days.
Watch the weather, watch the water and, above all, watch the carp.
Autumn isn’t one set of conditions. It is a transition — and the anglers who recognise those changes and adapt with them are usually the ones who get the most from their time on the bank.
30 August, 2026
Very nice fishery hosts were great had a lovely holiday .
30 August, 2026
What a great week we’ve had at Baleine!
This week we welcomed a lake-exclusive group of eight lads, and what a fantastic bunch they were. Great guys to meet, and a pleasure to have on the lake.
The lads worked hard for their results and managed an impressive 31 bites, landing 27 carp up to 54lb.
It wasn’t a week full of real bangers, but that certainly didn’t stop the lads from enjoying themselves. They put the effort in, enjoyed the fishing and made the most of their time at Baleine.
They also organised their own competition during the week, which is always great to see. A bit of friendly competition, plenty of laughs and a great atmosphere amongst the group.
A massive well done to all eight anglers. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we’d love to welcome you back to Baleine again in the future.
Thanks for being such a great group, and tight lines for the rest of the season!
29 August, 2026
The group on Saussaie this week certainly did well on the fishing side!
The lads managed 21 carp, including a stunning 65.8lb common, four 50lb+ fish up to 57.8lb, and a beautiful mirror that looks to be a future 60lb+ male.
Some fantastic angling and some very special fish. Congratulations to the whole group!
26 August, 2026
My first fishing trip to France took me and my 12-year-old son to Barberet Lakes near Rennes in France, where we had the whole of Lake Bluu to ourselves for the week, creating a relaxed atmosphere where we could enjoy every minute together. the venue is run by Dave and Verity, who recently moved over from England, and they couldn’t have made us feel more welcome. Every morning started with a fantastic full English breakfast, and every evening we were treated to a delicious 2 course meal delivered to the swim. They even went out of their way to cater for my son’s picky eating. Which was greatly appreciated. The fishing was incredible from the start. During the first 24 hours alone, we landed 8 fish, including several double takes. We decided to share the rods throughout the week so we both had an equal chance of catching, and it made the whole experience something we enjoyed together, rather than competing against each other. The catfish were the stars early on. My son landed an incredible 57-pound catfish, setting a new personal best and even beating mine which I increased to 55lb. much to his delight. We continued catching fish every day, finishing the week with 24 fish between us. Towards the end of the trip, we also started catching carp, including surface caught fish on bread and dog biscuits, which added another exciting challenge. Seeing carp confidently taking bait from the surface and managing to catch one that way was a real highlight. We even had time to enjoy some of the other facilities, including a swimming pool to cool off. and some safe air rifle shooting that Dave set up. More than anything, this trip was about sharing an unforgettable week with my son, watching him catch his biggest fish ever, seeing his confidence grow, and enjoying every moment together, made for a holiday we’ll both remember for a very long time. I’d rate it5 out of 5. Fantastic hosts, excellent food and non-stop action. I’d love to go back.
No. Angler Weight Species Notes
1 Max 17 lb Catfish
2 Dad 36 lb Catfish
3 Max 57 lb Catfish PB
4 Dad 15 lb Catfish
5 Max 37 lb Catfish
6 Dad 20 lb Mirror carp
7 Max 10 lb Catfish
8 Dad 15 lb Common carp
9 Max 42 lb Catfish
10 Dad 55 lb Catfish
11 Max 32 lb Catfish
12 Dad 17 lb Catfish
13 Max 21 lb Catfish
14 Dad 12 lb Carp
15 Max 21 lb Catfish
16 Dad 17 lb Catfish
17 Dad 21 lb Common carp Bread
18 Max 15 lb Common carp
19 Max 25 lb Catfish
20 Dad 7 lb Mirror carp
21 Max 8 lb 10 oz Common carp
22 Dad 27 lb Catfish
23 Dad 15 lb Common carp
23 fish in total. Max’s biggest was the 57 lb catfish, while Dad’s biggest was 55 lb. 🎣
25 August, 2026
Lac Soupir Fishing Lake Review
Lac Soupir Fishing Lake Review
We had an amazing trip to Lac Soupir last week and made some fantastic memories! The lake is beautiful, peaceful and the perfect place to spend time fishing with family and friends. We were also incredibly lucky with perfect weather, which made the whole trip even more enjoyable. ☀️🎣
There were lots of night takes, keeping us busy and making for an exciting trip. The highlight was seeing both my husband and my son catch their personal bests — my husband landing an incredible 41lb, and my son a fantastic 37.5lb! 🎣
Our friend also had a brilliant 37lb catch, and it was lovely seeing him share the whole fishing experience with his son and make those special memories together.
The bailiff was amazing — so helpful, friendly and always happy to help, which really added to the experience and made us feel very welcome.
And an added bonus was our regular morning visitors — the chickens, who arrived like clockwork every morning! 🐔😂 They certainly became part of the experience and gave us plenty of entertainment with our morning coffees.
The fishing was great, the weather was perfect, the surroundings were stunning and the whole atmosphere was exactly what you want from a fishing trip. We came away with incredible memories, plenty of laughs and some fantastic fish.
We absolutely loved Lac Soupir and would definitely return. A fantastic venue with great fishing, beautiful surroundings and a really friendly atmosphere. Highly recommended! 🎣👏
25 August, 2026
Water was 30C, high pressure and a heatwave so not the best conditions. The sturgeon were an absolute pain, lost count of how many we caught up to 30lbs 8 oz, absolutely insufferable things! My son, James, had a nice common fishing from the second cabin, 21.08, and a small catfish of about 10lbs. I started off fishing the main cabin, but only caught sturgeon after sturgeon, and neither of us liked the floating platforms you have to fish from in those two cabins. On the third day we moved down the other end of the lake to fish from the third cabin, situated on a beach, so much better fishing from dry land. Almost immediately James had a hard-fighting grass carp on fake corn from the right-hand margin, 35lbs, followed by another shortly afterwards of 33.08. After, yes, you’ve guessed it, more sturgeon, I caught what I came for at 8.30 pm from the left-hand margin, having put a hopper of boils and pellets out via the bait boat – a fin and scale perfect common of 40lbs 2 oz – result! With James’s brace of 30+ grasses and my 40, given what a absolute pain the sturgeon were, and because five nights on a bed chair was causing me problems (I have spinal stenosis and am awaiting surgery), we decided to end the session the following day, two days early and travelled north, back towards Calais, staying two nights in a hotel in Le Touquet and visiting a number of Second World War related sites – so we had the best of both worlds.
The lake itself is very established, very quiet, peaceful and secure. The main cabin has full amenities and all three cabins have good wi-fi, nothing not to like. The city of Troyes is only a 20 minute drive away so getting supplies is no problem.
In sum I would say that this is not predominantly a carp lake but a mixed fishery, and I never want to see another sturgeon ever again!!
24 August, 2026
Drive and survive at it’s best!
Myself and my three sons Jake, Indi & Albie booked Lac Bundy for a week’s exclusive mid August, we had a mix of weather starting the week in high 30’s and ending in the low 20’s.
The fishing was great with hard fighting fish especially Steve and the large grass carp! and all fish in exceptional condition, we lost a few along the way, mainly the cats who escaped at the net and 1 shredding all line, we all beat our UK personal bests so happy all round.
Mark and Lisa were fantastic, welcoming and nothing a problem, genuinely lovely hosts, the facilities were kept spotless on a daily basis and really not expecting the shower to be so good!
Getting there was a breeze with the motorway exit close by, Lac Bundy itself is so peaceful and well maintained with an abundance of wildlife perfect to de-stress and chill out.
The local village (5 mins drive) has everything you really need including supermarket, restaurants, cafe, bolongerie, if if need more Le Mans only 20 mins away which has everything you should ever need including a good size tackle shop with helpful and knowledgeable staff.
All in all we wouldn’t hesitate in booking Lac Bundy again, I’m thinking next time a bit of winter fishing at this fantastic lake.
Thanks to Dream Carp. Mark and Lisa.
24 August, 2026
🔥 WHAT A WEEK FOR GORDON & ZOE! 🔥
Regular customers Gordon and Zoe have had an absolutely fabulous week at Blue Dart Carpfishery, landing an incredible 24 carp to over 44lb! 🎣👏
And there was a very special moment for Gordon, as he landed his first-ever grass carp which was the result of a double take, with two grass carp both weighing over 40lb! 😮💨💪
The combination of Dynamite Baits Source boilies, mixed and fished over hempseed and our house pellet, is proving to be a real game changer! 🎯🔥
With another two-week return visit already booked for next year, it’s safe to say Gordon and Zoe are hooked! 😎
A massive well done to you both — what a session! We’ve loved having you back and can’t wait to see you again next year.
24 August, 2026
What a fantastic weeks fishing at Archipelago Lake. Although the weather was extremely hot for the first 4 or 5 days we steadily caught fish throughout the days and nights totalling 20 carp between the 2 fishermen. 2 x 50lb up to 53lb,12oz plenty of 40lbers and 30lbers and a handful of very nice 20lbers.
All of the fish we caught were immaculate and we had some great fights, especially with the larger commons. Andy has tagged the majority of the fish so the individual names and weights can be logged.
The fishery is absolutely immaculate and very picturesque and tranquil. Andy’s attention to detail and knowledge is second to none.
All of the facilities at the fishery including the anglers lodge, toilets and showers and dining areas were spotlessly clean.
Both Ellen and Andy were very welcoming and professional and made our experience even more enjoyable.
We have fished in France on many occasions but we can truly say that Archipelago Lake is best venue that we have ever fished and we cannot wait to return.
23 August, 2026
Amazing well looked after fish, the lake is kept tidy and swims are equipped with a bench, solar panel and post for weighting fish which came in very handy.
The owner and his wife were very welcoming and helpful.
I hired the gite and it was lovely, it had all the modern equipment needed and was very homely.
Definitely go back at some point.
23 August, 2026
We have just returned from a week at Barbret Lake. My son had some good catches and we had a very comfortable and relaxing break. Dave and Verity were very helpful and ensured we had everything we needed. A great place for not just the fisherman but the whole family !
23 August, 2026
What a week at Baleine!
This week we had several separate groups fishing the lake, with 12 anglers in total, and what a session they had!
There were PB after PB, so many special captures that it would be impossible to fit them all into one post. Congratulations to every single angler who fished with us this week – you all did an incredible job!
The numbers speak for themselves:
It’s a little unfortunate that the fish are carrying slightly less weight at this time of year, but judging by the smiles and the celebrations, that certainly didn’t stop anyone enjoying themselves!
Some of the captures this week were absolutely incredible, and seeing so many anglers achieve new personal bests made it even more special.
The whole group were also fantastic guests. Everyone got along, respected the lake and each other, and they left the fishery nice and tidy, exactly how we like it.
A massive thank you to all 12 anglers for making it such a memorable week at Baleine. We’d love to see every one of you back again – hopefully next time we can put even more of Baleine’s big girls on the bank!
Congratulations everyone, and tight lines!
22 August, 2026
The 2 guys that fished with us Micheal and Bob had a some good fishing for the 5 days they fished.
Smashing their own PB’s and catching 30+ fish over the 5 days.
22 August, 2026
This week we welcomed Martin and his son to Saussaie. Martin is a regular guest who has fished the lake before and kindly took over the booking from his friend, who unfortunately couldn’t make it this time.
Despite leaving one day early, the boys still managed to land an impressive 16 carp.
They had a great week on the lake, although it’s a little unfortunate that the fish are naturally carrying slightly less weight at this time of year. Even so, Martin managed to land one of the big males of Saussaie – a beautiful mirror of 57lb, and definitely one that’s heading towards the magical 60lb mark!
Most importantly, all the fish are looking in fantastic health, which is especially good to see after the horrible heat we’ve experienced this summer. Seeing them recover and continue to thrive is something we’re really pleased about.
It’s always great to see familiar faces back at Saussaie, and we’re already looking forward to welcoming Martin and his son back in April next year. Hopefully, we’ll see his friend back with him as well this time!
Thanks again boys for another great week, and well done on the 57lb beauty!
21 August, 2026
💥🚨 An exceptional catch 🚨💥
Laurine landed a magnificent haul, with fish that were all stunning 🥰🤩
Thanks again to Laurine for the catch and for trusting us enough to come back 🙏
Our stock is really taking shape, and the fish are growing beautifully.
A session featuring a fantastic selection of fish 🤩🥰
One of the finest catches of the year in terms of quality ❤️😍
Exclusive weekday and weekend bookings for 2027 are now officially open 🥳🎊🎉
Have a great evening, everyone 👋
21 August, 2026
We had Gary and Lee with us this week on Kingfisher. The boys managed to land 28fish going to upper 40’s with Lee managing to break his PB AND Gary landing a 58lb cat fish. Fantastic effort gents. Cracking week all round 🎣🐠🐟🐬🐳
21 August, 2026
We had Jamie on kingfisher lake last week fishing on his own he managed 39 fish to 50lb 🎣🐟🐠🐳🐬 well done that man 💪
20 August, 2026
Lee was a very welcoming owner and treated us when we arrived and showed us the venue. Which was absolutely stunning the best I have visited.
The house was lovely and close towns made it easy to buy supplies.
Unfortunately the weather was so hot (40+) every day so the fish were not feeding. That is fishing for you. We would definitely visit again and hopully it will be cooler.
Many thanks Lee.
20 August, 2026
36LBS COMMON Caught by Bob. PVA bags with feed pellets and smart liquid.
20 August, 2026
36.5 Mirror caught by Micheal
19 August, 2026
Disappointing stay – several issues need addressing
Unfortunately, we were not overly happy with the overall condition and organisation of Moulin de Boutineau during our stay.
One of the main issues was that we were not informed that there would also be an Airbnb accommodation on the property. This came as a surprise and would have been useful to know before booking.
The property was also advertised as having free WiFi in all cottages, but this was not the case. The WiFi was only really accessible by sitting very close to the Airbnb accommodation. We felt this was unfair to the guests staying in the cottages, particularly as WiFi was advertised as being available in all of them.
There also seemed to be a lack of basic equipment between the houses. There were not enough plates, cutlery and cups for the number of guests, and on occasions we were asked to move tables and lend items to the other accommodation because they did not have enough themselves. We even ended up helping guests from the Airbnb open their door because it was stuck.
The access to one of the bedrooms was also concerning. The stairs leading up to the room are very tight, and the low head height makes getting in and out difficult. In our opinion, this should be clearly highlighted in the property description before booking, as some guests may find the access difficult and potentially unsafe.
We were charged €75 for cleaning and laundry, but unfortunately we did not feel that the houses were particularly clean when we arrived. We were also told that towels were supplied, but there were not enough towels for the stay and they were not changed during the week.
I had also ordered fishing bait in advance. The information stated that notice was required so that the bait could be prepared, but when we arrived, the bait had not been prepared, which was disappointing as we had arranged this beforehand.
Overall, we felt that the property could benefit from better organisation, maintenance and preparation before guests arrive. There are several things that could easily be improved to make the experience much better.
I would like to make clear that the property manager did try her best to help us, and we appreciated her efforts. However, I feel she may not be fully aware of everything that needs attention at the property, and better communication and management of the accommodation would make a significant difference.
Sadly, based on the condition, preparation and issues we experienced, we were not overly happy with our stay and would not feel able to give the property a strong recommendation in its current condition.
19 August, 2026
Last Friday evening Andrew and his son, Jacob, joined us from the Wiltshire area for their first taste of carp fishing in France. They had taken the ferry to Cherbourg and made their way down to us but as they were planning on stopping somewhere overnight, we said that they may as well come to us a day early as the lake had been unoccupied the week before. Arriving about 9pm, Jacob made straight for the hot tub to cool off.
On their first day they took it slow and steady, taking their day bivvies down by the lake and slowly getting their rods set up and into the water. They knew that they had a few hours head start on what they should have had and having the whole week by the lake means that nothing needs to be rushed. The forecast was good for the week with more high temperatures and Jo’s fishing app said that the chances of catching were average to very high. They were very optimistic about beating their PBs which were in the 20s from the UK.
We popped down to see them on Saturday evening at around 9.30pm and were pleased that Jacob was already off the mark with a 25lb 10oz common and he was just putting a 24lb 15oz mirror in the cradle when we arrived.
Saturday night saw an amazing storm which rolled in right overhead and bought with it a little bit of rain for a very short period, but we are grateful for a drop at the moment! Andrew had made sure that every thing was safe in the chalet before they had stopped for the night but still enjoyed seeing the lightning and hearing the thunder. The storm was so bad it caused the electrics to trip but that was easily sorted the next morning.
Sunday saw 5 fish in the net, with 3 of them coming within an hour of each other. Jacob had a 21lb 6oz mirror at 11.25am, then a 28lb 4oz mirror at 12.10pm, followed by Andrew with a 34lb 1oz mirror at 12.30pm. Andrew landed a 27lb 1oz mirror around 2.20pm and Jacob had a further mirror, weighing 27lb 11oz around 9pm – and this became the most popular time on the right hand bank. So they had both got new PBs and it was only Sunday. Jacob also managed to land a sun bass (pumpkinseed fish) in the same net as one of his carp and was concerned it was going to get squashed, but these tiny fish are very resilient.
The pair soon got into a good routine with Jacob setting his alarm for between 6am and 7am and then getting up around 10ish and heading down to the lake. Andrew was generally down there by 9am. They would come back up to the chalet for lunch, a dip in the pool and a lounge in the hot tub before heading back down for a few hours. Back up to the chalet for tea and maybe another cooling off before they headed into their evening session when most of the fish were caught. Obviously there was always time for another soak in the hot tub before bed around midnight. The pool was a much needed relief this week with temperatures not falling below 30°C during the day and tipping just over 40°C on 2 of the days.
Monday lunchtime saw Jacob in a bit of a quandry as 2 of his rods went off at once so Andrew had to play one of them for him. Unfortunately we were not around to take a ‘double take’ photo but they managed to get both carp on the bank, a 27lb 1oz common and a 29lb mirror.
We all know that carp fishing requires a lot of patience and long periods between takes so the pair found their own amusement in between bites and invented a new game – The Acorn Game’. Our oak trees on the main bank are dropping acorns much earlier this year, probably due to the lack of water. Andrew and Jacob put a bucket between their chairs and passed the time trying to get the acorns in the bucket.
Monday proved to be Jacob’s best day, with a further 2 carp in the net before the evening was out, a 30lb mirror (new PB) at around 8.45pm and a 27lb 6oz mirror at 11pm. Monday also saw the biggest fish of the week on the bank and Andrew hitting the 40s club with a 40lb 9oz common coming in nice and calmly at 8.30pm – a happy man with another new PB but he managed to break his scales in the process so we lent him some of ours for the rest of the week. So after 3 days fishing Jacob was on 9 fish and Andrew on 3, but he had got the biggest and Jacob was sticking with his new discovery, a spicy fish boilie dipped into maple syrup glug.
Tuesday was a relatively quiet day with Andrew catching a 21lb 6oz common at 8.35am and then nothing until the evening when Jacob landed this lovely 17lb 5oz mirror around 9pm and Andrew catching the last fish of the day, a 26lb 5oz common.
Wednesday turned out to be even quieter with temperatures creeping up again but nothing happening by the lake before their evening session, just after the solar eclipse had happened. They had pulled their rods in with the hopes of seeing something but even though the eclipse was just about 98% here the 2% of sun still showing was too bright to see it without the special glasses. We had been out at a friends though and managed to take some relatively good photos with a filter across the phone camera
They had just got their rods back in the water when Jacob’s bite alarm beeped and he managed to land another common weighing 18lb 3oz. at 8.30pm, with Andrew catching a 21lb 4oz mirror just 40 minutes later.
Even thought they had not seen much of the eclipse they did comment about the stars and how clear they are here and being able to see the Milky Way. They also saw numerous shooting stars during the week with the height of the Perseids meteor shower taking place this week. These should apparently still be visible until August 24th so there is still time yet to catch them.
Thursday was a busy day for Andrew on the left hand side of the lake with a 25lb 2oz common at 3.25pm and then a further 2 for him in the evening with a 21lb 3oz common at 8.40pm and the smallest fish of the week, a 12lb 6oz common at 10pm. Jacob just had the one on Thursday, a 21lb mirror.
Andrew was down on the bank early on Friday morning, just after sunrise, enjoying the peace and quiet and the sound of the birds singing. They spent the day sorting their tackle out, packing up slowly and leaving the rods in for as long as possible. Andrew had a bite around 4.45pm and landed a 21lb 2oz mirror and just as he thought he had had his biggest fish on Monday, Jacob finished the week off with his 13th carp, a lovely 31lb 2oz common and another new PB.
These two anglers finished the week with 23 carp on the bank between them. Jacob had the most fish, 13 altogether and Andrew had the biggest, 40lb 9oz common and the smallest, a 12lb 6oz common. All fish were caught on our spicy fish or maple syrup house boilies and using our pellets and parti-blend. Hook baits were a combination of boilies, wafters with a dip in either the spicy fish or maple syrup glug.
The final summary is therefore zero babies, 3 at 10lb+, 16 at 20lb+, 3 at 30lb+ and 1 at 40lb+. Jacob fancies a go at catching a catfish so we will hopefully see this pair on Kingfisher lake at some point in the future so that Maisie can have some more tummy rubs. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt…
18 August, 2026
Our “Steve” made an appearance this afternoon for our anglers, Vinny and his sons 🎣. Great angling guys, well done 💪 “Steve” always give a good account of himself. Steve hadn’t been caught since mid June but had been seen by many of our anglers over the past few weeks patrolling!!
18 August, 2026
We had a wonderful time at Hunnyfields, Steph and Keith were amazing hosts with a wealth of local information, super helpful and friendly (including the dogs and cats).
Me and my family stayed in the main gite, which was perfect for my two teenage boys and wife to enjoy whilst I fished, as it was fully equipped, comfortable, quiet, cool and spacious.
The weather was really hot, so could on really fish during the day as we just couldn’t handle the heat. I caught one fish of 23.5lb, after fishing 4 nights (one night during an awesome thunderstorm) and a couple of afternoons, but it was the most stunning fish I’ve caught, so was made up with that.
I would highly recommend Hunnyfields, its a beautiful place, the gite, the gardens, pool, Lake, local restaurants, markets, go karting, etc.
Would definitely return as soon as possible (just on a cooler week 😉 )
Many thanks again to Steph and Keith for everything, and the delicious pizza’s too!.
Neil
17 August, 2026
2026 Lost in France family holiday. First of all, the weather was scorching all week. Alan and Jill made us more than welcome and the lodge / house suited us fine. We banked 45 fish in the week sharing two banks of rods. Alan put us in the ” hot ” areas and the holes all produced fish. We only fished a couple of days into darkness catching plenty of fish during daylight hours. The fish are absolute monsters and fight right up to the net. Several P.B’s attained and my search for a Grassy produced one just under 30 lb. The biggest fish was 46.9 and the smallest was 10lb. We managed to catch kne 30+lb
17 August, 2026
Regular customer Darren had a great week despite the extreme heat, landing 18 fish up to 44lb+. He used Dynamite’s Source boilies mixed with house pellets. See you next year.
Taking bookings for 2027
16 August, 2026
Mr WELFORD ;
The whole family really enjoyed the holiday. The cabin was perfect with everything that you could need for a comfortable stay.
The fishing was also unbelievable considering the high temperatures all week. Most bites came in the mornings. I caught steadily all week and finished up with 19 carp. This included 10 fish over 30lbs with x4,40’s. Biggest mirror 49.15 and common’s to 40.10. All the fish were in great condition and really nice mix of different looking carp. This was definitely up there with one of my best trips to France. Couldn’t recommend this place enough.
16 August, 2026
Quite a week at Baleine!
This week we welcomed Pete, a new customer, alongside Carol and Charlie, who have fished with us before and are quickly becoming regulars. We also had our good old friend Sam and the boys back for a work/help week.
What made this week especially enjoyable was how everyone worked together, respected each other and helped out when needed. Exactly the kind of atmosphere we love to have at Baleine.
With 7 anglers on the lake, the hard work certainly paid off. They almost doubled last week’s catch, with an impressive 43 carp landed in total. There were also quite a few unfortunate losses along the way, which could have made the numbers even higher.
The biggest fish was a beautiful 52lb, although unfortunately no PBs were smashed this time. That said, there was some seriously good angling going on throughout the week.
None of the bigger girls decided to make an appearance, but that’s carp fishing! You never know which one is going to pick up the bait next.
Everyone had a great time, plenty of hard work was done and, most importantly, everyone enjoyed themselves. A big thank you to everyone for the great atmosphere and for looking after each other and the lake.
Great people, good teamwork, plenty of carp – exactly how we like it at Baleine!
15 August, 2026
Well the extreme heat continued with 39 degrees Thursday and Friday which made it difficult but they did ok baghing 30 odd fish andv6 lost and few small fish and a few from the stockpond . A brace of fortys gor debnie and ron and sues biggest was 37lb not easy fishing conditions at all but they did ok all things considered. Coconut cream doingbthe damage mainly.over particle and pellet. No one on for a couple of weeks after w cancellations we still have space on September and October if anyone fancy a autumn trip out to france . Thanks Graham foxpool
15 August, 2026
With no booking on Saussaie this week, I decided to stay on the lake overnight and extend my session.
Looking back, it was definitely a good decision! I managed to land 16 carp, with the biggest going to 61.2lb.
Although this particular fish had been caught just two weeks earlier, it didn’t take anything away from the moment for me. This was one of my personal target fish, so finally seeing it in the net was a very special moment.
The weather also started to calm down, with the extreme heat finally easing. You could immediately see a big change in the behaviour of the fish, and hopefully this is the start of a really good period for Saussaie.
A great session, some fantastic fish and a target ticked off the list! Now it’s time to welcome our new customers arriving today. Let’s hope the fish continue to play ball!
15 August, 2026
Despite the ongoing hot weather the lake fished well again, and the lads had 50 fish between them including 3 x 50lb+ fish.
The party leader Lewis Griffith fished post 14 with his wife Naomi. They landed some superb fish, with a 61lb 8oz common being their jewel of the week.
Chris O’Donnell’s fishing party landed a good haul of fish, with lots of 39s, 40s and some 50s. Party leader Jamie Johnson also sent in photos of just some of the many fish landed.
13 August, 2026
After a slow start, we managed to land 50x carp to 30lb 7 oz
Weather extremely hot, with an epic electric storm and rain on one night
Peter was very helpful
12 August, 2026
Had a great week – not easy and took some unlocking but managed to get a few characters out as well as a large number of the smaller residents. Not a runs lake but good sport to be had if you put in the effort. Facilities first class and Dave and Maria extremely helpful and welcoming. Worth a visit for sure.
11 August, 2026
What a week!! 🎣🇫🇷
We’ve just returned from an absolutely incredible fishing trip to La Froterie, and honestly, we couldn’t recommend it enough.
Lisa and Heath are the most incredible hosts — so welcoming, friendly and genuinely lovely people. They’re joined by their handsome and very well-behaved French Pointer, Haribo, and the two resident geese, Bee and Boo, who certainly add to the character of the place!
The Gîte has absolutely everything — and more — that you could possibly need for the perfect stay. It’s comfortable, beautifully presented and feels like a real home from home. The pool is a fantastic touch, especially when the weather gets hot, and the immaculate grounds make the whole place feel incredibly special.
And then there’s the lake… 🎣
It is beautifully maintained, and it’s clear just how much care and attention goes into looking after both the lake and the fish. The fish are incredibly healthy and in fantastic condition. Between us, everyone beat their personal bests, which says everything about the quality of the fishing!
We caught a fantastic variety too — beautiful commons, stunning mirrors, our very first grass carp, gorgeous koi and even catfish. One of our group had never fished before this trip and is now completely hooked (pun absolutely intended! 😂).
From the fantastic fishing and stunning surroundings to the incredible hospitality from Lisa and Heath, La Froterie really is something special.
*What a week! We’ll definitely be back. 🎣❤️
10 August, 2026
Dave , Lyndsey and their family this week.Very hot weather again with scorching temperatures but with cooler nights the fish came on the feed and Dave was catching steadily all week breaking the lake record with 29 fish for week with fish to the mid 40’s .Simple rigs over house pellet and particle proving a winner with some of our A team scaleys to the net and new pb grass carp and sturgeon for Dave. The family loving our luxury cottage and all it has to offer our guests from the great bbq area , pool , hot tub, Xbox , french boules , table tennis , darts , pool table and pro table football keeping the whole family occupied during the week with all local amenities just 2 minutes down the lane and great family attractions , restaurants and markets in the local area they had a great week.
10 August, 2026
This week saw the return of Team Lewtas who had been here for the last week of the season in 2026 (https://carpfrance.com/11-10-25-kingfisher-team-lewtas/), along with their lovely ladies. This year the ladies stayed at home and Luke and Callum brought their younger brother, Jayden with them. Last year there were only 5 carp on the bank so they were hoping for a few more, especially with 3 of them fishing and the girls not being there to distract them.
Having just returned from a long weekend in Holland fishing the guys flew to us, arriving on the Friday flight from Manchester and staying in the airport hotel for the night before Nigel picked them up after he had dropped off some other guests. A quick supermarket shop to stock up on food for the week and a few drinks and they were at the lake and setting up by mid afternoon. Jayden had won the draw for who picked the first swim and was quickly unpacked in swim 2 and getting his rods set up. Luke was to go second. He ummed and ahed for ages before settling on swim 3, maybe it was the hut that swayed it for him, but that was his final decision so Callum got his bivvy set up in the house swim nearest the chalet. Callum was not too disappointed as whilst Nigel had been chatting to Luke in swim 3 he had seen a big carp roll in the deepest part of the lake.
They had all ordered a bait package each, Luke and Jayden picking the spicy fish flavour boilies and Callum the maple syrup flavour. Nigel jokingly said that if he caught on those he could sell them at a huge profit to his brothers if they weren’t catching
Callum was first off the mark on Sunday with a 36lb common, a new PB for him, and a 25lb nice scaley mirror and 2 small kittens to 16lb. Jayden had lost a massive something overnight as well as one yesterday, There was nothing to report for Luke in swim 3
There was a bit of rain on Monday morning and when we went round to see them Callum had had 4 more carp, including a 47lb 8oz mirror, beating his PB again, and a 36lb 8oz mirror and another couple of 20lbers. There was nothing for the other two.
So after just 48 hours Callum was on 6 carp and 2 catfish and the others had caught nothing. It seemed that the fish were all hanging about in the deeper water and Luke was beginning to regret his decision to go in swim 3.
Finally on Tuesday Jayden told us that he had landed a 19lb common on Monday night, but Luke had lost 3, at least 2 of which he said were carp and Callum had had another 47llber.
It was decided that maybe it was the maple syrup boilies that the fish were interested in rather than the deeper water and they asked for another 5kg of maple syrup boilies for Luke and Jayden as obviously Callum did not want to be giving his away! Callum had another 20lb+ after Jo had brought him back from the bank (to get some money out).
In the afternoon on Tuesday they decided to have a little break away from the lake and called round to play a bit of pool and darts in the mancave. Luke had cheered up a bit as he was finally off the mark with a 30lb mirror which he had caught off of some bread whilst stalking in the shallows and a catfish weighing 12lb . So now at least they had all landed a fish.
Wednesday saw Callum with another 47lber, Luke had lost a big cat and caught a little one and Jayden in swim 2 had had nothing.
They called round for some more supplies in the afternoon, as we had been to the supermarket for them. They told us that they had seen a western whip snake and 3 kingfishers round the lake that morning.
Callum managed to get a good night sleep on Wednesday as he had no further bites but Jayden and Luke were busy, with Jayden losing 2 big ones and Luke having another small catfish. They spent a few hours over on Lac Lucie with a rod each and over there Jayden caught a 25lb mirror and Callum had a 24lb mirror but still no luck for Luke.
Friday came round too quickly and as Luke was off to Greece at the weekend with Annalise they were getting the Manchester flight home again that afternoon. They left it until the very last minute to pull their last rods in but there were to be no more fish on the bank. They told us that in total Callum had had 20 bites and 16 landed, Jayden had landed 3 and Luke 6 but only 1 carp and the rest small catfish. We think he will be glad when we have removed these small ones this winter.
The final summary is zero babies, 2 at 10lb+, 9 at 20lb+, 4 at 30lb+, 3 at 40lb+ and 7 small catfish to 16lb. Good luck to Luke with his new arrival due later this year a
10 August, 2026
3 of our regulars arrived Saturday after the mid season shutdown.
And it wasn’t long before Debbie had her 1st fish out a lovely 41lb leather carp last out at 38lb which she followed up with a 17lb and mid twenty common aswell as a lovely 16lb mirror from the stockpond.
Mum sue had a couple of small ones and dad Ronnie’s off the mark with a mid twenty 1st night and a 31lb mirror last night. Temperatures are hitting mid thirtys this week again which isn’t ideal for fishing but a good start for them so far. Poor ron lost one last night after a 10 minute scrap but thev31 lb came 15 minutes later fortunately for him. We have some availability come free after a cancellation in September and October of your looking for a autumn trip out. Please check the availability calender. Thanks Graham foxpool
10 August, 2026
We had the pleasure of having Sam, Rosie, Oscar, Freddie & Archie. They had a fantastic family holiday with lots of day trips out including a visit to the local zoo. Sam and Oscar caught a PB at 33.3lbs which made their holiday. Look forward to seeing you all again soon.
10 August, 2026
Steve and Dawn are fantastic hosts and we were made to feel welcome from the moment we got there. The facilities are good and plenty goid enough for the stay. Unfortuntely there was no fish caught other than Roach and Bream. There is an issue with Crays but a larger issue with Silvers. For us it is a promising lake but does need more work including netting to make it a stand out venue.
10 August, 2026
Nice place very quiet. Fishing was good considering the weather water level down but had 18 fish to 49.3 we need some rain 🤨
10 August, 2026
The trip was absolutely brilliant! Jo and Nigel were wonderful hosts and were incredibly accommodating. There was plenty to do in the local area, including markets, war memorials, and shops. We also enjoyed a local lake with a restaurant, which allowed us to experience a more varied holiday rather than fishing continuously, as we might normally do. Despite this, we still had many successful catches. We would highly recommend this venue. We fished Kingfisher Lake with the cabin and pool and caught 17 fish, with the largest being a 41lb mirror carp and a 44lb catfish. Overall, it was a fantastic trip, and we look forward to returning in the future. Thank you very much, Luke, Lauren, Tom, and Jen.
10 August, 2026
Firstly ,the lake owners Patricia and Jay are fantastic …we had big delay prior to arrival and 1am Jay was there to welcome us regardless of time . Lake is very pretty.water was low but to be expected with dry spell . Although due to heat conditions were tough we still managed 90 carp with loads into the upper twentys but didn’t connect with the bigger residents of the lake. Where the lake is located gives access to some fantastic places to reel in and visit …a special thank you to Patricia who advised mont st michel …unbelievable place …highly recommend..will be returning next year😁
09 August, 2026
Hidden little gem in the middle of France however if you want somewhere to go where you can pull up and pull in big carp all day long this is not for you. It’s a fascinating but frustrating venue which will put the most skilled anglers to the test. You will spend most of the week working the place out however when you hook one it will be worth it. The fish in here fight like no others, they are all big and don’t give in easily. Between us we caught a handful of this lakes giants and I can’t wait to go back, better prepared and give it another go. David, the lake owner was helpful all week. The facilities were basic but what more do you want from a drive and survive.
09 August, 2026
This week we welcomed back Adam, Basil and the boys to Baleine. They are repeat customers and a great bunch of lads to have on the lake. They’re all good anglers, and after several weeks of slower fishing, they really made the most of it this time!
The boys finished the week with an impressive 23 carp landed, including two fantastic 50s – a 54.1lb and a stunning 58lb. Congratulations to Kevin and Adam on the big ones! They also landed six 40s overall, making it a seriously good week on Baleine.
As most of the fishing was done by casting, they did have some trouble with the pike picking up the leads. We’re now looking into what we can do to reduce this problem and make things easier for anglers fishing this way.
Despite the ongoing heat, it was a great week with plenty of laughs, good company and some cracking carp.
The boys are already looking at coming back in October, and we’d absolutely love to have them back!
Thanks again lads for another great week at Baleine – see you in October!
05 August, 2026
Lee, his dad, John and son, Owen joined us for their first week on Lac Lucie last week from North Wales. Friends of Gary and Oscar who have fished here the last two years, they had decided that it was their turn. Lee and John have done a fair bit of carp fishing on Moley’s lake in Wales, where Carl (Fishing with Carl, YouTube) has fished an made a video. Although John was previously an avid coarse angler, since his eyesight has failed he finds carp fishing easier to manage. They arrived on the Leeds/Bradford flight on Saturday lunchtime and Nigel bought them back to the fishery, via the supermarket so they could stock up on supplies.
When they got here the lake was shrouded in smoke and had been all morning, from the wildfires near Bordeaux. We were concerned that it was going to last but it wasn’t long before the air cleared and they were shown around the lake. They had selected some of our house bait in both flavours along with a variety of hook baits and some chilli hemp.
There was a mixed discussion about whether they were going to fish every night or not. Being in the military, Lee was the keenest, John less so due to some mobility crutches and Owen quite likes his bed (and the Wi-Fi in the chalet but they had a couple of bivvies and 3 beds so the options were there if they wanted them. They were all set up on the main bank so that they could enjoy each others company and help each other out as needed.
John was first off the mark on Sunday with a new PB and the biggest fish of the session, a 40lb common caught on the far right of the lake.
We were out all the day on Monday as Nigel’s children were here with the grandchildren so went to a zoo near Limoges, Parc de Reynou, which we highly recommend. It certainly wore the kids (and the adults out! When we got back we were pleased to see some of the catches they had had whilst we were out, John had caught a 30lb mirror, Lee two mirrors weighing 33lb mirror and 28lb, Owen managed to jump out of the swimming pool to go and take part in the photos. There was also a nice common later in the evening taking the total so far up to 5. Not bad for the first 24 hours.
The first fish out on Tuesday morning was a 35lb common for Lee at 0500hrs. All the fish so far had been caught on the spicy fish boilies and chilli hemp so Lee put in a request for some more spicy fish pop ups and glug and another 10kg of chilli hemp.
In need of some more supplies, Jo took Owen out to the supermarket with 7 year old, Mason on Tuesday morning and the two lads chatted about Manchester United all the way home. We popped down to the lake to see the anglers around 3om and what perfect timing. Owen was just putting a 25lb mirror back in the water off the jetty and Lee was playing another fish, knee deep in the water. We love being around when a fish is brought to the bank. They also had a 24lb mirror on Tuesday taking their total up to 9 and they were all clearly having a good time.
Lee and Owen slept out on Tuesday night and it was certainly worth being out for. With their being nearly a full moon, when fishing is said to be at its best, they managed 3 carp on the bank between 0100hrs and 0230hrs. Owen had a 21lb mirror on his left rod, Lee had a 34lb mirror from the middle swim and then a 24lb mirror from the dam wall. Not a bad night fishing.
At lunchtime on Wednesday Lee messaged us to say that Owen had decided to go round to the side swim for a while and they had just had another 34lb mirror (no photo).
On Thursday late morning when we went down to see them, they had landed 3 more with a 12lb, 14lb and 26lb all reaching the bank (no photos)
Having had a great week and plenty of fish on the bank they decided that they would get packed up on Friday morning and we offered to run them down to the big public lake for the afternoon. They are all keen swimmers so had a swim in the lake and then a few drinks and tea at Le 16 Beach afterwards. We expect that the lake was a bit warm for them as they are a bit partial to cold water swimming and ice baths and we are sure that the big lake has been a similar temperature to ours all summer and currently around 26°C.
The weather had been pretty good all week with daytime temperatures between 21°C and 39°C and a very little bit of rain on the Thursday. The shade was enough to keep them cool down by the lake and tempted to get in the water to land the fish as the level is quite low with next to no rainfall since the spring.
By our calculations the final tally was 16 carp on the bank, although we are sure they said they had had 20 altogether, with zero babies, 2 at 10lb+, 8 at 20lb+, 5 at 30lb+ and 1 at 40lb+. With new PBs for John and Owen the guys had a great week and Lee has already booked Kingfisher for a week in August next year. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
04 August, 2026
46 Carp for Keith and Riley! Well done !
04 August, 2026
A short session last weekend for our local anglers and good friends Sylvain & Max. They managed 8 carp between them. As always it was a pleasure to have them at Lac Bundy 🎣
03 August, 2026
Tom and Luke made the 18 hour drive from Huddersfield last Saturday with their better halves. Lauren and Jen. Luke is an avid carp angler, both in the UK and overseas, having had several trips to France in the past and also done a bit of serious catfishing on the Ebro. Tom is a relative newcomer but with Luke as his mentor was looking at smashing his PB here with us.
They arrived mid afternoon to a nice cool 19°C but with a blanket of smoke all around us. Even though Bordeaux is 140 miles from us and a good 2 hour drive, the wind had changed direction and the smoke from the massive wildfires that they have had down there was managing to blow across us. It had been worse in the morning so the air quality was slowly improving and the lads quickly got the van unpacked and decided that they were going to get a good nights sleep before starting fishing on the Saturday morning.
The forecast was good for the week, with temperatures climbing and not much in the way of rain or cloud until later in the week when a storm was forecast. The Fishing Points app reckoned that there would be very high fish activity mid week, maybe coinciding with the full ‘Buck’ moon and so the guys were hopeful of catching and getting some new PBs. The girls were planning on chilling with their books and hopefully going out to do a bit of shopping.
There was no rush to get sorted on Sunday and when we went round to see them Luke was still getting himself set up on swim 1 with Tom on the next swim down in the cabin. They had chosen to have boilies of each flavour with matching wafters – bait that the fish know and love.
It was Monday morning around 6am when Jo received this great photo from Luke – he was first off the mark with a 15lb+ common in swim 1
And then at lunchtime, Tom in swim 2 had a 21lb common with some great shoulders and a new PB for him.
A couple of hours later he beat this with a 32lb mirror
Tom finished the day with a 17lb common and there were no more on the bank for Luke but he was just enjoying sitting in the peace and quiet, away from work and every day stresses and appreciating the wildlife and nature around him.
It was Tuesday afternoon before the first catfish was landed, a first for Tom at 44lb. And this was followed by a 29lb common on Tuesday evening.
So by the close of Tuesday Tom had managed to land 5 and lose a catfish. Luke had just and one on the bank and lost another one overnight. He had moved back up to swim 1 after having tried swim 4 on Monday.
The luck changed round again, like it so often does, with the fish moving from one end of the lake to the other, depending on what, who knows! Tuesday night was definitely Luke’s night and we were thrilled to hear that he had had four on the bank overnight. Three mirrors weighing 41lb – a new PB, a 32lb, a 28lb and a 10lb catfish.
Wednesday was a no fishing day and the two couples went off out for the day. They spent the morning at the market at Piegut Pluviers. This is always something we recommend if our anglers are driving as it is a great example of a traditional French market, with loads of stalls meandering through the town, selling anything from mattresses to chickens and loads of seasonal fruit and vegetables. It is very popular both with local people and tourists and the guys really enjoyed it. In the afternoon they went to Oradour-sur-Glâne to visit the small town where 643 people were killed at the end of WWII. Another must if you are in the locality. They finished the day off at Le 16 Beach, a favourite of ours, for a beer and some food and hopefully this was not spoilt by the fact we were also there with Nigel’s son, daughter and partner and 3 grandchildren. It was a good day to be away from the lake as temperatures had risen to over 39°C.
The rods were quickly back in when they returned though and overnight Luke caught a 26lb 6oz catfish, followed up on Thursday morning by one slightly bigger at 30lb catfish.
When we went round to see them on Friday afternoon they were stalking in the shallows, as had been their plan. Luke told us he had had a 30lb mirror on Thursday night that was quite marked. We are not sure what has caused this but will be keeping a close eye out for any other issues. It may just be a result of a late spawning.
30lb
The stalking produced 4 catfish on the bank, surprisingly as they do not often hang out in the shallows. There were 2 for Tom, weighing 10lb and 16lb and 2 for Luke at 24lb and 29lb. They were not unhappy with the fish they had had on the bank over the week.
So in summary, a great week was had by these two anglers, and their partners enjoyed relaxing too. There were a total of 17 fish on the bank including zero babies, 2 at 10lb+, 3 at 20lb+, 3 at 30lb+, 1 at 40lb+ and 8 catfish up to 44lb. We hope the drive back was not as long and would like to thank them for the beer and wine (much needed after the grandchildren had left) and hope they will be back someday to enjoy the peace again. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
03 August, 2026
Me and a friend got down to Etang furet on the 25th of July, it was our second visit to the lakes together in 7 years, what an incredible week we had! We booked the lodge swim which had a self contained lodge, the lodge was perfect 2 separate bedrooms, cooking facilities, fridge (important in the heat we had) freezer, it had everything we needed, was a luxury to not be in a bivvy for a week, now the fishing was superb, we landed 81 carp and lost a handful, its fair to say we didn’t get a great deal of sleep! We had 2x 50lb carp, around 10/12 40lb+ fish, a lot of 30lb fish! The house pellet, freshly cooked hemp/buckwheat/maize was spot on the fish were loving it that much the mat and weigh sling was full of hemp! I think we will find it hard to beat a week like that, looking forward to going again in 2027! Thanks for having us 🙂
02 August, 2026
Graham & Caroline kept themselves busy during the day with lots of sightseeing walks. Graham put the rods out in the evening.
He managed 5 fish to over 40lbs good angling in this extreme weather.
See you again soon
01 August, 2026
Last week there was no catch report as this session was a full two weeks on Saussaie. To be honest, I also wanted to see if I could beat my good friend Wesley!
Wesley came over with his wife and the girls so we could enjoy a bit of a family holiday together on Saussaie. Unfortunately, I couldn’t fish during the first week as I was busy with other work at the fishery.
Despite that, I still managed to get 6 bites and land 3 of Saussaie’s residents, up to around 40lb.
But Wesley definitely won this one! He landed the incredible Two Tone at 61.1lb, followed by a stunning 65.2lb common, now called Jules.
The common was a particularly special capture. We had only seen this fish during the netting last December, and it had never been caught before at this weight. After the losses we have unfortunately experienced during the extreme heat, it was fantastic to see this fish doing so well and coming out at such a great weight.
In total, an incredible 13 carp were landed during the two weeks, despite the ongoing heat and plenty of time spent swimming and enjoying the summer at Lac du Der.
A fantastic session, great company and some very special fish. And congratulations to Wesley, who managed to beat his PB twice in the same session! Well done mate, you definitely won this one!
01 August, 2026
Some of the fish landed over the two weeks since the lake reopened, with a fishing party from Belgium and Dave Pope’s and Shane Everett’s parties.
The Belgian party landed a good number of quality fish and enjoyed their week. We start with the party leader Horvat Suys who landed lovely mid forty mirrors, and some more fish from Horvat, Kenneth, Koen and Kris – a nice mix of fish up to 56lb. Well done lads.
Tarte aux Pomme was, not surprisingly, well down on her best weight but still looking in perfect condition, and the rest of the fish were a mix of 40s and 50s.
31 July, 2026
Great Lake and great hosts showers and toilets are spot on great condition fish but could do with more stock definitely a Great Lake for the future and was happy to be on mark and Lisa’s journey
31 July, 2026
Great week! 24 fish this week, including two PBs! The drop in temperature did some good; the fish were more active.
31 July, 2026
Willow Pool Fisheries is a brilliant little gem in France. It’s peaceful, well‑run, and the owners genuinely care about giving anglers a great experience. The lake is beautifully kept, the fish are in fantastic condition, and the whole place has that calm, welcoming feel that makes you want to go back. If you’re looking for quality fishing in a relaxed, friendly setting, I’d happily recommend it.
31 July, 2026
I can only mirror what other guests have said accomadation immaculate location superb and so tranquil
Amenities close by . Lots of places of interest to visit
20 fish between the 2 of us biggest 33lb ,27,24, 2×22, 20 and the remaining mid doubles . All fish in great condition
Tudor very helpful
31 July, 2026
Lovely gite very clean and great position very peaceful the fishing is. Runs water there is. Lot of fish between 20 to 30 pounds it does get a bit boring if your looking for something bigger but overall a great place
29 July, 2026
Today we said goodbye to our anglers Mick and Dickie who have had lake exclusive for the week. Mick and Dickie came from where we were both born and grew up in the UK – Essex -so we had great chats with them both reminiscing about areas that have changed. Being away from our hometowns for 18 years gave us a lot to talk about!! Mick kindly brought us some much missed items from the UK which we were very grateful for.
The fishing conditons to begin with were not ideal with high pressure and north easterly winds.
After a slow start things improved towards the middle of the week and with a change in swim they had carp to 45 lb and were two very happy anglers.
It was our pleasure to spend time with Mick and Dickie. We hope to welcome them both back in the future.
29 July, 2026
Never need an excuse to fish …. With Lisa’s brother Richard visiting us and no-one at the lake, we put bivvys up yesterday and the 3 of us (and Burt of course 🐶) stayed at the lake.
Mid evening we experienced a storm and a downpour which meant a lovely drop in temperature and an awakening for the fish putting them on the feed.
A nice alarm call at midnight from a great common and Richard was chuffed to see this for himself. His words “this has put the icing on my visit”!
Another 2 alarm calls at 1am and 3am but unfortunately both lost.
Great call at 5.30am with a stunning mirror.
29 July, 2026
Fantastic holiday at Martins lake.
Our hosts Craig and Isabel were amazing. Great info for the lakes/gite/surrounding areas.
Hubby caught the above but had 2 x 40+lb struggle just short of landing in the specimen lake. The facilities on tbe specimen lake are excellent and Craig ensures you have everything you need.
Myself and my daughter dont fish but had a wonderfully relaxing time at the Gite with the pool and some trips out to local towns and a day in bordeaux.
Definite will be returning next year – thank you for a wonderful holiday!
28 July, 2026
We welcomed 2 of our regulars steve and peter last week and they caught consistently over the week with peter bagging over 20 fish with over 10 x 30s coming from peg 3 after he grabbed 3 from 2 in the 1st 24 hours to 32lb unfortunately non of the bigger fished slipped up last week he also lost a few and bagged 4 descent catfish that wiped him out in the night.
Steve plumbed for peg 1 and had to wait 48 hours for his first fish but managed to get into double figures all be it with a couple of smaller fish that have come through. Fishing has been hard in france this year with the heat and thankfully it dropped from 40 degrees to low 30s. Peg 1 seems to have slowed this season after being the most consistent swim since I owned foxpool but he stuck at it with fish to 38lb and also had 10 doubles from our stockpond thats been moved into the new lake Chad’s pool which we hope to open 2028. We now have our mid season break before we welcome another 3 regulars on. In mid August.
28 July, 2026
Just got back from Domaine De la Baronne, 18.7.26 to 25.7.26 wow o wow what a place. Truly a breathtaking lake. Don’t believe all you read, this lake is amazing and one of my favourite places on the planet. Not too manicured and not too rough. This was my second trip here this year as I also went in April too and couldn’t wait to get back. This trip exceeded all expectations. Myself and my mate and younger son Jude visited. We had 26 fish between me and my mate. Rafal the owner is an excellent host and a very knowledgeable guy, he cannot do enough for his customers and is always on hand if you need anything or need any tips on spots or rigs/bait to use. I absolutely love this place and cannot wait to get back again. You have loads of water between each swim which is awesome and it is really a fantastic venue. Our hit of fish were:-
Simon
6x30s up to 37lb
1×40 43lb
4x20s up to 27lb 8oz
4x mid doubles
Craig 4x30s up to 37lb 4oz
2x40s 41lb 12oz and 43lb
2x grass carp 42lb 4oz and a massive 68lb grassie.
3x20s up to 27lb
If you are looking for a great venue with some mystery to it, lovely dark mirrors and hard fighting commons this is the place for you. The fishing is amazing here.
27 July, 2026
Had a brilliant time despite the crazy heatwave! and a lot of that comes down to Steve and Dawn. Genuinely down to earth, easy to talk to, and they checked in on us constantly without ever making us feel like we were being hovered over. They were great with the kids and made them feel properly welcome rather than tolerated.
The fishing was great and the setup works well for families. We’d absolutely recommend it and would come back without hesitation.
Thanks for having us.
27 July, 2026
Right now, Kamalo is simply exceptional. The draining last winter truly got rid of the nuisances, and for over two months now, anglers have reported no problems with crayfish or unwanted fish. As a result, the stock is gaining weight very quickly and is shaping up to be something special. Every swim is producing fish, and several catches over 44, 55, even over62 pounds have already been recorded. Clients are especially enjoying the new facilities and improvements. The addition of young fish is further boosting this momentum: they are growing fast and hold great promise for the fishery’s future.
27 July, 2026
. A regular Belgian angler returned to La Loubière and this time chose Swim 2, known as La Hutte 2. The fish seemed to gather right on that spot, as he enjoyed an outstanding week: over 50 fish caught, including three over 44 pounds. More than90% of his catches ranged between about29 and 42 pounds, most of them over 34 pounds. He was also pleasantly surprised to catch a few young fish introduced last winter, noting their excellent condition: they have already put on weight and will quickly become very solid fish. Impressed by the experience, he has already booked for the end of this year and for next season. Familiar with all our lakes, he is convinced that La Loubière will produce truly remarkable weights next year, and wants to be among the first to take advantage of it
27 July, 2026
Despite scorching heat and conditions that suggested anything but easy fishing, two couples who came with their children experienced an absolutely exceptional week at the Loft swim on Furet Lake. The results speak for themselves: over 60 fish caught, with more than fifteen weighing over forty-four pounds. Most of the catch ranged between around twenty-nine and forty-four pounds, and almost none were under twenty-two pounds. Having already fished here two years ago at the same time of year, they proved that the lake’s modest depth is no barrier to remarkable catches, even in the height of summer. They also praised the attentive service, comfort, and cleanliness of the accommodation—private bathrooms, TV, dishes, bed linen provided, everything spotless.
27 July, 2026
As many of you know, weed has continued to be an issue during the summer months. Thanks to the owner’s relentless hard work and commitment—including treating the lake with dye—the difference has been incredible.
The lake is now almost completely weed-free, both on the bottom and the surface, providing a much easier and more enjoyable angling experience.
The attached drone photos speak for themselves and show just how much progress has been made.
We’re looking forward to seeing some fantastic catches over the coming weeks and welcoming anglers to experience Domaine de la Baronne at its best. 🎣
27 July, 2026
Ian and Tom had a great week, here are a few photos from their stay to add to their review.
27 July, 2026
What a week for Bob and his 2 sone Lee and Alex with just over a 1000lb of fish caught. 3 PB’s and very happy anglers.
Temperatures all week were perfect and the fish were moving around all over the place.
Ronnie Rigs and DNA bait doing the trick along with worm mixed into the lake particles of Maize, hemp, maple pea, barley and groats..
27 July, 2026
Ade and Simon had a fun week Ade bringing in a nice selection of carp between 20 & 35 lbs
Simon was not quite keeping up then on his last night managed to bring in our beautiful orange coy
They relaxed and spent their last night soaking up the atmosphere at New Mill Carp Fisheries
27 July, 2026
This week saw Ashley, Ben, Arthur and Barnaby from Somerset join us on our Kingfisher lake. They drove down over a couple of days with all their gear in the back of the van ready for their first week carp fishing in France. Ben, Arthur and Barnaby do a fair bit of carp fishing on a syndicate in the UK and knew what they were doing but were optimistic they would beat their PBs here. They had also never had a catfish before so were looking forward to adding this to their list of species on the bank.
The forecast was for a hot week with daytime temperatures rarely dropping below 30°C and no rain but the night time temperatures were much lower than they had been, and the lake had been fishing very well over the last few weeks, so we were optimistic that they would do well. Arthur was certainly very keen to fish the nights and even if he was down by the lake on his own, the family had walkie-talkies with them so he could call for help if needed,
We go and see our guests most days but never expect to hear much news on Sundays when we go round as people take their time to get set up and get their rods out so we were thrilled to hear that Arthur had had a 28lb mirror carp on the bank as well as a small 9lb kitten – a good taster for what was to come. Barnaby and Ben had not fished overnight but Barnaby was out stalking with his float rod when we went round to see them.
There were loads more on the bank over the course of Sunday with Arthur having a 10lb kitten and then beating his PB with a 33lb mirror late in the morning. Barnaby and Ben were off the mark in the afternoon, Barnaby with a 13lb 9oz catfish and a new PB – 27lb 12oz common and Ben with a 20lb 11oz mirror. And when Ben’s rods went off again and he had popped up to the chalet, it was Ashley who landed her first ever carp, a mirror weighing 30lb 5oz. So they finished the day on 8 fish between the 3/4 of them. Not a bad start at all.
We timed our visit well on Monday morning as Barnaby had just hooked a fish when we arrived. It was safely bought to the net and put in the cradle, unhooked and photo was taken and then it was weighed – an amazing 45lb 5oz mirror – smashing his PB and beating his elder brother.
They recorded a 15lb 9oz common for Ben in the afternoon and then early in the evening Ashley messaged us to say that Arthur had increased his PB to 35lb 9oz common and then half an hour later had beaten it again catching a 37lb 13oz common. He was obviously going to improve his PB gradually.
After the excitement of this, Arthur went on to have another common at 35lb and Ben landed two commons weighing 17lb 2oz and 29lb 5oz on Monday evening. By the end of Monday they had landed 15 between them so it was all set to be a record week.
Tuesday morning also started off well with a double take for Barnaby and Ben, a 29lb 11oz mirror for Barnaby and a 34lb 1oz common for Ben just after 9am and a great photo to prove it
They told us that they had had a triple take the night before when one rod went off and took them round a tree and then the other two rods went off. It did not end well though with no fish on the bank. They had had to go out in the boat to rescue the one that got caught up and had just got it to the net when it slipped the hook and got away – Ben told us it was a big fish – the 50lber that got away! Ben also said that he had hooked into something really massive the evening before – he hooked into it and it pulled loads of line, and him, but then it just jumped off – possibly a big big catfish….we will never know. It is always the biggest fish in the lake that get away, isn’t it?
We had just got round there on Tuesday morning when Barnaby had landed another one, a lovely 21lb 15oz mirror
And Tuesday continued in the same vein as the previous two days with Ben landing a 31lb 11oz common, Arthur improving his catfish weight to 28lb 11oz catfish and having a 22lb 4oz mirror. Then Ben caught a 23lb 14oz common before Arthur finally managed to beat Barnaby’s PB at 15.37 with a 45lb 12oz mirror (it may have been the same fish as Barnaby caught, but a few oz heavier…?)
You would have thought that was Tuesday done and dusted but Arthur went on to have a 20lb 7oz common at 17.40 and then around 9pm they struck into a big catfish. Having never caught one before they took it in turns to play it for a good long while before it eventually managed to get to the bank. We all know that this is not an easy task and they took this one as a team effort and what a great photo of the three anglers with their 75lb 5oz catfish
That was it for the day and they reached 25 fish on the bank since they had arrived.
Having had a great first half of the week by the lake, the family decided to head out and explore the local area and visit the market. Ben had been going to the boulangerie in Massignac each morning to pick up baguettes and pastries but they wanted to enjoy some time together as a family away from the lake too.
The market in Piegut Pluviers is one of the best in the region and sells anything from live chickens to bed mattresses as well as lots of seasonal fruit and vegetables and some clothes and gift stalls. They all had a lovely morning and bought some nougat (if you know you know!)
When they got back it seemed like the deeper end of the lake had gone quiet and the only fish on the bank on Wednesday was a 27lb 5oz mirror for Arthur at lunchtime. Ashley and Ben had gone for a walk into the woods where they had seen a couple of deer.
We didn’t manage to catch up with them on Thursday as Nigel was playing golf in the morning with a neighbour and they went out to Le 16 Beach for lunch where Ben and Arthur managed the Géant Burger and then had a lovely swim in the lake. They did get a few fish out though, Ben had a 17lb catfish first thing in the morning and later in the evening Arthur had a 17lb 5oz common and Ben finished the day with a 31lb common.
The fish had definitely switched off in swims 1 and 2 though and there were only two that made it to the bank on Friday for Arthur, a 13lb 13oz catfish and a 34lb 6oz mirror and none for any of the others. But still it was a great week for these lovely people.
Final summary 31 fish on the bank in total with Arthur catching 15 (he was fishing nights as well as days), Ben on 10 and Barnaby having 5. The final one was counted as a team effort so they all got a new PB catfish! There were zero babies, 3 at 10lb+, 10 at 20lb+, 9 at 30lb+, 2 at 40lb+ and 7 catfish up to 75lb 5oz. A great result for these 3 anglers and new PBs for all. We shall hopefully see you again one day, until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
27 July, 2026
Steve’s photos from his stay with us (30th May to 6th June). Steve and his son, Steve had lake exclusive with us landing fish to 44.14lb.
27 July, 2026
Arriving on Saturday afternoon on the Stansted flight, after a quick trip to the supermarket on the way home, were Michael, Cathy, Tom and Sam who were certainly no strangers to carp fishing in France. From talking to them it sounded like they had fished a large number of lakes around the Limoges area, either driving down through France or flying, from when their children were very young. For the last few years Michael and Cathy have come on their own but this time Tom and Sam managed to join them.
After a quick tour round the lake they were quickly set up with Sam on swim 1 in a bivvy, Tom on swim 2 in the hut and Michael taking the second hut on what Nigel likes to call the Nightingales swim. With both maple syrup and spicy fish boilies provided for them, as well as plenty of pellets and parti-blend they very quickly got themselves set up and their rods in the water. Michael was not intending on leaving his swim for the week they were here, leaving Cathy to cook for the week, although she did say that he does usually do the cooking. The boys took it in turns to go to the supermarket with their mum on the Monday and Wednesday of their week, to stock up on provisions.
As usual, we walked round to see them on Sunday morning and heard that both Sam and Tom had lost one each but they had both had one on the bank, Sam had caught a small cat weighing 21lb and Tom a 17lb common so at least two of them were off the mark. Whilst we were stood chatting to Tom his rod kicked off so we stayed to see the fish reach the net and Nigel was on hand to help. Tom played it well and got it so close to the bank that we could see it was a lovely common and then the line snapped and the fish was lost. No one likes to see that happen, but that is fishing for you.
Sunday afternoon brought a bit of drama as there had been a wildfire just 2km away and the farmers had been pumping water from Lac Lucie to help the pompiers. Someone came round to Kingfisher as well and spoke to Michael but the only word he understood was pêche and he thought they were coming to put some more fish in the lake (we wish!). But nothing was taken from this lake and it wasn’t long before the helicopters appeared and started taking water from deeper lakes around us. It was all a bit worrying though as the fire was so close. With only 0.5mm of rain all month and temperatures over 30°C for the last four weeks the ground is incredibly dry and there are wildfires being reported nearly every day somewhere in the country.
On Sunday evening Tom posted that he had had a 30lb mirror on Instagram and Sam a catfish 74lb 6oz – a new PB for him. Michael told us on Monday morning that he had also had a couple of baby catfish in the night that had lost the hook but that he had landed 2 carp in the mid twenties.
On our Tuesday morning visit Sam had had a 32lb common and Michael had landed 2 small catfish.
The weather started to change early on Wednesday morning and we had a good rain shower and storm at 5am with gusts of wind at over 30km/h. It didn’t last too long though and whilst Nigel took Cathy to the supermarket at 9am the heavens opened again and there was a massive hail storm. Luckily Sam had gone to the supermarket but the other two were fishing in it, although we guess that they took shelter in the huts. It did clear the air a little but temperatures still managed to reach 34°C by 5pm
Thursday afternoon looked like being a repeat of Wednesday’s weather as big black clouds rolled in and we could hear thunder all around us. About half an hour away they reported a lot of damage by hail stones the size of golf balls. We were certainly pleased that this missed us but it did fortunately cause the temperatures to drop by over 10°C to a more comfortable 25°C so we all slept better that night.
With Jo’s 86 year old mum and neighbour visiting, it has not been easy to keep track of when the fish came out but we had a great log of the 30 carp and catfish that did end up in the net and a few photos also.
What we do know if that Tom had a new PB catfish at 74lb 1oz and a new PB carp at 44lb 4oz and Sam had a new PB catfish at 74lb 6oz. Tom wrote on his Instagram video that there were also ‘lots of carp for dad and….. a PB for mum’s cooking!’
The final summary for these 3 fine anglers is captured in this lovely ChatGPT infogram below but consisted of zero babies, 2 at 10lb+, at 20lb+, 5 at 30lb+, 3 at 40lb+ and 9 catfish up to 74lb 6oz (3 over 70lb). What a great week with over 950lbs of fish on the bank. We hope that you will return again to have another go but until then bonne journée et à bientôt…
27 July, 2026
Last week saw Phil, Kate, Philip and Sam join us on Lac Lucie for their first fishing trip in France. With PBs in the teens and twenties they were all dead excited to be here with us and have a great family holiday that Kate had surprised Phil with for his 40th birthday late last year.
They flew in on the Sunday afternoon Manchester flight into 39°C heat and Nigel was there at the airport to collect them. We had had a bit of drama before he left as there had been a wildfire just 2km away and the farmers had been pumping water from the lake, as we were the closest water source, to help the pompiers. Luckily they only took a few inches before the helicopters appeared and started taking water from deeper lakes around us. It was all a bit scary though as we didn’t really know what was going to happen before Nigel left for the airport.
Photo taken by local resident
By the time they arrived everything had settled down a bit and we showed them round the chalet and took them down to the lake where you could feel the excitement buzzing from the 3 anglers. The lads all do a bit of fishing in the UK, in and around Liverpool and were desperate to get set up and sorted. As the supermarkets are closed on Sunday afternoon, Jo had got them a few bits in to tide them over, until Nigel took Kate shopping on Monday morning and we left Kate to get everything unpacked in the chalet.
As it was their first time fishing for big carp they decided they would stick with just one rod each with Phil taking the middle rod, Sam on the left and Philip on the right. Although there has been a heatwave in the UK at the same time, temperatures here have been a good 10°C higher but the fish were evidently still feeding as at 11.30pm with temperatures still at 26°C Philip caught the first carp of the session weighing 37lb 4oz
Unfortunately, in all of the excitement of landing the fish he cut his knee and so they decided they would go up to the chalet to sleep. Not that it was much cooler in the chalet and they all struggled to sleep a bit the first night. But they were back down by 9.30am on Monday morning ready for another day, whilst Kate went to get some more provisions.
On Monday morning about 10am Phil was off the mark with a 29lb common and Sam started his run on Tuesday morning, again around 10am, with a 39lb 4oz common.
The 4th carp on the bank was Philip on Tuesday morning with a lovely 18lb common for Philip and then he caught again in the night at 1.25am on Wednesday, a 30lb common.
Early on Wednesday morning it started to cool down a bit with a good rain shower and storm at 5am and gusts of wind at over 30km/h. Kate and the lads had been down there all night, having borrowed another bivvy and some more beds from us and they rushed back up to the chalet whilst Phil stayed down looking after the rods. It didn’t last too long though and Nigel took Kate and the lady from Kingfisher to the supermarket at 9am and whilst they were in there the heavens opened again and there was a massive hail storm. It did clear the air a little but temperatures still managed to reach 34°C by 5pm
Jo had to take her mum and neighbour back to the airport early on Thursday morning but when we went down to see them all we were thrilled hear that they had had 5 fish on the bank so far. And it quickly became 6 as whilst we were there Sam’s rod went off and with Phil’s help he got it to the new jetty perfectly where Phil netted it and unhooked it whilst it was still in the net and he ‘high fived’ Sam. Another common weighing 38lb 4oz
Thursday afternoon looked like being a repeat of Wednesday’s weather as big black clouds rolled in and we could hear thunder all around us. About half an hour away they reported a lot of damage by hail stones the size of golf balls. We were certainly pleased that this missed us but it did fortunately cause the temperatures to drop by over 10°C to a more comfortable 25°C so we all slept better that night.
On Friday morning Kate was busy up at the chalet clearing up and getting packed up as they were leaving for the late afternoon Manchester flight. The boys were also up at the chalet when we were doing our morning walk and as we were down by the lake chatting to Phil his rod tip started quivering. He struck into it and about 20 minutes later landed another common, this time assisted by Nigel. This one weighed 38lb 8oz
It has been great to see some new carp anglers on the lake this week. Phil told us that his lads like different things, one is into falconry (he has 2 hawks himself) and the other football but one thing they do all enjoy together is fishing. And we love seeing young, passionate anglers on our lakes and watching them have their first French carp on the bank.
Final summary for this lovely family was 7 commons in total with new PBs for all three anglers. There were zero babies, 1 at 10lb+, 1 at 20lb+ and 5 at 30lb+. Hopefully they will come back to try getting the big catfish out of Kingfisher. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
27 July, 2026
We were delighted to welcome back this lovely family from Wiltshire this week who had a cracking week last year on Kingfisher. With 27 fish on the bank (20 by Billy) last July we thought it might be hard to beat, particularly as we were already in our 3rd heatwave of the season and the water temperatures were in the high 20°C. But the anglers last week had had an amazing week so we were sure that there would be some fish on the bank. This is their catch report from last year.
They arrived Saturday afternoon having driven via a campsite in Normandy, as last year and had done a bit of fishing there and had a couple of 40s on the bank. Again, like last year they had been to see Stuart at The Tackle Company (www.thetacklecompany.co.uk) a few days before they came and also had a visit to Pacific Pêche on their way to pick up a few last minute things.
We sat and had a beer and caught up with them. They have had a good year and been fishing a few times. Billy has started his mechanics apprenticeship, passed his driving test and is enjoying his new car and Keith and Paulette are well and looking forward to a week off in the peace and quiet.
They were soon set up by the lake. Similar to last year it was Billy who would have his rods in as much as possible and he chose to fish from swim 2, or the ‘Hut Swim’ as Nigel likes to call it. Keith started the week on swim 1 and he was planning on fishing most days but he and Paulette were also planning on going out a few times, to the supermarket to ensure the stocks of ‘dancing juice’ did not become too depleted and just enjoying some time together. Paulette started the week on swim 3 but was only going to throw a rod in occasionally. The results reflected the time spent on the bank but the holiday was as much about enjoying each others company and enjoying the peace and quiet, as it was fishing.
They had picked 5kg of boilies in both flavours and also had some of our hookers and glug in both flavours on a bed of maize and pellets. All of their fishing was done by casting and the proof of effectiveness is in the results – all 3 of them great anglers.
Although Billy lost a catfish shortly after he put his rods in, Keith was first off the mark on Saturday evening with a 26lb 12oz mirror and then a 21lb mirror on Sunday morning before breakfast. Two great looking fish. Billy did land a small catfish but it didn’t make the list!
After breakfast Keith and Paulette went to the supermarket before it closed at lunchtime. Billy managed to get three on the bank before breakfast on Monday, a 42lb 12oz mirror, a 31lb 8oz common and a 41lb catfish. Keith had moved to swim 3 due to the heat and managed to land his 3rd carp, a 25lb common. All during the daylight hours which, with temperatures in the early 30s, was good going.
On day 3 Billy had a 33lb mirror and a 35lb 8oz common, followed by two mirrors overnight weighing 41lb 6oz and 21lb mirror which he did not manage to get photographs of.
Billy was the only one of them fishing nights so he had the the comfort of the hut to sleep in. Over the week he heard lots of sounds during the night, as you do when you stay here as there is very little noise or light pollution. He was absolutely certain that he could hear a wild boar some nights and we were fairly sure that what he was hearing was a hedgehog but he would not be convinced otherwise. We do not hear many boar here, cows giving birth can make a loud noise but hedgehogs make a lot more noise than you think and he is not the first, and we are sure that he will not be the last, person to think that it definitely could not be a hedgehog!
We had reports of more carp for Billy on Wednesday am when we took the breakfast baguettes round a 26lb 10oz common at 4.30pm and Paulette off the mark with a 34lb 2oz mirror from swim 3 on Tuesday afternoon.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning Billy landed a 41lb 14oz mirror and got a great photo of it with the use of Nigel’s backlight.
They all had a break away from the lake on Wednesday, with a visit to Piegut Pluviers market which is one of the biggest in the region. You do have to get their early though as it is all done by midday, when French people like to have their lunch. It is a great place to visit and you see stalls selling anything from mattresses, live chickens as well as snails, oysters and seasonal fruit and vegetables. Paulette and Keith were very tempted to buy a new rug before realising that it probably wouldn’t fit in the car with all of their fishing gear. Even Billy reported that he had enjoyed it and was glad that he had gone.
On Wednesday night Billy had a 29lb mirror
At breakfast on Friday morning Billy had two fish to report from overnight, a 31lb 6oz common and 27lb common overnight from the far side and then he lost one just as he was pulling his rods in to come up for breakfast.
They went out for a few hours on Friday, back to Oradour-sur-Glâne, where 643 people were killed during the second world war. It has been kept as a memorial village. Keith and Paulette visited last year and Keith went home and read a book about it so was desperate to go back. This time Billy went with them to have a break away from the lake. You cannot really say that you enjoy a visit there as it is horrible to think of what happened there but it is worth a visit.
There were no further fish on the bank when they got back on Friday afternoon, even though Billy had his rods in until the very last minute before they left on Saturday but considering the temperatures rose up to 39.7°C during their week here they did not have too many blank sessions.
Final summary was zero babies, zero at 10lb+, 7 at 20lb+, 5 at 30lb+, 3 at 40lb+ and two catfish up to 41lb. This lovely family have already booked again for next year so we will all look forward to seeing them again. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
27 July, 2026
Our first customers after closing due to spawning and heatwave were
Adam with parents Elinor and Phil who played Adam’s Gillys. Adam had a fantastic week landing 20 carp and smashing his PB with a 49lb 1oz Mirror. Dynamite’s peppered squid 🦑, pink shellfish pop ups, fished over house pellets done the job. Great angling Adam.
26 July, 2026
Fantastique week had 3 over the 50 lb mark and all the fish in excellent condition in total over 30 fish and only 4 under the 30 lb mark DGF Baits S Nuts doing the job
26 July, 2026
10 fish to 52lb
25 July, 2026
Over 35 carp for Chris and Nadia! Well done!
25 July, 2026
The work carried out at camalo following the lake drain-down is already delivering excellent results. Stock management, the removal of nuisance fish and most of the crayfish, along with calcium and nitrogen treatments, have had a clear positive impact. Several carp over 44 pounds have already been landed, with some fish gaining between 9 and 13 pounds compared to last year. One carp has already reached 62 pounds after spawning, which strongly suggests that several fish could break the 66-pound barrier this autumn or next spring. Our guests fishing Heaven Suit swim 1, and VIP the kube swim 2, were extremely pleased with their week. Between these two swims, they landed over 50 carp, including many between 33 and 44 pounds, as well as a good number over 44 pounds, with the largest at 57 and 62 pounds. They also praised the overall food package and the quality of the facilities, highlighting the clean and well-maintained accommodation, showers and toilets.” they want definitely Come back.
25 July, 2026
15 fish over the week. Ranging from 10lb to 40lb with plenty of upper doubles and 3 thirties!
25 July, 2026
This week we welcomed a group of three anglers to Saussaie, and we’re pleased to say they had a very successful week on the bank.
Despite the continued hot weather, the lads managed to land 13 carp, with the biggest being a stunning 50.8lb common – a massive common and a new personal best.
After weeks of high temperatures, Saussaie seems to have settled into the consistent warm conditions and has now been fishing well for the past three weeks. Hopefully, this form continues as we take a well-earned two-week holiday on the lake ourselves.
A big thank you to Adam and the rest of the group, and congratulations once again on an unforgettable PB common. We hope to see you all back on the bank again soon!
Tight lines everyone!
22 July, 2026
26 lbs caught by Brett Haines on boilies.
22 July, 2026
Fantastic place to fish and stay.
Jason was an awesome host and very helpful, always on hand if we needed him.
The lake is superbly taken care of which shows in the quality of fish that we caught.
Will most definitely return.
21 July, 2026
Carp up to 35lb ,fished off the island all week to get the shade because of 42 degrees heat.
A lot of big tench taking large boilies and pellets, bit of apain at times but nice fish.
Bring your own slings and cradles and nets because there are none here .
It says there are bigger fish in here but no sign. Great looking old mill for accommodation but no air con or wi fi.
Pool area great but pool water far from clear ,don’t know what has caused this maybe filter.
Two new barbecue units supposed to be delivered but never arrived so made use of the broken one.
All in all the accommodation is clean and nice,there was 8 of us and all of us would come again but maybe not when its hot.
Supermarkets and town 5 minutes away and miles of countryside if you like walking.
Saskia the lady we met on arrival was helpful and nice but remember you need to pay her the cleaning and laundry cost in cash on arrival.
Hop you find this helpful, we are the Tanner family from Blackburn and Kent England 🇬🇧.
Ps,bring towels you only get one small towel each.
21 July, 2026
What a week we had. I was there with my wife so my time was split between fishing and spending time together. For the hours I put in the standard and quality of fish were outstanding. Ended the week with 3 x 40’s up to 46lbs 8, 1 x 30 at 38lbs 8 1 x 20 and the rest were between 15lbs and 19lbs. My wife decided she’d have a go and her first fish was a common weighing 43lbs 8. I honestly thought it was a 50.
Russel and Hayley were amazing hosts and couldn’t do enough for us. With the heat the use of the pool was a massive welcome. The Gite was so nice.
I would recommend this location for a nice holiday and fishing trip because it has it all.
21 July, 2026
Accommodation was outstanding well equipped and very clean & comfortable. The lake is at a lower level . Great looking lake . The steps down are very steep and not for the faint hearted . At start of the week fishing was very hard 30/36 degrees and thunderstorms. Had 13 runs . 6 to high twenties and 2 doubles to 15lb . The cradle outdated could do with changing . But a lovely week . Very isolated away from any noise or traffic . Overall highly recommend Tudor has an outstanding place
21 July, 2026
Was a great pleace to fish, the owners were perfect with amazing meals prepared for us with the food package, would 100% recommend and will be back there again
21 July, 2026
Third time in 4 years at this wonderful venue (what better place to be on my 60th birthday). Dave and Doreen are the perfect hosts as always, nothing is to much trouble.
The conditions were brutal at times with almost 40 degree heat at times so fishing in the daytime was off for me, I fished 5 nights and got 5 fish, 4 over 30lb , the biggest 38 1/2 so was very pleased given the conditions.
unfortunately cant go next year due to prior commitments but 2028 is calling.
cant recommend this venue highly enough.
Thanks again to Dave and Doreen
19 July, 2026
This week we welcomed a group of six anglers to Baleine, and the session started with plenty of promise.
During the first few days, the fish were showing themselves and the group managed to get off to a good start. Unfortunately, as the week went on, the carp seemed to completely switch off again. Just as we’ve seen several times this summer, the feeding spell came to an abrupt end and bites became incredibly difficult to come by.
By the end of the session, the group had landed five carp, up to 54lb, with all of the captures coming during the first half of the week. Despite trying different approaches and putting in plenty of effort, they couldn’t tempt any more bites once the fish shut down.
Although the final result wasn’t what everyone had hoped for, the lads stayed positive throughout the session and never stopped working for an opportunity. That’s all you can ask when conditions are constantly changing.
We’re hopeful that Baleine will begin to find a bit more consistency over the coming weeks. The signs are there, and with a little more stable weather, we’re hoping the fish will settle into a more regular feeding pattern.
A big thank you to the group. It was a pleasure having you all on the lake, and we hope to see you back in the future for another crack at Baleine.
19 July, 2026
Excellent venue with great cabins and beds reducing the amount of stuff you have to take and deal with. The owner is very enthusiastic and helpful. The fish are big and highly catchable. Great trip.
19 July, 2026
We were blown away with Chef de ville a beautiful tree lined lake with ample room in every swim.
Anothony our host was brilliant very knowledgeable of the lake and cooked spectacular meals which were delivered to our swims. He was always on hand if we needed him.
The fishing was incredible once we found the spots the fish obliged And when the grass carp were feeding you knew about it!
Six of us landed 79 fish between us and we lost quite a few due to hook pulls. Our biggest carp was a 44.2lb Mirror we also had another 40lber with back up 30s and 20s. We had a lot of grass carp, the biggest at 64lb and 60lb. They really give you the run around close in.
Overall we all throughly enjoyed ourselves the facilities were spot on, the lake is now weed free, and the supermarkets and town were a short drive down the road. One of the best venue in 16 years of fishing in france. We will be returning.
18 July, 2026
Over 35 carp for Chris and Nadia! Well done!
18 July, 2026
What a difference a week makes!
This week we welcomed Garry’s group of three anglers to Saussaie, including a lovely lady who fitted in perfectly with the team. After such a long period of difficult fishing, it’s fantastic to say that Saussaie is finally starting to fish the way we all know it can.
Last week’s group finished with an impressive 16 carp, and this week’s anglers carried that momentum on brilliantly. Thanks to their patience, good watercraft and hard work, Garry and the team ended their session with an outstanding 17 carp.
The catch included four 40lb-plus carp, two 50lb-plus carp, along with several stunning upper-thirties. To top it all off, The Scare made another appearance, always a fish that puts a smile on everyone’s face.
There’s certainly nothing to complain about this week, and hopefully this is a sign of what’s to come as the lake continues to recover after the challenging summer conditions. Long may it continue!
It was an absolute pleasure having Garry and the group at Saussaie. They were respectful anglers, fished exceptionally well and thoroughly deserved the results they achieved. We’re delighted to hear they’ll be returning for another session, and we already look forward to welcoming them back.
Congratulations to all of you on a fantastic week’s fishing!
17 July, 2026
Kingfisher lake we had the lovely Colin and Debbie with us for two weeks. Colin only fished days no nights and had 41 fish out in total and they managed to get out and see a bit of rural France. Well done guys it was a pleasure to have you here with us.
17 July, 2026
Steve and Dan have absolutely smashed it on kingfisher lake this week. With a stunning haul of 51 fish banked including 1×50 13x 40’s and a numerous amount of 30’s. It’s definitely made a difference with the new stock we put in December. Top angling gents 🎣🐟🐠🐬🐳🎣
17 July, 2026
Last week we had Lorraine, Steve and Neil on kingfisher lake. They managed to land 19 fish up to 50lb.
17 July, 2026
A slow week due to the intense heat but this angler still managed fish of 51, 44, 30 and 27lb all in mint condition
17 July, 2026
A carp rig can look perfectly tied and still fail once it is cast into the lake. The hooklink can wrap around the lead, a carefully balanced hookbait can change after soaking, the hook point can become masked and terminal tackle that is strong enough for clean ground may fail when a fish crosses an abrasive bar.
This carp rig troubleshooter covers 12 common problems, including tangles, damaged hookbaits, poor presentation over silt or debris, hook pulls, blunt hooks, lead-clip faults and line damage. Each problem explains the likely cause, how to diagnose it and the first adjustment to make.
Start with the issue that most closely matches what you are seeing. Inspect the rig carefully, make one logical change at a time and avoid replacing a proven presentation until you have identified what is actually going wrong.
Changing the entire presentation after every quiet spell or lost fish makes it difficult to learn what actually happened. Before tying something different, work through these six checks.
What usually causes it: Most tangles happen because the hooklink folds back towards the lead during the cast. A supple braid can wrap around the lead, tubing or leader, while a long hair, loose D section or bulky hookbait can catch around the hook. Off-centre hookbaits may also spin, adding twist and making the hooklink more likely to loop around another component.
How to diagnose it: Inspect the complete rig after every retrieval. Look for the hooklink wrapped around the lead or leader, the hair trapped around the hook bend, displaced putty, sharp bends in the boom or a hookbait sitting against the lead system. A firm drop does not prove that the rig landed untangled; it only tells you how the lead contacted the lakebed.
What to change first: Make the lead arrangement as neat as possible, cover exposed connections and use an anti-tangle sleeve that kicks the hooklink away from the swivel. Choose a boom or hooklink with enough stiffness for the casting distance, keep the hookbait attachment compact and feather the cast shortly before impact. A small nugget of dissolving PVA foam around the hook, or a light PVA mesh bag, can hold the rig together until it reaches the lakebed.
What usually causes it: Coated braid and stiff boom materials can kink where knots have been tightened roughly, where the rig has been folded in a tackle box or where the coating has been stripped unintentionally. Gravel, stones, mussels and repeated contact with the lead can split the coating or damage the inner material. Heat used carelessly to straighten a rig can also distort it.
How to diagnose it: Run the hooklink slowly between your fingers and inspect it under good light. Look for flattened areas, cracks, whitening, frayed fibres, exposed inner braid and sharp bends that will not straighten. Pay particular attention to the sections immediately beside knots, crimps, swivels and stripped hinges.
What to change first: Replace any hooklink that is visibly damaged rather than trying to force it straight. Tie or crimp a fresh section smoothly, following the instructions for the material, and store finished rigs without tight folds. After fishing over abrasive ground or landing a fish, check the hooklink before it is cast again.
What usually causes it: A pop-up may float on its own but sink once it has to support the hook, swivel, bait screw and any additional components. A wafter may stand up like a pop-up when it is too buoyant for the hook, while a bottom bait can sink too heavily after absorbing water or when unnecessary shot and putty have been added. Plastic corn and other toppers can alter the balance more than expected.
How to diagnose it: Test the finished rig in a bucket or the lake margin rather than testing the loose bait. Watch how the hookbait settles, whether the hook lies naturally and how quickly the presentation changes after soaking. For a rig that will remain out for several hours, repeat the test after the hookbait has absorbed water.
What to change first: Make one small adjustment at a time. Use a fresher or more buoyant pop-up if it is sinking, trim an over-buoyant wafter gradually, or reduce excess putty and heavy attachment components when the bait falls too quickly. Keep retesting until the presentation behaves as intended, rather than balancing it by guesswork.
What usually causes it: A soft boilie can split when it is pierced, while a small bait stop may pull through an enlarged hole during a powerful cast. Bait screws can work loose in crumbly hookbaits and separate plastic toppers may be pulled from floss or a hair. Crayfish can then cut, chew or dismantle a presentation that would otherwise survive the cast.
How to diagnose it: Test the attachment firmly before casting and inspect what returns. A clean split or enlarged hole usually points to the cast or the attachment method. Ragged edges, bite marks, missing sections and displaced toppers are more consistent with crayfish or nuisance species. Also check whether the bait has softened after soaking.
What to change first: Use a stop, hair, bait screw or floss arrangement that suits the hookbait rather than relying on one method for every bait. Harden or air-dry soft hookbaits, protect them with mesh or purpose-made wrap, or use artificial bait where venue rules allow. Retest the finished rig because protective materials and plastic toppers can change its buoyancy. For more detailed advice, see our guide to dealing with crayfish when carp fishing.
What usually causes it: On soft silt, a heavy lead can penetrate the lakebed and drag a short hooklink, hook and hookbait down behind it. On gravel, stones or scattered debris, a very stiff boom can bridge between raised features instead of following the contours. Leaders, tubing and badly positioned putty can also lift or pull parts of the rig into an unnatural position.
How to diagnose it: Lead the spot carefully and inspect the material that returns on the lead and hooklink. Dark deposits, strong smells and soft debris suggest silt, while sharp marks and clean scrapes point towards gravel or stones. Test the rig over a similar surface in the margin and move the lead through different angles to see whether the hook section buries, springs upwards or bridges.
What to change first: Over soft silt, try a longer hooklink, a lighter or broader lead and a controlled cast so the rig lands with less force. Over uneven ground, introduce enough suppleness for the hook section to follow the contours. A correctly assembled helicopter arrangement may help the hooklink settle above a lead that penetrates silt, provided it is fish-safe and allowed by the venue.
What usually causes it: The hook point can collect living weed, dead leaves, fine silt, twigs and other debris as the rig falls through the water. It can also become masked when the rig is dragged while the line is tightened, or after it has been moved by birdlife, small fish or crayfish. A hookbait may remain visible while the point itself is completely covered.
How to diagnose it: Examine exactly what is on the hook after retrieval. Fresh green strands suggest living weed, brown material may be dead weed or leaves, and a film of fine sediment points towards silt. If the hook is clean but no longer sharp, the issue is abrasion rather than masking.
What to change first: Use a bare lead to locate firmer holes, edges or thinner areas rather than repeatedly casting into the same debris. Protect the hook point with a small nugget of dissolving PVA foam or place the rig in a suitable PVA bag. Keep the line controlled as the lead falls, but avoid pulling the rig across the bottom after it has settled. Our guide to four versatile carp rigs covers presentations for different lakebeds.
What usually causes it: Repeated hook pulls can be linked to a blunt point, poor hook rotation, a hookbait blocking the gape, an unsuitable hook pattern or a hook that only penetrates shallowly. Excessive pressure while playing a fish can then open or tear that marginal hold. One lost carp does not prove the rig is faulty, but a pattern of similar losses deserves attention.
How to diagnose it: Inspect the hook immediately after a loss and note when the fish came off. A fish lost seconds after the take may not have been hooked securely, while one lost close to the net may have been affected by the way pressure was applied. When a fish is landed, look at the position and depth of the hook hold without causing unnecessary damage.
What to change first: Fit a fresh hook and check that the hookbait leaves the gape clear. Review the distance between the hook and bait, the position of the hair or hookbait swivel and whether the hook can turn freely. Make one mechanical change at a time and balance the rod, line and clutch pressure to the size of hook being used. Our article on carp rig hook rotation explains the mechanics in more detail.
What usually causes it: Hook points can be damaged when they strike gravel, stones or hard debris on landing, or when the rig is pulled across an abrasive lakebed during retrieval. Mussels, concrete margins and crayfish can also turn or flatten the very tip. Some fine points are naturally less tolerant of repeated contact than heavier-gauge patterns.
How to diagnose it: Use a careful fingernail or fingertip test and examine the point under good light. A sharp point should take hold immediately rather than slide. Look for a turned tip, flattened area, tiny burr or missing point. A hook can appear sharp at a glance while failing a close test.
What to change first: Fit a new hook whenever the point is doubtful. Avoid dragging the rig across rough ground and consider protecting the point with PVA foam during the cast. If hooks are repeatedly damaged on the same spot, choose a more suitable pattern or move to a cleaner area rather than accepting a blunt point.
What usually causes it: A spinner rig relies on the hook rotating freely on the swivel and the boom pushing the hook section away from the lead. A tight or damaged connection, distorted kicker, excessive putty, tangled hookbait attachment or debris around the swivel can stop the rig returning to its intended position after disturbance.
How to diagnose it: Test the rig in the margin. Move the hookbait and hook section through several angles, then watch whether the hook rotates and the boom straightens the presentation again. Check that the hook is seated correctly on the spinner swivel and that the retaining sleeve is secure without restricting movement.
What to change first: Replace any damaged kicker, sleeve, swivel or boom and reduce anything that obstructs rotation. Keep the hookbait attachment compact and ensure putty is positioned without jamming a hinge. For the full setup, see our guide on how to tie and use the spinner rig.
What usually causes it: A lead clip may fail to release when the tail rubber is pushed on too tightly, the clip and rubber are not designed to work together or the lead attachment is jammed by silt and debris. Damaged clips, swollen rubbers and incorrectly seated swivels can also change how the system behaves.
How to diagnose it: Inspect the clip, tail rubber, swivel and lead attachment individually. Assemble the system exactly as it will be fished and test it by hand and in the margin. The lead should remain secure for the cast but release at the level of pressure appropriate to the situation. Also confirm that the remaining components can move safely after a breakage.
What to change first: Use compatible components from a system designed to work together and push the tail rubber on only far enough to provide the required resistance. Clean away debris and replace anything distorted, split or worn. Follow the venue rules and the manufacturer’s assembly guidance rather than modifying components by guesswork.
What usually causes it: Hooklinks and leaders can be cut or worn through when a carp takes the line across gravel bars, rocks, mussel beds, concrete edges or submerged branches. A material that is adequate on clean ground may not offer enough strength or abrasion resistance on a demanding venue. Previous casts and fish can also leave small areas of damage that fail under pressure later.
How to diagnose it: Inspect the broken end and the surrounding material. A rough, fluffy or tapered end usually indicates abrasion, while a failure directly beside a knot may point to a damaged knot or weakened section. Check the full hooklink and leader for nicks, flattened areas and discolouration, not just the point where it finally broke.
What to change first: Use a hooklink and leader with suitable breaking strain and abrasion resistance for the features being fished, while following the venue’s rules. Make the protective section long enough to remain between the fish and the abrasive feature, check it after every fish and avoid casting damaged material again. Where possible, change the rod angle and move along the bank so the line does not saw repeatedly across the same bar or edge.
What usually causes it: Coiling is common after a section of monofilament has repeatedly been stretched and rewound. One frequent cause is towing a rig out with a bait boat while the reel clutch is still engaged, even when the clutch feels loose. The line leaves the spool under constant drag pressure and is then wound back onto the spool. The same effect can become noticeable after playing several fish on the same section of line.
How to diagnose it: Allow a section of slack line to hang between the rod tip and the water. Stretched monofilament may spring into tight spiral-shaped coils, fall from the spool in loops or wrap around the rod tip. Check whether the problem is concentrated in the section used for bait-boat work or the section that has been under pressure while playing fish.
What to change first: Open the bail arm when a bait boat takes the rig out so the line can leave the spool freely rather than being pulled through the clutch. Strip the affected line from the reel and wind it back under light, even tension. Cut away a badly coiled or flattened section, and replace the mainline when the problem remains severe or the line shows signs of weakening. A seized line roller or overfilled spool can make the symptoms worse, so check those as well.
A rig can be untangled, sharp and well presented without producing a bite. Before changing it, consider whether carp are actually visiting the area and whether the conditions suit the approach.
Location is usually the first question. Look for signs of fish, changes in weather, depth, cover and natural food. Then review line lay, disturbance and baiting. A tight line crossing a patrol route, repeated casting or too much bait can reduce the chance of a take even when the hook rig is working correctly.
Make a rig change when the evidence points towards a mechanical fault. Make a location or tactical change when the rig returns clean and intact but the swim is not producing signs, liners or feeding activity.
Most carp rig problems leave evidence. A wrapped hooklink, softened bait, blunt point, frayed leader or tightly coiled mainline tells you far more than changing rigs at random.
Inspect everything that comes back, test the finished presentation in water and make one adjustment at a time. That approach will help you solve faults more quickly while keeping the terminal setup simple, reliable and appropriate for the venue.
16 July, 2026
Conditions continue to be hard going with temperatures into the high 30’s which is now into its 3rd week and what looks like no rain on the horizon.
Lake depths are around 12ft – 15ft in the middle and the fish are up in the water but showing little signs of feeding.
However, anglers are persevering and 2PB’s broken 🙂 and joining the Lac de Lumiere 40+ club and get a polo top. 62lb Mirror and a 54lb grass carp with 3 smaller fish coming out in the 20’s
16 July, 2026
🇫🇷 Catch Report
What a fantastic week’s fishing!
Over the course of the week our family landed 24 fish comprising 22 carp, 1 pike and 1 roach, with a combined weight of 554.8lb (over half a ton).
A further 5 fish were unfortunately lost, proving that the fish don’t always stick to the script!
Our 13 years old had an incredible week, landing 17 fish (15 carp, 1 pike and 1 roach) for a total weight of 353.1lb.
His 15 carp weighed 345.6lb, averaging 24.7lb each, and included 8 carp over 30lb and 12 over 20lb. He also smashed his personal best with a magnificent 32.5lb leather carp. Amazingly, over the course of the week he landed fish weighing 4.6 times his own body weight…not bad for someone who still needs reminding to tidy his room!
Dad landed 8 carp weighing 201.7lb, averaging 25.2lb per fish. His catch included 2 carp over 30lb and 6 over 20lb, topped by a stunning 37.2lb mirror carp, setting a new personal best.
Overall, the lake produced 22 carp averaging an impressive 24.9lb, including 10 carp over 30lb.
Species landed were 9 leather carp, 8 common carp and 5 mirror carp—an amazing stamp of healthy fish and a credit to the fishery.
Mum blanked but made up for it being photographer and driver for the week!
A huge thank you to Lee, the fishery owner, for a very memorable week. Fantastic fishing, beautiful surroundings, brilliant company and two new PBs made this a trip we’ll never forget. We can’t wait to return!
15 July, 2026
We were a bit worried before we arrived as a bad review we had read after we booked gave us cause for concern. On arrival we were greeted by David, the owner, who had our bait ready, explained where the toilets, shower, fridges and freezers and power shed were located for those of us needing to charge batteries etc.
The lake itself was very natural with openings in the trees and shrubs to form swims. It was bubbling with life with a few shows in the VIP swim. We walked around before drawing for swims, and one of our anglers who chose the VIP was soon into some nice fish. A good week had by most in general, it’s a lake to revisit within the next few years. We all agreed to highly recommend giving this lake a visit as we all believe you will not be disappointed. There is a ‘intermarche’ supermarket a 5-minute drive and David is happy to assist if you want fast food deliveries.
15 July, 2026
The cabin is beautiful and spotless only thing I didn’t like was it’s got CCTV in the lounge/kitchen area and in the small hallway which made me feel uncomfortable and couldn’t walk around as I would if they weren’t there. The steps down to the lake are very challenging I have a heart condition and I found it hard going up and down there very steep. Now the fishing 🎣 is good caught 6 in the high 20s 2 in the 30s and to round it off the catfish at 66lb.
15 July, 2026
Good weeks fishing considering the weather was over the 40 degrés.The Fruit Tella from DGF Baits done the job
14 July, 2026
Well what can I say apart from epic would go back tomorrow
14 July, 2026
Myself and my friend Jamie had the best week at Smithys carp lakes we were moved onto Jimmys lake by Peter the owner which was fine by use due to the incredibly hot weather and slightly lower water levels on Als lake. We both had some lovely fish mine being mostly high 20’s a few high doubles and one at 42.2. Jamie had a much more impressive haul with fish from high doubles 20’s 30’s 40’s and the best being 52.7. Peter was a great host with lots of info on the lake if you wanted it and the food was great home cooked and plenty of it! Never went hungry!! Breakfast was my favourite with the locally sourced produce and fruit juices.
If peter was going up to the shops during the day he would always come and see if we needed anything which was a nice touch not all places are like that!! All in all a great week was had by both of us thanks Peter.👍🏻
12 July, 2026
This week we welcomed Tony and his group back to Baleine. It’s always a pleasure to see familiar faces, and this great bunch has fished with us several times over the years.
Against all expectations, Baleine continued to show just how challenging it can be. Despite putting in the effort and staying focused throughout the week, the group managed to land just two carp. Unfortunately, neither fish was photographed properly, so we don’t have any catch pictures to share this time.
The weather remained hot for most of the week. A spell of rain brought some welcome relief and cooled things down briefly, but overall the high temperatures continued, making conditions far from easy.
Fishing isn’t always about big numbers or trophy photos, and weeks like this remind us why every capture has to be earned. We’d like to thank Tony and the whole group for their positive attitude, determination and great company throughout the week. Your persistence never went unnoticed.
We hope to welcome you all back to Baleine soon for a rematch. Hopefully next time the lake will be in a far more generous mood!
Thank you to everyone for your continued support, and as always… tight lines!
11 July, 2026
A great week fishing with my wife for the first time. She was not fishing but loved the accommodations and the secluded spot and nature. For the week I landed 30 fish ranging from mid doubles up to 39.6 lb. 6 x 30’s, 18 x 20’s and 6 mid doubles. Commons ranging from 22lb plus were very hard fighting . Fished mornings and evenings and one rod out at night as bites were too many and often double takes. In the daytime went on cultural trips . A small intimate pool , I would say suitable for 2 Anglers. Only negative would be the quality of the landing nets and mats.
11 July, 2026
Finally, the fishing on Saussaie has started to pick up!
Although the weather is still incredibly warm and there doesn’t seem to be any major change on the horizon, the carp have finally begun to feed a little more consistently.
We welcomed a great group of four anglers to the lake this week. With only four anglers fishing, they were able to spread themselves around the venue properly, giving each other plenty of water to work with. More importantly, they approached the week with patience and excellent watercraft, constantly watching the lake, adapting to what the fish were doing and making the most of every opportunity. Their hard work was reflected in the results.
By the end of the session, the lads had landed an impressive 16 carp, proving that persistence really does pay off, even in difficult summer conditions.
Among the captures were a stunning 49lb mirror and the magnificent Two Tone Common, tipping the scales at 59.2lb – a fish that always puts a smile on everyone’s face. Congratulations to all the lads on a fantastic week’s fishing.
It’s great to finally see the lake showing signs of coming back to life after such a prolonged spell of extreme weather. Let’s hope the coming weeks continue in the same direction.
Thank you lads. It was a pleasure having you on the lake, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another session in the future.
10 July, 2026
Absolutely amazing place to fish. 1st time at chef de ville. We had a lake exclusive and will be going back. 18 takes with 14 gracing the net. Anthony the owner, top bloke gave good advise out to us, with clear spots, where not to go because of snags. The food he does of the evening was top notch we had planned to cook but that went out the window on the Sunday after having his burger and chips. OMG banging burger.
10 July, 2026
We were given a very warm welcome by Nigel and Jo with a very much apprecited cold beer after our journey and they were available throughout the week to provide help and advice when required.
We found the accommodation comfortable and had everything we needed.
We would recommend the bait package definately worked for us, we had 4 in our party and over the week we caught a total of 50 carp and catfish between us, several new pbs.
18 Mirrors between 17.3 lb – 41 lb
19 Commons between 13.4 lb – 37 lb
12 Catfish between 2 lb – 71.12 lb including 1 at 63 lb and 1 at 62.3 lb
A total weight of 1235 lbs
We had a great time only fished up to dusk.
We would highly recommend the venue, we shall return at some point in the future.
Thank you so much Nigel and Jo
10 July, 2026
Lovely fishery and hosts. We had a quiet week due to hot weather. Saying that plenty of small carp and two over 25lbs.
08 July, 2026
Really lovely well maintained property with 2 excellent hosts in Joelle and Anthony.
We were there in a heatwave 43 degrees Maximum so the fishing was slow. 7 carp caught between 4 of us upto 40lb 8oz.
Government rules meant we had to reel in at 11am and cast back out at 7pm so we only did night sessions.
Nice cabin with a kitchen and we had access to the Gite and the pool which was really useful in the heat.
We will return one day when hopefully the weather will be more normal. Town is close by with a decent intermarche and the food offering was ok although we had Chef Ping on a couple of nights.
All 5 of us enjoyed our stay and we would recommend the venue and the hosts to anyone.
08 July, 2026
Another warm week kev got off to great start in 3 with a 41lb mirror and a couple of smaller fish came to nick and Mac. Nige struggled un the heat in the new peg 4 and decided just to fish nights. But was staring at blank until friday after dinner the lads were ribbing him when I served fish chips and mushy peas .saying thats what a fish looks like nige . All.good banter from mac and nick but 5 minutes later his alarm was off and he was running around like the clappers on the bike to.land the little corporal at just over 30lb a welcome blank saver . Kev did best landing 7 fish 41 and 3 30s to 36lb and few smaller the lads vowed to return as the enjoyred and left me a 120 euro thanking me for the excellent food and looking after them . I took them to see the village of martyrs on route to the airport as they were packed up early . Absolute pleasure having them on the lake and look forward to seeing them all again soon. Hopefully they work on there photography when they’re away as there pics ain’t the best . Nige who took most kevs pictures said I have heard of crop. Yes nige also heard of crap I replied . A good stat for the lads on this week though all 3caught a few but no big uns yet 33lb biggest I think . Better pics though.
06 July, 2026
Sébastian from nash tackle team France was on swim 1 for few days.
3 busy days with good average and plenty fish.
Bed of boilies and particules was the best tactic.
06 July, 2026
We had the pleasure of hosting a couple for a week at our spot, Le Loft. They chose this accommodation for its complete amenities: private showers and toilets, a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable bedrooms, and provided bed linens. Despite the heat, their stay was exceptional: they caught over 25 carp, with the largest nearing 50 pounds, and several weighing between 25 and 35 pounds. Some fish were from our winter restocking. They especially appreciated our attentive availability throughout the week, as well as the convenience of our nearby fishing shop, where they could pick up gear or bait whenever needed. A memorable stay filled with great catches
06 July, 2026
Kingfisher has not had anyone fishing it for the last three weeks and with temperatures having been in the low 40s for a week the water temperature was high and it was anyone’s guess whether the fish would be feeding or not. We were hopeful though as there had been bubbles rising in the middle of the lake and the forecast was for the temperatures to drop to the low 30s, with night time being a lot cooler than it had been.
Our four anglers from Leicestershire arrived mid afternoon and we went round to have a beer with them and give them a tour of the lake. Now, in our experience, the discussion about swims can take various forms. It might be that whoever won at darts on the overnight ferry gets first pick, a number is drawn for which swim each has, the youngest, oldest, ugliest and so on. These guys decided that as Steve had organised the trip he would get first choice of swim, and then Phil, as he was doing all the cooking. We are not sure, even now, what roles Phil and Lee played but they had done all the driving so just as important.
Usually, our anglers all stay in the same swim for the week, although occasionally we might find groups that swap mid week for a change. But this lot did something we have not experienced before. Every day they had a different swim along the main bank, firstly trying all the swims and then going to ones they had not caught in yet. As they were only fishing the daylight hours this meant they only had to pick up their chairs and rods etc every morning. Most days they were down by the lake by 8am and packed up anytime between 5pm and 10pm depending on what Phil was cooking for dinner and which football game was on the TV.
It certainly led to an interesting week and it was definitely not without enormous success. We will try to summarise each anglers catches below.
Steve has been to France fishing twice now and had a PB in the high 30lb bracket so was itching for a 40. He started on Sunday in swim 2 and was first off the mark with an 18lb 3oz mirror. On Monday he moved to swim 1 and managed to land 3 carp, a 14lb 7oz common, a 16lb 9oz common and a 26lb 1oz mirror. Tuesday saw a blankish day on swim 4 which up until then had been quite prolific. He only managed a little roach though. Wednesday from swim 3 he caught a 26lb 2oz common and Thursday saw a small 13lb 4oz common from swim 2, only an hour after Lee had caught it from swim 1. Friday was his best day of the week with a common and a mirror, both weighing 31lb 5oz and both coming to the bank in swim 1.
Over the week Steve landed 10 carp up to 31lb 5oz and no catfish. 5 of these came from swim 1 and he blanked (apart from a roach) in swim 4. Unfortunately no new PB but some cracking looking fish and it is not all about the numbers.
Lee, who has been to France with Steve fishing before, started on swim 1, the deepest part of the lake but whilst everyone else was managing to catch, he blanked on the first day. On Monday he swapped with Steve and went onto swim 2 and managed a new PB carp and catfish with a 40lb 1oz mirror as his first fish of the week and then a 63lb catfish before the day was over. On Tuesday he landed a 15lb 1oz common and a 27lb 4oz mirror from Swim 3 so was catching up. Wednesday he moved to swim 4 and had a 27lb 7oz common but Thursday was his best day. Having blanked in swim 1 at the start of the week he was back there and landed 8 fish, including a 37lb common and a 62lb 3oz catfish which Nigel helped with, jumping in the lake and leading it away from the trees and the aerator. On Friday he was back in swim 3 but had no luck.
Lee landed 13 fish in total including new PBs for carp and catfish. Lee had 7 on the bank at swim 1 and didn’t blank on any swim
Phil started in swim 3 and managed a small catfish on Sunday morning and a 27lb 9oz common in the early evening. Monday he moved to swim 4 where he blanked but had lost one. On Tuesday he moved to swim 2 and saw his best day where he had 3 mirrors up to 33lb 6oz and another 2 catfish on the bank up to 39lb 8oz. Nigel was walking back through the woods after seeing them on Wednesday morning when he heard an alarm and it was Phil who had caught the biggest catfish of the week, weighing 71lb 12oz. He also had a 31lb 5oz common and a 25lb 5oz catfish from there. Thursday saw him back in swim 4 where he had blanked on Monday but he had nothing then either. But Friday, back on swim 2 he landed two lovely mirrors weighing 17lb mirror and 21lb.
In total Phil had 12 in the net and new PBs for carp and catfish with 7 of his landings coming from swim 2.
Last but by no means least, Dan who kicked off the week on swim 4 in the morning sunshine. It seemed all of the carp were up this end at the start of the week and he landed 5 in his first session up to 31lb mirror and lost a big cat whilst Nigel was round chatting to them. On Monday he moved to swim 3 and blanked and then Tuesday to swim 1 where he caught a 34lb 2oz catfish as well as 4 carp over the day. Wednesday he moved to swim 2 and landed his biggest carp of the week, a new PB mirror at 41lb as well as another couple. Thursday he was back in swim 3 where he had blanked and ended up with two lovely mirrors weighing 22lb 1oz and 39lb 10oz and then Friday was back in swim 4 but blanked again.
He had the largest number of fish on the bank with a total of 15 as well as his first catfish and a new PB at 41lb.
In summary, from what we have been told the individual totals – Dan 15, Lee 13, Phil had 12 and Steve 10. A massive 50 fish on the bank between them weighing a staggering 1235.22lbs. From photos we have 17 on the bank at swim 1, 10 at swim 2, 7 at swim 3 and 5 at swim 4. There were zero babies, 8 at 10lb+, 15 at 20lb+, 8 at 30lb+ and 2 at 40lb+. What a fantastic week, finished off with a dip in the pool. We hope to see these lovely guys again someday but until then bonne journée et à bientôt…..
06 July, 2026
What a trip ! A group of 3 friends caught over 30 fish from cottage lake. We saw an very good average, after just two years, the fish grow very fast !
Crayfish was active but not on all the spots. Plastic bait pop up and boilies with body guard was engouh for fishing and catch carp in a middle of the crayfish.
40 kg of baits during 3 days make, the fish completely mads.
06 July, 2026
We had a fantastic week at Al’s lake. Peter was brilliant with excellent advice, food and amazing chat. We had a complete novice with us and Peter was patient and thorough, helping and being just overall brilliant with all 3. The swims are amazing and clean, facilities clean and could not have asked for more.
We caught over 40 fish between us with excellent average weight and a couple of big girls and even Koi.
Cannot wait for the next visit.
Thanks so much Peter and to Al’s lake.
04 July, 2026
This week we welcomed a great group of six lads to Saussaie. Unfortunately, with the ongoing hot weather, the lake continued to fish much the same as it has over the past few weeks.
The lads put in a tremendous effort, trying different approaches, putting in the time, introducing plenty of bait and working hard from start to finish. Despite all their efforts, the carp simply didn’t want to switch on. The prolonged spell of high temperatures has made the fish incredibly lethargic, with very little feeding activity throughout the week.
In the end, the group managed to land three carp, with the biggest weighing 49lb. None of the lake’s larger residents made an appearance this week, but under the current conditions, every bite has to be appreciated.
The good news is that the forecast is finally looking a little more promising. We’re expecting some much-needed rain and a drop in temperatures over the coming days. Hopefully this will freshen the lake up, increase the oxygen levels and encourage the carp to get their heads down and start feeding properly again.
04 July, 2026
Rob and Allan had a tricky week with temperatures up into the 40Cs during the week and had just the three between them, which was a bit sad. But Allan had a great time with his common and had to get in the lake to encourage it out of some reeds. Katie, Diane and the family all had a great week and it was lovely to see you all again.
03 July, 2026
We recently had the pleasure of welcoming a couple at Camalo for a few unforgettable days.
In less than three days, they had an outstanding fishing experience: 15 carp caught, including 4 over 44 lbs, with the largest weighing in at 53 lbs.
Among their catches, they also landed a few fish with unique scale patterns that were introduced last winter. They particularly appreciated the cleanliness and comfort of the site, especially the newly gravelled swim with ideal depth for netting fish even in the heat. The swim’s layout, the accommodation, and all provided services made their experience perfect. Notably, they had no trouble with crayfish: they succeeded using boilies and baby corn. A big thank you to them, and we look forward to more adventures at Camalo!”
03 July, 2026
We managed an overnighter and this beauty graced the net at midnight last night ❤️🎣
03 July, 2026
Fishing was a challenge, in fact just avoiding heat stroke was a challenge, with the worlds 2nd hottest temperature recorded at 43.8 degrees in local town laval that week! Despite that we caught a few fish, culminating in 3 PB’s, which was fantastic, thanks to Dave and Doreen for letting us stay at their very special place.
Bois de Printemps – 2026
Sunday – 21.06.26
Tench – 4lb x 2, 5lb
Grass Carp – 43lb 12oz
Monday – 22.06.26
Tench – 2lb
Common Carp 25lb
Tuesday – 23.06.26
Tench – 4lb & 3lb
Mirror Carp – 20lb & 38lb 2oz
Wednesday- 24.06.26
Mirror Carp – 30lb
Tench – 5lb 12oz, 4lb, 7lb 4oz, 2lb
Thursday – 25.06.26
Mirror Carp – 35lb
Tench – 4lb x 2
Friday – 26.05.26
Tench – 4lb
02 July, 2026
We recently had the pleasure of welcoming a couple to Camalo for a few unforgettable days. In less than three days, they had an outstanding fishing experience: 15 carp caught, including 4 over 44 lbs, with the largest weighing in at 53 lbs. Among their catches, they also landed a few fish with unique scale patterns that were introduced last winter. They particularly appreciated the cleanliness and comfort of the site, especially the newly gravelled swim with ideal depth for netting fish even in the heat. The swim’s layout, the accommodation, and all provided services made their experience perfect. Notably, they had no trouble with crayfish: they succeeded using boilies and baby corn. A big thank you to them, and we look forward to more adventures at Camalo!”
02 July, 2026
Date: June 2026
Location: Mayenne, France
The Experience
My wife and I recently spent a week at the beautiful Watersmeet Fishery in Mayenne, and it was the perfect escape. The venue is incredibly well-maintained—clean, tidy, and exceptionally calm.
We enjoyed a fantastic blend of activities: exploring the local Mayenne countryside during the day and settling into the fishing sessions in the evenings and throughout the night. Staying in the on-site cottage made the trip effortless, allowing us to balance the comforts of a holiday with the thrill of being right on the water’s edge.
Catch Report
The fishing was consistent and rewarding across my six sessions. I managed to land 5 fish in total, consisting of a mix of Koi and common carp.
Total Catches: 5 Carp
3x Koi Carp (Largest: 35.2lb)
2x Common Carp
Final Verdict
Watersmeet offers everything you could want for a peaceful carp holiday. The 2.5-acre lake is an awesome venue to spend time on, and the combination of high-quality fishing and a comfortable base made for a truly memorable week.
We had such a great time that we are already looking forward to a return trip. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a well-kept, quiet, and productive venue in France.
01 July, 2026
Day 1 spoke with raff and he had removed a lot of the weed however there was still some weed present. I was in vip2 wouldn’t call it vip charger didn’t work. I had two fish 50lb grass carp and 39 common not a place I would rush back to.
Response from Rafal the lake owner;
There is weed present in the lake, this year we dies the lake but this has not prevent all weed growth and we continue to remove weed throughout the season to ensure anglers are able to fish. There are lots of clear spots which can be located with the boat. Rigs can be dropped from a boat of bait boat.
The chargers are designed for mobile phones and head torches. They are run on solar panels. When larger items are charged, the battery which the solar panels charge will run out and needs to re-charge before other items can be charged. There are mains charging points at the reception for bait boats.
30 June, 2026
A group of friends chose to rent our lake, Cottage Lake, primarily for its comfort. The on-site safari tent is fully equipped: electricity, toilets, shower access, refrigerator, freezer, comfortable beds, and a kitchen with provided utensils. In this peaceful setting, they enjoyed an accessible and action-packed fishing experience, with fish always in abundance. They caught over 30 fish, about 25 of them over 18lbs, with the largest at 40lbs . They caught uniquely scaled carp—linear, mirror, common, and koi. Despite active crayfish, the anglers found the right solutions using hard boilies and seeds, especially tiger nuts. This lake is teeming with fish, perfect for beginners, children, and family fishing. The lake is in a very calm area, surrounded by forest edges and agricultural fields.
30 June, 2026
Following a remarkable three-day fishing session at Étang des Salles, also known as Cottage Lake, we are thrilled to report excellent results. Nearly 40 fish were caught, with many surpassing 22 pounds. The largest weighed in at 41 pounds, with an impressive average of 26 pounds. The variety included mirror carp, common carp, fully scaled, , linear carp, and even koi carp.
With active crayfish, the team adapted by regularly baiting and using solid baits, including tiger nuts. Most fish were caught near the dam and in open water. Additionally, the anglers greatly appreciated the Safari tent’s amenities—well-ventilated despite the heat, with provided linens, a kitchen, dishware, lighting, and access to refrigerators and freezers.
30 June, 2026
Callum and his brother Luke were due to fish at the same lake as our guests from last week and when they had heard that Team Hornby were coming here instead, Callum contacted us to see if we had their week available too. Luckily we were able to fit them in and along with girlfriends, Annalise and Meg and they all enjoyed a week in the sun on Kingfisher.
Callum, Luke and Annalise arrived on the Friday evening flight from Manchester so Nigel hung around after dropping Team Hornby off and drove them back to the lake. With darkness falling earlier and earlier, Jo had got them a few bits of shopping in so that they could get set up for the night rather than trying to squeeze in a trip to the supermarket instead. Callum started off on swim 4 and Luke on swim 2.
With high pressure forecast, no rain, cold nights and warm sunny days with temperatures as low as 5°C at night and up to nearly 25°C in the day, how the fish would react was anyone’s guess. But at least they would have a dry week and enjoy the last of this year’s summer.
Both of the brothers have been carp fishing for a number of years, Callum has fished in Japan and Holland and they both regularly go fishing in the UK locally or a bit further afield for the weekend.
Friday night was uneventful and the lads had a good night sleep after their journey and a few beers. They woke up to a beautiful sunrise and reset their rods for the day after a quick trip to the supermarket to stock up for a few days.
On Saturday night Luke managed to land two lovely mirrors weighing 21lb and 26lb 8oz
On Sunday Callum decided he was going to move up to swim 1 and whilst he was baiting up on the far bank he spotted a wild boar in the woods and watched it charge off. He struck lucky during the night with a lovely 29lb 10oz mirror and was thinking he had made the right decision by moving.
Monday night Callum had a long common weighing 14lb and at 8am on Tuesday morning Luke also landed a common weighing 17lb. Two very different shaped commons and we reckon that the 17lber will be a big fish in the future.
But that’s when the fishing stopped. Air pressure was up to 1020hPa and the fish were just not wanting to feed. We have been reading and seeing bits from other fisheries locally online and talking to fellow fishery owners it would appear that the fish are just not wanting to eat. The guys did hook into a couple of cats over the week but did not manage to bring them to the bank and on the very last morning they managed to lose another carp right at the net.
In other news the ladies had another fairly successful trip to the supermarket on Tuesday after Meg had flown in on Monday evening and although they did not quite buy enough beer they pretty much got everything else they needed. Jo took them to the market in Piegut Pluviers on Wednesday morning and despite it being October and very few tourists around the market was quite busy and the girls treated themselves to a pretty watch each. They were all also kept entertained with the cat (renamed Smudge) and her four kittens who have been enjoying the sunshine and all getting tamer and tamer.
So only 5 carp on the bank between the two of them but reading reports from other lakes in the area it seems as though they did well to catch them. Their final summary is zero babies, 2 at 10lb+, 3 at 20lb+. We will look forward to seeing these guys again next year on Lac Lucie, until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
30 June, 2026
Nige and Carol have fished on Lac Lucie every year since we took over and came once before that, with Carol’s brother, Andy and a friend. This year they bought Andy back to show him the changes we have made to the lakes and with the hopes of catching more fish than he did when he came previously (which was zero). Last September when this lovely couple fished it rained all week but they were not deterred and ended up landing 20 fish between the two of them so there was high hopes when they arrived with their van loaded to the brim on Saturday afternoon.
With high pressure forecast, no rain, cold nights and warm sunny days whether the fish would be eating and whether they would be caught was anyone’s guess. But at least they would have a dry week this year and they were not planning on fishing nights anyway so the cold would not affect them.
Carol had been shopping before she came and arrived with a lovely pork pie for our Nigel, one of his favourites and some fancy ‘croc’ socks, Maisie had a new ball but she was not that impressed with it (sorry!) and Jo was given a huge bar of Cadbury’s Dairy Milk (you can’t buy Cadbury’s here). We are really grateful and Nigel put his new socks on straight away.
Hopefully Santa will buy him some new Crocs for Christmas😂
Nige and Carol got themselves set up on the main bank with Andy taking his tackle round to the side swim in their fancy electric barrow. They came up for their tea and then went back down for a few hours to see what was happening in the lake.
They were all tucked up early in bed ready to get up to see the sun rise and get their rods in nice and early. Any of you who have fished on the main bank will know how it really does not get the sun so it was quite cold down there most of the day but they kept wrapped up and came up onto the lawn outside the chalet if they wanted to warm up a bit. They all enjoyed some time in the hot tub which we had kept open especially for them.
Sunday came and went, with only a few knocks on their rods. Carol tried to repair her new bite alarm and Nigel found some super glue for Andy’s spod. But no fish.
Monday and Tuesday were the same. The three of them were down by the lake early in the morning until late into the evening with some time off for food etc but there were no fish to be seen in the nets.
View from the side swim
On Wednesday Nige and Carol decided to move over to the left hand bank by Nigel’s new bench where the sun shone for most of the day. If they weren’t catching any fish at least they would be a bit warmer and if nothing else they were enjoying the peace and quiet and the sounds of the wildlife all around them. There was nearly a fish in the net on Wednesday afternoon and they even got to see that it was a mirror but just as Carol handed the rod over to Nige it came off, managing to bend the hook in the process. She didn’t blame Nige much at all really!
On Thursday we spent quite a bit of time analysing why they were not catching anything and like all anglers you start questioning the bait, the rigs, the weather, the moon etc etc. Nige told us of this website he had found which told you the likelihood of catching a fish and the best times to do so. The couple do all kinds of other fishing too, including sea fishing as they live in the south west of the UK so he thinks it might be useful for them there too. As some of you may know, Jo loves an app and found one called Fishing Points. Here are a few screenshots from this week so far. It would appear quite accurate based on the catch reports on this lake this week but we perhaps need to look at it in more detail over the winter.
There were no fish on the bank on Thursday…..and none on Friday either. Andy packed up his kit on Friday afternoon and got it back up to the van. We were all desperate for a fish to be caught and as the app was saying a good time to fish was 22.07 – 00.37 that evening Nige and Carol decided they would stay out a bit later. They had moved their stuff back to the main bank but were not in a rush to leave on Saturday morning as they were taking the overnight ferry from Dieppe to Newhaven. With it being the last week of the season we were in no rush to wave them off either.
But it was not to be, and even when Nige and Carol fished a little bit more on Saturday morning the three of them managed to all blank for the week. Our first experience of anyone blanking on Lac Lucie since we moved here and for the whole lake to blank as well. But they are not put off and we will see them again next September. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
30 June, 2026
Tony, Jake and Andy joined us on Lac Lucie last week which proved to be quite a challenge for all. Tony had never been to France fishing before but fishes a lot in the UK, Jake had been to France fishing when he was a lot younger and Andy lives to fish, preferring the catfish but happy to come along with his cousin and mate to do a bit of carp fishing.
Driving from East Anglia they arrived at the tail end of Storm Amy and with a fully packed car. Once unloaded they quickly got their tackle down to the lake and started getting themselves set up before their tea was ready. Andy decided to go down to the side swim with Jake and Tony on the main bank, Jake fishing to the right bank and in the middle and Tony to the left hand side of the lake.
With the forecast for the week to be sunny, in the mid 20s during the day but chilly at night we predicted that Andy would have the best swim as it can get a bit cool down on the main bank and the weather people said that they were in for some cold nights.
After tea on Saturday they headed back down to get their rods out for a few hours, before Tony and Jake came back up to the chalet for a good nights sleep after the long drive. And for the most part this was their pattern for the week, heading down to the lake after breakfast and stopping out until the evening. A couple of times Jake lasted a little longer, and did manage to pull one all-nighter mid week.
Andy on the other hand was fishing every second he could and was the first off the mark up in the shallows under the willow tree early on Saturday afternoon. A lovely looking mirror weighing 27lb 7oz.
Monday was quiet all day with not much happening on the lake and so Andy tucked into a nice bottle of red wine after his tea and hoped that he would catch something overnight. With his tripod and lights all set up in case he should catch one he was pleased to be able to use them at about 10.30pm when he landed a 31lb 8oz mirror. It’s not easy taking your own photos, especially at night so Nigel told them about the app he uses when he can’t get Jo to take his photo. It is called Sensory Voice Selfie and he just asks his phone to take his photo and it doesn’t do a bad job.
Tuesday was a bit of an eat, drink, fish and repeat as there were no signs all day and then at about 9.30pm Andy landed his first common of the session, at 18lb 1oz this is going to be a big beauty one day.
And then he had another 30lber out in the early hours of Wednesday morning. A mirror weighing 33lb 6oz
Tony was not feeling great on Wednesday and they popped out to the supermarket and try the little café in Montamboeuf which they thoroughly enjoyed. Jake decided he was going to stay out for the night and ended up catching his one and only fish of the session, a 24lb mirror. Unfortunately we do not have a photo of this as he could not manage to wake Andy up. We are sure if he had set his bite alarms off he would have woken!
Andy reported that he had lost one overnight on Wednesday that had slipped the hook but he did managed to land a 16lb 4oz common. There were no further fish out on Thursday and none overnight for Andy either and it was not until Friday afternoon that Andy landed his 6th fish of the week, a 27lb 4oz mirror with a great scale pattern, again destined to be a great fish to look out for in the future.
Nigel always reckons if you average one fish a day you have had a good session and Andy was determined to have another before his time was up. With the lads planning on leaving before dawn on Saturday morning Andy decided he would have one last night on the bank before everyday life called again. Braving the cold and promising to get packed up at 6am it was all made worth it with the biggest carp of the week in the net around 10.45pm, a stunning 43lb 8oz common. What a way to end a great week and even though Andy still prefers cat fishing he has still put the hours in and come up with the goods this week.
The final catch summary for these lovely gentlemen was zero babies, 3 at 10lb+, 2 at 20lb+, 2 at 30lb+ and 1 at 40lb+ with Andy catching 7 of the 8 fish, Jake having 1 and Tony unfortunately blanking, but not for want of trying. If it is any consolation we have read of a difficult weeks on other lakes in the region this week. Was it the change in water temperature form the 24 hours of rain, the full moon, the air pressure, who knows but that is fishing for you…. We have enjoyed your company this week and will hopefully see you again in the future. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
30 June, 2026
When we got a call at the end of September from Ray saying that his lake had unfortunately had to cancel their trip we were only too happy to help him and his family. Ray, his wife, Jenny and lads Louis and Benny have been coming to France for about 10 years carp fishing and are very passionate anglers with Benny starting when he was only 8 years old.
With their other lake taking bookings from Friday to Friday they stayed in the airport hotel on the Friday night and Nigel was there to meet them at lunchtime and bring them back to the lake via the supermarket. We had had a lot of rain overnight and that morning and so everything was very damp when they arrived but after a quick walk round the lake they got themselves set up with Ray on swim 2, Louis on 3 and Benny down in the shallows on swim 4. We sensed that there was a lot of healthy competition between the three of them so were interested to see who was going to be top rod at the end of the week.
By Sunday teatime both Benny and Ray were off the mark, Benny with a 25lb 8oz mirror at 11.30am on Sunday
Followed at 4pm on Sunday afternoon by this lovely long common weighing 16lb from the dam wall by Ray
And then Ray’s rod went off again at about 5.30pm with another common weighing 28lb
On Monday morning jo took them to the supermarket again as there had not been much space in the car on Saturday. Normally the whole family go as the lads love picking their own snacks and seeing the different things that French supermarkets have to offer but as Louis had not caught anything he decided to stop by the lake and let the others choose for him. But Monday was quiet across the lake and even when the others got back and put their rods out again there was still nothing on the bank all day on Monday.
Most of the week the three anglers slept out all night enjoying the stars and listening to the fish crashing, particularly at the dam wall end where it is deeper. Ray slept in the chalet a couple of nights and we can’t really blame him as the temperatures dropped steeply overnight to lows of about 5°C but for most of the week, during the day we saw clear blue skies and temperatures over 20°C which for the beginning of October is lovely.
The early hours of Tuesday morning saw two more carp on the bank. Just after midnight Louis caught his first fish of the session, and a new PB 34lb 8oz mirror and Benny had a 13lb common at about 3.30am.
Jenny enjoys coming to France with everyone every year and loves just chilling with a book and a glass of wine in between cooking for them all. On Wednesday she fancied a go at a bit of float fishing so Nigel found her a rod and a bit of sweetcorn and she sat in swim 1 for a while in the sunshine.
Ray was the next to land one on Wednesday night just before midnight, another common weighing 34lb
And then Thursday afternoon he got a new PB too, a 41lb 8oz common. Always good to see both sides of the fish and this is a stunner
Louis managed one more, and beat his PB again with this 35lb common at 9.30pm on Thursday night
And Friday arrived and it was going home day. Benny finished their session with his first ever catfish, only weighing 15lb but, as he had never felt the fight of a cat, he was pleased it wasn’t much bigger and made up that he had caught the only one of the week.
As is often the case when it is time to pack up, they all left their rods in as late as possible, there is always that chance of a final bite. Benny and Louis had had 2 carp each over the week and with Ray on 4 in the net we were still hopeful that there would be another out. But it was not to be. From what we have seen from other catch reports in the region the fish have not been on the feed much this week. Who knows why but that’s fishing for you.
The final summary of Team Hornby’s week was zero babies, 2 at 10lb+, 2 at 20lb+, 3 at 30lb+, 1 at 40lb+ and 1 catfish at 15lb. We were thrilled we could rescue your holiday and hope to see you all again someday. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt……..
30 June, 2026
When Jerry first contacted us about having a week on Lac Lucie he thought we might be a bit far to drive all the way from Cheshire but we suggested flying into Limoges and he told us that his fishing mate actually lives near Limoges so it might be an option for him. It turned out that Pat now lives just 10 minutes from us so the week was booked, Jerry arranged to fly out and they were set up for a week on Lac Lucie. And what a week they had.
They have been friends for a very long time and fished for over 50 years so lots of experience between them. Pat called round to see us in June with his wife, Elaine to introduce himself and to purchase a few bits of tackle. He lives a short walk away from one of the big public lakes nearby and regularly goes fishing on there. He was very much looking forward to spending a week catching up with Jerry who he only gets to see every few years.
So Jerry flew in from Manchester on the Friday and enjoyed some home cooking at Pat’s on the Friday night before coming over to us on Saturday lunchtime. They unloaded the car and then whilst Jerry got the tackle taken down to the lake, Pat returned home for more supplies and Elaine who was going to have the car for the week. They got themselves set up on the main bank, side by side and had a few rods in before they stopped for the night. They have had previous fishing holidays 24/7 down by the lake and this time chose to spend the nights up in the chalet. Each morning they got up at first light, aiming to be down by the lake to watch the sun rise, always amazing when fishing on Lac Lucie.
The two guys spent the week putting in small amounts of bait in solid bags or a small bait boat hopper full. They used our own house boilies, both the spicy fish and maple syrup flavours with a pot of hook baits to match and a bed of pellets and parti-blend.
On their first night they had 3 carp on the bank, 2 in their 20s and 1 at 30lb+ so they were happy that they were off the mark. For the pair it was more about spending the week in the peace and quiet reminiscing about bygone days and discussing the trials a tribulations of getting older. We are imaging a bit of Mortimer and Whitehouse sat down there and we’re sure they put the world to rights!
On Sunday they had had another 6 carp in the nets and they were set to have a cracking week. The cold, wet weather from the week before had gone and the air pressure was rising with temperatures in the low 20s forecast all week. Perfect fishing weather even with the chilly mornings but Jerry had his hot water bottle so that was not a problem!
On Monday morning we were out taking Maisie for a walk round to see everyone and we heard the alarms go off on our way back. Pat managed to land a pretty mirror weighing 24lb 5oz.
The guys got into a nice routine, spending the morning by the lake, coming up to the chalet in the afternoon for a spot of lunch and a bit of time in the hot tub before going back down for a little fishing in the late afternoon. Early evening on Monday saw a flurry of activity. Pat had walked round the lake and seen some clouds of mud up towards the willow tree so put some bait in and sent his rods out in that direction. In the space of an hour all 6 of their alarms went off with all 6 ending up on the bank. At one point they had one on the bank, one in the sling and they were playing another, almost stressful! The biggest of these was a 38lb common. With 16 fish caught by this point we were thinking it might be a record week, with the most caught in a week before then 33 fish.
Tuesday morning saw Pat with another fish as we were doing our morning rounds, another 24lb mirror. There were a further 8 carp on the bank by close of play on Tuesday, including a 36lb common for Jerry and a 28lb for Pat, taking the total up to 25 carp.
Jerry wrote in our folder that the fish came out at all times of day but the early evening was the most productive and with a further 4 fish on Wednesday they were pleased that every day had bought them more on to the bank.
The guys had another 2 in the net on Thursday but no more on Friday when they got themselves packed up ready for an evening with Elaine on Friday before Jerry had to fly back home again. And whilst they had not had the record number of carp on the bank for the year they had beaten the average catch per angler which up until then had been 12.
Final summary was 31 fish in total up to 38lbs consisting of 2 babies, 8 at 10lb+, 18 at 20lb+ and 3 at 30lb+ with a good mixture of commons and mirrors.
Jerry and Pat have had a great week catching up and we are sure we will see a bit of Pat over the winter months and hopefully Jerry again some day. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
30 June, 2026
With only a few small catfish out last week but a distinct change in the weather conditions we were wondering how this week would go for our four anglers from Liverpool. The cold, wet weather from the week before had gone and the air pressure was rising with temperatures in the low 20s forecast all week. Perfect fishing weather and we were hopeful that this would be a better week.
Mick and Jamie did the long drive down overnight with all the gear in the back of their van, arriving at 9am on the Saturday morning, before the previous weeks guests had left so they had a good chat with them, trying to get all the info on the best spots to fish and set themselves up near the deepest part of the lake on the dam wall. When Michael and his girlfriend, Sam arrived at lunchtime from the airport they were well on their way to being sorted. Michael and Sam were both fishing and wanted to set up together so they went into swim 3, which is not technically a double swim but they squeezed in and got their bivvies up and the rods out as quickly as possible.
Whilst Mick generally preferred coarse fishing he had been to France carp fishing before about 10 years ago but for Michael and Jamie it was there first time carp fishing in France and Sam had only ever fished once before in her life so they were pretty much all beginners and very optimistic at the start of their week with us. With 25lb line on his reels Michael was hoping to get some of the big cats on the bank.
Michael’s rods were the first to go off and he managed to lose two big cats on Saturday afternoon as they headed for the tree line and snagged his line before they were bought in. Sam, the complete novice was the first off the mark with a 40lb catfish, and won the prize for the first fish in the net before 8pm on the Saturday evening.
And when we woke up on Sunday morning we were pleased to see that Michael had landed a 38lb mirror.
Mick, who was fishing to the corner and trees on the dam wall also had a catfish around 10lb on Sunday afternoon and Jamie had lost a big catfish near to the aerator. We all know that the cats know where to go and hide when they get hooked but both Michael and Jamie had enjoyed the fights and described it like nothing else they had hooked before.
On Tuesday morning they told us that they had lost yet another cat, who would have thought it on line so strong but it happens. Michael had, however managed to land this 28lb mirror.
Jamie was getting more and more frustrated where he was so on Tuesday decided to move right down to the shallow end into swim 4 and stayed there for the rest of the week. Mick had some fun catching loads of small roach and the guys tried some squid on their hooks to tempt the big cats.
Nothing further was caught on the Tuesday and Wednesday also saw everyone draw a blank. Finally on Wednesday night Jamie had his first carp on the bank, a nice 32lb common and Sam also had another small catfish weighing just 23lb that night.
Friday afternoon saw Jamie with his second fish, a lovely 30lb mirror.
Mick had had about 3 small catfish out the lake but no signs of any carp on his bait, although he did hear some amazing crashes in the night up in his corner, telling him that all the fish were there.
The final fish of the week was Michael’s, a 24lb 2oz common, destined to be a big girl one day and he waited until daylight on Saturday morning before he had his picture taken. As you can see the weather changed dramatically late on Friday night with the remnants of Storm Amy arriving and the rain with it – we ended up with about 23mm in a 24 hour period!
So the summary of their week was zero babies, 0 at 10lb+, 2 at 20lb+, 3 at 30lb+ and 5 catfish to 40lb. Not the best week for these lovely people with several of the larger catfish managing to get caught and get loose but we hope they enjoyed their week with us anyway and will come back again one day. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt…..
30 June, 2026
Sean, Sally and Lola joined us from Peterborough this week for a few days of peace and quiet, away from the busy lives they lead in the UK. Sean and Lola go fishing a fair bit back home and Sean was hoping that Lola would join him for a bit of night fishing too, although she did not seem very keen to sleep amongst the wildlife when she arrived! Sally had never fished before so was looking forward to learning a new hobby.
They arrived on the Saturday afternoon to temperatures of 26°C but the forecast for their week was poor to say the least with rain forecast every day and temperatures plummeting to single figures, even during the day sometimes.
They had a quick tour of the chalet whilst we were waiting for Nigel to get back from the airport and Jo left them to get set up on the main bank. Sean had bought a new mega bivvy, big enough to sleep all three of them in and shelter from the rain. When Nigel got back he gave Sean a bit of a hand and then talked to him about the lake and what was worth trying.
We had quite a bit of rain over night on Saturday and Sunday morning was showery on and off. It was a very quiet day as far as the fish were concerned though and by teatime when we went down they had caught nothing. Rather than being too despondent they carried on fishing and the patience paid off in the evening with Sean having 3 carp on the bank by midnight. A 22lb mirror, a 32lb mirror and a 34lb common and they were all happy that Sean was off the mark.
Monday morning was another wet day and temperatures did not get much over 15°C. The trio had a trip to Decathlon in Angoulême in the morning to pick up some new indicators and we went down to see them at about 5.30pm just as Sean was weighing his 4th fish, a lovely 31lb 13oz common.
We had a dry morning here on Tuesday but it rained on and off most of the afternoon and the temperatures dropped even further to 11°C so they wrapped up warm down by the lake. Again it was around 7.30pm when they caught their next fish, one for Sally, a 14lb common.
Wednesday was still wet and rainy and was no warmer but for some reason there was a flurry of activity in the early evening with 3 carp out for Sally and another one for Sean, all in the space of 2 hours. A 30lb mirror for Sally at 7.30pm, closely followed by a 22lb mirror for Sean at 7.40pm, then the biggest fish of the week for Sally at 9.15pm, a 41lb 3oz common (and a new PB) and then the smallest fish of the week, a pretty little mirror weighing about 4lb.
Sean had the final carp of the week on Thursday teatime with this 32lb mirror and as the family were heading off in the early hours of Friday morning due to work commitments this rounded their week off nicely with 10 carp on the bank in total. Sean had 6 carp on the bank in total but Sally had the biggest…and the smallest!
Although Lola did not fish very much she enjoyed having the space in the chalet and using the WiFi and they all enjoyed using the hot tub to warm themselves up with a drink or two. They also tried to go bowling one day but something went wrong at the alley so that was not meant to be.
All fish were caught on our spicy fish boilies using a light coloured dumbbell and from the left hand bank…..but don’t let that put you off fishing the right hand side, or the top end or the silt in the middle if you are fishing this lake. They do like to move around and keep you on your toes.
Final summary for this cold wet week was 1 baby, 1 at 10lb+, 2 at 20lb+, 5 at 30lb+ and 1 at 40lb+. Not a bad week considering the very sudden change in the temperatures. Thank you for such a lovely write up in our folder and we hope to see you again someday. Until the next time bonne journée et à bientôt……
30 June, 2026
Mike and Chris have never been fishing in France before but, along with their better halves, Marie and Donna, frequently go off in the UK for short fishing trips. Mike had originally booked to come to Kingfisher under the previous owners a few years ago, but his mates cancelled on him then and so he had very much been looking forward to this trip.
Choosing to fly to Limoges from Manchester, their trip did not get off to the best of starts with a two hour delay but they spent those two hours in the bar at the airport so all was not lost. By the time they landed and were settled in Nigel’s Range Rover they were very excited (and a little drunk) and had loads of questions for Nigel all the way here. They had a quick stop off at the supermarket to buy some essential provisions and arrived at the lake ready for a week of fun and fishing.
They arrived to temperatures of 26°C but the forecast for their week was poor to say the least with rain forecast every day and temperatures plummeting to single figures. Whilst Nigel was pleased that there was finally some rain passing through the lakes, it did not bode well, especially for the ladies.
Chris and Mike managed to get their bivvies and tackle set up in swims 1 and 2 on the Saturday afternoon but decided that they were not really in any fit state to start fishing responsibly so instead got a good night’s sleep in the chalet ready to tackle the lake on Sunday morning.
We had quite a bit of rain over night on Saturday and Sunday morning was showery on and off but the two men were up and down by the lake by 10am ready to see what they could catch. They were both very hopeful of beating their PBs and getting a catfish or two for the first time.
It was Sunday afternoon before they had their first bite and Chris in the first swim had hooked into a catfish which as usual led him a merry dance around the lake. He got it to the bank though and it was a good start at 20lb.
Monday was grey a wet and the temperatures dropped to just 15°C. Jo took the ladies off to the supermarket to pick up what they really needed for their week here, including some cat food for the black and white cat that appears to have adopted us this year, now named Doris by Marie. Donna went off in the afternoon on one of her long walks. She did well whilst she was here, walking to Montamboeuf and back on 3 occasions to get a few bits from the Spar and to Sauvagnac a couple of times to have a look at the church. In between shopping and walking the ladies settled themselves in the chalet to watch many episodes of Judge Judy. By the end of the week we reckoned they could run a courtroom themselves!
There was nothing further on the bank on Tuesday. Chris and Mike persisted throughout the day, choosing to spend the nights in the chalet instead, although on a couple of evenings they did stay out a little later.
Carp are funny creatures and when there is a dramatic change in the weather the lake can go either way, with either a full feeding frenzy or hunkering down in a shoal to protect themselves. This week it would appear that the latter was the case, even though we would be expecting them to be feeding like crazy at this time of year, preparing for the winter and the colder water. Maybe it was the sudden drop in temperatures that confused them…we will never know.
We had a dry morning here on Tuesday but it rained on and off most of the afternoon and the temperatures dropped even further to 11°C. Chris had another catfish on the bank, weighing only 7lb and Mike again saw nothing.
Jo had some beer kegs to collect for Nigel on Wednesday and Donna and Marie chose to go with her and to the Lidl for a few more bits of food and drink and in the afternoon Mike had his first, and only, fish on the bank, another catfish weighing 10lb.
The colder weather continued on Thursday and there was a little more rain around lunchtime but no further fish out of the lake, and despite there being loads of signs of fish feeding in the afternoon there was nothing out all day.
Their final days fishing arrived and the ladies decided that they had a few bottles of wine they needed to drink up before they got their packing done and enjoyed the drier weather. Chris managed a further two catfish out on Friday including the biggest of the week at 23lb but that was it and it was soon time for the tackle to be put away and the bags to be packed ready for home time on Saturday.
We were all really disappointed for the guys who were looking forward to catching some big French carp. But the dramatic change in the weather seemed to send all of the carp into hiding. Chris had come armed with lots of gadgetry, including a bait boat, fish detector and drone and the fish were certainly showing themselves at various depths on his Deeper when he took his bait boat across the lake but for whatever reason they were not taking the bait.
The group have certainly not been put off though and a walk down to look at Lac Lucie on Saturday morning before they headed to the airport has led them to provisionally book another week with us next year. We will look forward to welcoming them back as we enjoyed their company, but are hoping that their flight is not delayed by too much next time!
Not the best catch report we have had but reading other reports from local fisheries it is no great surprise. Final summary is 5 catfish up to 23lb…oh and a tiny roach caught by Chris! Until the next time bonne journée et à bientôt…..
30 June, 2026
Natty and Gordon have been carp fishing together in the UK on many occasion and were thoroughly looking forward to their week in France together. In Gordon’s words ‘Natty has taught me everything I know about carp fishing’ and they both had fairly decent PBs considering they had not fished abroad before.
They began their journey early on the Saturday morning along with Natty’s partner, Mason who was coming for a break from daily life, travelling to London by train, getting across London and then another train to Stansted airport. Not an easy journey and made more difficult for Gordon who is a little more senior than his companions and dependent on crutches but they were bright and breezy when Nigel collected them from the airport and enjoyed their trip round the supermarket before they got here around 5pm.
They took some time to get themselves unpacked and set up and then finally managed to get their rods in the water and sorted for the night.
The weather forecast for the beginning of the week was not ideal for Mason who was hoping to come and catch some autumn sunshine but probably better for the fishing. In fact it rained nearly all day on Sunday and Monday and the guys were bunkered down in their bivvies for most of the time. By Monday morning however both Natty and Gordon had had their first fish of the trip, Gordon a 30lb 5oz mirror and Natty a 17lb 10oz common.
Natty then followed this up on Monday afternoon with a small common of around 8lb which Nigel transferred into our nursery pond. Nigel then took the guys to the local bar to get something to eat that evening.
On Tuesday morning they pulled their rods in and went off to the supermarket with Jo to stock up on supplies they needed for the rest of their week. That afternoon Gordon, who has several health problems, was not feeling great. He unfortunately had a fall down by the lake and decided that he was going to get a good nights sleep in the chalet that evening.
Natty however, fished all afternoon and night and the hard work paid off with a new PB 45lb 6oz mirror early on Tuesday evening.
He then followed this up with 3 catfish overnight weighing 10lb, 23lb and 78lb 10oz – the biggest catfish we have seen so far this year and a new PB for him. Natty has caught catfish before and, even though he was not a big fan, he enjoyed the fight and managed to drag Mason out of his bed in the chalet to come and help him take some photos.
The temperatures climbed back up to 27°C on Wednesday so Mason was happy enjoying the sunbed and just chilling listening to the nature all around him. Gordon was feeling much better after a good night’s sleep and we were hoping that he would have a good end to the week and we would see some more fish on the bank.
On Thursday morning Natty reported to us that he had had a 32lb 7oz mirror on Wednesday evening and a 54lb 8oz catfish overnight and Gordon had managed another fish on the bank, a 34lb 4oz mirror, which unfortunately was too heavy for him to handle but they were both really happy.
Unfortunately the week did not end well. Gordon suffered another fall in the chalet on Thursday evening and on Friday morning we had to call the pompiers (paramedics), who took him to hospital to be checked over and monitored overnight. Although Natty did manage to get his rods back in the lake on Friday there were no more fish on the bank although he did lose a big one early on Saturday morning.
Jo collected Gordon from the hospital on Saturday morning on their way to the airport and ensured that they were all safe before saying goodbye. We know that they all got back to the UK safely and we wish Gordon a very speedy recovery and all our best wishes. Hopefully Natty and Mason will come back to see us one day and have another fishing trip in the peace and quiet here.
Final summary for the week 1 baby, 1 at 10lb+, 0 at 20lb+, 3 at 30lb+, 1 at 40lb+ and 4 catfish to 78lb 10oz. Until the next time bonne journée et à bientôt…..
30 June, 2026
When four policeman turned up on our doorstep last Saturday they thought our pig (affectionately known as George Michael) had been deliberately put on the decking for them, but we were not to know that our new guests on Kingfisher for the week were all a part of the British constabulary. The four colleagues have been fishing together for years and have a trip to France every September, to a new venue each time. Jim and Andy had fairly low PBs and Scott had had a 50lb+ but never had a 40lber, but Rob had fished in Thailand the year before and told us some great tales about the huge fish he had caught there. None of them had ever had a catfish though and we all knew there was a high chance of that happening.
After our meet and greet the lads were shown around the lake and chalet and left to get themselves set up before their tea. The first thing they had to decide on was who was going into which swim and to do this they had to pick a card from the 4 dealt, with the highest picking the first swim etc. Scott was first to pick and had decided which card he didn’t want as it was giving him bad vibes. Eventually he chose, with Andy swiftly picking his next, then Jim and then Rob, who had the card with the ‘bad vibes’. Little were they to know at this point that those vibes were not the bad ones at all. Scott selected swim 1, with Rob on 2, Jim on 3 and Andy getting Nigel’s favourite swim 4.
They all fished on Saturday night except for Jim who had decided to get a good nights sleep in his bivvy after not feeling great from the journey on Saturday. Rob was first off the mark on Saturday night with a 52lb catfish and a 30lb+ common and set the tone for the week generally.
Monday morning Rob had continued with his lead, landing a 14lb 3oz kitten, a 24lb 2oz mirror, a 41lb 9oz mirror and a 26lb 8oz common, as well as losing another fish at the net, which weighed approx 20lbs. Andy also had a 20lb common but there was nothing to report for Scott or Jim.
Scott eventually had his first mirror on Monday afternoon weighing 34lb 7oz and Andy had another common weighing 29lb 8oz.
Monday night saw Rob with another 5 on the bank including 3 kittens and 2 commons weighing 25lb 2oz and 33lb 14oz and Scott with a 16lb 7oz common. And nothing for Jim or Andy.
It was quiet during the day on Tuesday but on Wednesday morning Rob told us that he had had 5 more carp over night, 4 commons over 30lb and a 28lb 1oz mirror. Scott had also caught a 10lb common on a yellow pop up (as advised by Nigel)
Nigel was round at the lake on Wednesday afternoon, changing the bait boat batteries for them and dropping off yet more bait for Rob and discovered that he had just landed a further 30+lber. His other rod went off whilst Nigel was there and he landed another PB catfish weighing 71lb 12oz. Then whilst he was having his photo taken with that one the 3rd rod screamed off, and Rob asked Jim to play it for him as he had still not caught anything and Jim managed to land a 42lb 1oz catfish. There are some discussions as to whether that was Rob’s fish or Jim’s but whatever it was Jim got a bucket of water as he has also never had a catfish.
Thursday again was a quiet day and very wet so the guys pretty much stayed in their bivvies all day and watched the water on the lake. Rain can make the fish either turn on or turn off and this time it seemed to turn off. Scott, Andy and Jim were completely baffled as to why they were not catching much, particularly as Scott and Jim were starting to move their lines more and more into Rob’s swim and we could not understand what the attraction was in that one section of the lake. The lads had had so many discussions on rigs, bait, how they were presenting the food and every single possible variation but it seemed to be making no difference. Even Nigel was baffled!
On Friday morning Rob reported that he had had another couple of small commons, in their teens and Scott had had another 30lb 7oz mirror – a stunning fish
And then Saturday came around again and they got themselves all packed up ready to head home on the evening ferry from Caen. The only catch they reported at their last breakfast was a new PB for Scott, and the biggest catch of the week, a 74lb 1oz catfish. Not easy to hold at that weight on your own.
The weather had been fairly kind to them all week, starting with high temperatures on the Saturday and no rain, dropping to below 20°C on Wednesday and Thursday with over 20mm of rain on these days and then a nice sunny day on Friday, perfect for drying their kit out before packing back up on Saturday morning. With some amazing photos of the sunrise viewed from swim 4 some mornings and the sunset on their first day when there was a lunar eclipse they had great conditions for their holiday with us.
Blood moon sunset across the meadow
Final summary went something like zero babies, 4 at 10lb+, 7 at 20lb+, 8 at 30lb+, 1 at 40lb+ and 7 catfish up to 74lb 1oz
With Rob selecting Scott’s ‘bad vibes’ card at the start of the week they were certainly not expecting him to have around 19 fish on the bank in total so swim 2 turned out to be the best place to be for the week. We understand that these guys prefer somewhere new every year but they would always be very welcome here again any time. Until the next time bonne journée et à bientôt…..
30 June, 2026
Last year we welcomed Lenny and Michelle to Lac Lucie for their first French carp fishing trip https://carpfrance.com/14-09-2024-lac-lucie-taring-downt-river/ and they had a fantastic week with 23 carp on the bank between them and new PBs all round. They booked to come back this year and decided to give Kingfisher a try, knowing that it contained some large catfish and was more of a challenge.
Coming from Yorkshire they flew from Leeds/Bradford airport on the Friday, choosing to spend the night at a hotel in Limoges ready for us to collect them on Saturday morning. Their flight out did not go to plan though as we had storms all around us and heavy rain all day (much needed by us) and it was decided that the plane would be diverted to Toulouse, over 4 hours from us. After a long coach journey they arrived at their hotel at 11pm with nothing else to do but get some sleep ready for Nigel to collect them Saturday morning and take them to the supermarket.
Arriving at the lake we spent some time catching up. Lenny had had a serious incident at work involving his hand and a drill and his use of his fingers on one hand were limited and he had had some concerns about how he would manage, but with Michelle by his side and us just a phone call away we were confident that they would have a good week. Lenny set himself up on swim 2 and Michelle on the first swim nearest the chalet. Lenny planned on having his rods in the lake as much as he could, whilst also helping Michelle with hers and he was going to fish every night, whereas Michelle preferred to have some nights up in the chalet, but would be on hand if Lenny needed her in the night.
By Sunday breakfast they were both off the mark, Lenny with his first ever catfish, only 7lb 4oz but still a cat, and a 20lb common and Michelle with a 25lb 8oz mirror.
The couple go fishing a lot in the UK, for a variety of species and Lenny is a firm believer in the moon and the weather playing a big part, preferring to fish on a full moon and when the weather is wet and cooler. He was pleased on Sunday when it rained all afternoon doubling our August rainfall here in just a few hours, which also made Nigel very happy and hopeful that the stream would soon be full again and we were all hoping that it would get all of the fish on the feed again.
Sunday afternoon only saw a small kitten out for Michelle, her first ever and she loved it. In our experience catfish are a bit like Marmite – you either love them or hate them, and Michelle loved them. Cute is not a word often used for the cats but according to Michelle they are cute…we will leave that thought there. Lenny also lost a big cat on Sunday afternoon, not having caught a whopper before he was keen to tell us the story of how the big one got away, his rod had gone screaming off and the cat tore down to the shallow end of the lake and he said he just was not able to turn it, describing it as a monster. Those of you who have had big cats in the past will know what a fight they can put up and we know how hard it can be to hook them in the right place so that they can make it onto the bank.
Lenny had 3 carp out before breakfast on Monday morning, a 19lb 4oz common, a 25lb 4oz mirror and a 21lb 8oz common. All lovely looking fish. And he lost another large catfish which got itself under a tree after a very quick run and unhooked itself.
There were 3 further carp out on Monday afternoon and evening for the pair and this was definitely the most productive day for them both, even if there were bigger fish to come. Michelle had a 30lb mirror and a 13lb 8oz common, which she did manage to hold and Lenny had a 28lb 9oz mirror.
Tuesday saw more rain on and off all day and they stayed under cover, with Michelle reading and Lenny watching the water and sorting his rigs out, but also landing his biggest carp of the session, a 38lb 7oz common.
They had decided to hire one of our bait boats from us this year, knowing it was easier to get in under the trees on the far bank with them. Despite being serviced since we took over the fishery, and necessary repairs done, they have never been the best and can be temperamental at times, particularly the battery connectors and we have tried many different ones. But Lenny did not have much luck with them at all and Nigel made several trips over to the lake to help him out, but give him his due, Lenny always made sure that Michelle’s rods were put out before his, doing this for her each time.
On Wednesday Nigel took Michelle out to the supermarket to top up supplies and Jo was out with some neighbours. Michelle had just been dropped off again when she called Jo, asking for Nigel’s help as Lenny had another big cat on and he really did not want to lose another. Many of you will know that Nigel is not great at having his phone with him and it took a few goes, and ringing the neighbour’s husband to get hold of him, but luckily he made it round to the lake before the catfish got too close to the bank. With a bit of help Lenny managed to get the cat on the bank, and it managed to graze his leg on the way, and he was so excited to have caught such a monster and a new PB, at 68lb, although this photo makes it look way bigger than that! Michelle also had another kitten on Wednesday but she was just as happy with the babies. To celebrate we went out to Le 16 Beach for our tea and a few beers.
Whilst we are on the subject of cats, our black and white feline visitor decided that Kingfisher was the place to be last week, especially as Lenny kept putting out tins of tuna for it! Michell and Lenny have cats of their own and were quite surprised at how tame it was, although it never went inside the chalet. We are still not sure who, if anyone, it belongs to, and starting to wonder how it is going to survive in the winter if it is relying on our anglers for food.
Thursday saw Michelle with yet another PB kitten at 8lb 12oz and a 16lb 12oz common for her, which is destined to be a great 50lber one day. Lenny decided he was going to move swims down to the last swim on the main bank and managed a 9lb 10oz common, maybe the prettiest fish of the week.
Friday always comes round too quickly when you only have a week on the lake and the couple were already thinking about packing their bags ready to go on Saturday. It had been a real mix of weather with temperatures up to 27°C some days but wet and windy on others. Friday was dry though and they made the most of the day. Lenny took some time to get his rods out as just as he was putting Michelle’s 3rd rod out her first one went off and she landed this 42lb 5oz mirror – a new PB carp as well as catfish this week.
Michelle had managed a couple of nights out all night in the bivvy but mostly she went in at about midnight, leaving Lenny to brave the wildlife. On Friday night Lenny decided to fish off the dam wall, knowing that Michelle would not be in the deeper water and finished the week with a smashing 20lb mirror.
Final summary 13 carp with 1 baby, 3 at 10lb+, 6 at 20lb+, 2 at 30lb+, 1 at 40lb+ and 6 catfish to 68lb. What a great week for this lovely couple and we have really enjoyed their company again. We will look forward to seeing them again in a couple of years and wish them a fantastic trip to India next year. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
30 June, 2026
Andy and Tracy have not fished on a lake exclusive in France before although they fish a lot on different lakes in the South East of England and have also fished on the rivers and public lakes in France. They booked Lac Lucie as a last minute discounted rate and factored it in on their 3-4 weeks trip visiting France in their camper van.
Their intention when they arrived was to do a bit of fishing in the morning, go off out on their bikes in the afternoon and fish a bit more into the evening. They managed to do all of this, apart from getting out on their bikes. In fact they managed to not leave the premises all week, not even for any extra bits of shopping although we did top up their wine supply for them!
Arriving on the Saturday afternoon after a short trip down from the Loire they spent the afternoon getting their camper unpacked and walking round the lake with Nigel who showed them the key features of the lake and suggested where to be fishing. Andy had been hoping to catch some river carp on the Loire but had only managed to land a few chub so he was hoping for some great things from the lake.
Each day the couple headed down to the lake around 7.30am and were set up on the main bank, with both of them fishing to the left and in the middle of the lake, where fish are regularly caught. The couple do not use a bait boat, preferring to use a spod rod and they fished with both our spicy fish and maple syrup boilies over a bed of hemp. They had only been out there for a few hours on Sunday when Andy caught a 27lb 9oz mirror at lunchtime and a new PB 34lb 2oz common in the early evening.
They generally stopped fishing for a few hours around 3pm, came up to the chalet and had something to eat and went back down for an evening session from 5pm til around 10pm when they would enjoy a few glasses of wine on the decking.
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday it was Tracy’s turn with one fish out each day, all down to the yellow pop ups that Nigel gave her, she reckoned. A 27lb mirror on Monday evening, a 25lb 8oz common on Tuesday afternoon and a 34lb 2oz mirror on Wednesday morning which was a new PB for Tracy.
By this point Andy was getting worried as he had not had a fish for 3 days and wondered if he would end up with nothing more for the week but then his rods switched on again and on Thursday he landed 4 more carp, a 22lb 4oz common at lunchtime and then a 35lb 1oz mirror (another new PB), a 28lb 7oz common and a 24lb 8oz common all within 2 hours of each other. Andy had a further 23lb 9oz mirror on Friday morning taking his final total up to 7 carp and Tracy was lagging way behind with only 3.
Tracy had already written everything down in our folder on Friday afternoon as she was really not expecting to have any more fish out but she had the final shout with a double take on Friday afternoon with two commons weighing 35lb 12oz and 30lb. Two great fish here and a great end to a lovely week for this couple.
The weather had been fairly kind to them all week, starting with high temperatures on the Saturday and no rain, dropping to below 20°C on Wednesday and Thursday with over 20mm of rain on these days and then a nice sunny day on Friday, perfect for drying their kit out before packing back up their van on Saturday morning. The pair were planning on heading down to the Bordeaux region in their camper van next, before travelling up the west coast, weather permitting, and then heading home.
The final scores for the week were 12 carp with Andy catching 7 and Tracy 5. They consisted of zero babies, 0 at 10lb+, 8 at 20lb+, and 4 at 30lb+. Not a bad week for this pair and we have thoroughly enjoyed their company and hope to see them again one day. Until the next time bonne journée et à bientôt……
30 June, 2026
You may remember us writing a catch report last June for three of Nigel’s friends form The Oliver Twist in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire…..https://carpfrance.com/01-06-2024-kingfisher-only-fools-and-carp/. Well they returned last week and bought another member of the GAGAs with them, John, who loves his fishing and match fishes regularly. It was a week of fun and laughter and seventeen fish on the bank.
The fun started before they had even left the UK with confusion over boarding passes and who had downloaded whose, Dave being questioned over his Voltarol gel (it was Marmite and a bat detector last year), and Bob volunteering to be a dummy for a Border Control dog but they made it to Limoges and Nigel took them to the supermarket for the obligatory trolley full of beer on their way home.
By the time they got here and settled on Saturday there was really only time for some tea and a catch up over a few beers. We were slightly worried that John might not be able to sit still all week as match fishing is very much on the go all the time, so Nigel talked him through it and we caught up on the gossip from back home. As they couldn’t decide between them who was going to fish each swim we did a draw using some beer tops and they ended up with Danny in swim 1 nearest to the chalet, Dave in swim 2, John in swim 3 and Bob in swim 4.
After breakfast on Sunday they cracked on with getting the bivvies up and their rods out. The usual bait boat sagas ensued with trying to remember how to drive it and getting the boilies and lines in the hoppers correctly but by 1pm the first carp had been landed. A new PB for John straight away at 38lb 8oz with this lovely common which meant that he would win the prize that Danny’s wife had sent with them for whoever caught the first fish of the trip.
By teatime Danny had also had his first fish, a 32lb mirror and before they bought their rods in for the evening Dave had caught his first catfish. Just Bob to go, the complete novice angler.
Despite them being four tough guys they were not brave enough to spend the nights in the bivvies, preferring the comfort of the chalet instead. Some of them were not snake lovers and as they had already spotted a grass snake during the day there was no way they were sleeping outside! Instead some of them fished a bit before breakfast and then all day until tea time on most days and then again for a few hours after tea.
It was a really hot week, starting with 38°C when they arrived on the Saturday and only dropping by 10 degrees during the day after a storm passed us on Wednesday night. We were not expecting a great number of fish on the bank with the weather as it was and the guys were glad of the dip pool to cool off in the afternoons and the shade of the social area between swims 2 and 3. Nigel spent some afternoons and evenings with them, on hand for advice and support and a beer or two although claiming he was getting a few jobs done round there!
John was first off the mark on Monday as well with a lovely 13lb wild French common late morning and just after lunch, Dave had another catfish, weighing 7lb 4oz, closely followed by Bob’s first fish of the trip, a 26lb 8oz mirror, held for him by Nigel.
We have to admit that we were not expecting a great number of carp out during the heat of the day, knowing that they do not feed as much when the weather is hot so we pleased that we were seeing some carp on the bank. Danny finished the day off later in the evening when temperatures had dropped to a cooler 24°C with a couple of mirrors weighing 31lb and 21lb 12oz.
John was first off on Tuesday morning and shouted for some help at 8.30am as he managed to land a 24lb 4oz mirror. Nigel and Jo decided to leave them for a few hours and go to the tackle shop and supermarket and get Bob a hat as he had forgotten his. Not much happened whilst we were out apart from another cat for ‘Catman’ Dave weighing 23lb 6oz.
In the afternoon we took them and Maisie to the beach for a quick swim before having a meal at the lovely 16 Beach bar. Maisie loved Bob throwing the ball in to Nigel and Danny and John wandered off to see what an angler on the lake was doing.
The evening was spent in Nigel’s mancave playing a bit of pool, with Danny winning most of the games.
By Wednesday the temperatures were back up to mid 30s and there were no fish on the bank. Dave did hook into one before breakfast but it lead him a merry dance all over Danny’s swim and ended up under the willow where it managed to unhook itself, meaning that Nigel got in the lake to rescue the line and end tackle. A good effort from Dave but the cat won this time.
We had all hoped that the forecasted storms would bring some cooler temperatures and some much needed rain as there was barely anything going into the lakes. But as is quite typical of Pouméroux they skirted around us and we listened to the thunder rolling and watched the lightening flashing in the distance but had very little rain, 1.3mm to be precise! But the temperatures dropped by nearly 10 degrees and Thursday morning saw a bit more rain so most of them stayed in the bivvies, especially as Jo had sent them a message to say a python had escaped from someone’s home! It was a couple of hours away and was soon found but didn’t stop them wondering! The photo below is of a grass snake commonly seen swimming across the lake.
It was not until after 2pm on Thursday that the lads started catching again and a further five fish were landed before the day was over. Danny had a 15lb 8oz common, and a 33lb 10oz and a 23lb mirror, Dave caught his first carp of the week weighing 29lb and Bob landed a 35lb 8oz mirror.
And so Friday came round again and the conversations went back to going home. Nigel spent most of the afternoon chilling with them, and Ollie the Oliver Twist gonk had a ride on the bait boat and we thought that was it as temperatures were climbing again to the mid 30s but early evening Danny caught a small kitten.
As they were not leaving here until lunchtime on Saturday they decided to have one more go before breakfast whilst they were packing all the kit away. You don’t catch a fish unless your rod is in the water do you? Around 7.30am Danny caught his last fish taking his total up to 8, just under half the total caught over the week. A lovely 33lb 6oz common.
Final catch summary 17 fish landed – zero babies, 2 at 10lb+, 5 at 20lb+, 6 at 30lb+ and 4 catfish up to 24lb
Thanks for a great week, guys and we are missing you already. See you when we are next back over in the UK later in the year and until then bonne journée et à bientôt…..
29 June, 2026
At the weekend was said farewell to our anglers Chris & Steve. Great guys and it was our pleasure to host them both. They had a challenging week with the high temperatures being experienced here in France. There was a quiet couple of days to begin with. A change of swim made all the difference for Chris. Between them they landed 16 fish to just under 38lb.
We look forward to welcoming them both back in May 2027 when they have booked Lac Bundy again 😃🎣
28 June, 2026
What a fantastic week. Heath and Lisa are fantastic hosts. The Gite was gorgeous and it included everything for our stay.
This was my first fish 35lb Grassy, Heath advised me where to fish and within 30 minutes bang.
I had the whole well manicured and fantastic lake to myself. Although the temperature lifted the mercury to the top I had plenty of fish ranging from the low 20’s to nearly 30lbs.
Anne spent the week lounging by the pool topping up her tan and loved it.
We didn’t want to leave.
28 June, 2026
First of all, I’d like to apologise once again for the delay in getting this report out. Keeping the lake healthy during the prolonged heatwave has taken priority over everything else.
The week beginning on the 5th of July there were no booked anglers on Baleine. However, our good friend of the fishery, Paul, spent some time on the lake while also helping to keep an eye on things between all the work we’ve been carrying out. During his session from the Lodge Swim, he managed to land four carp, losing another one along the way, with the biggest weighing 32lb. It’s encouraging to see that the fishing on Baleine has started to pick up a little.
Looking back to the previous week (28th June to 5th July), our group of five anglers experienced exactly what many fisheries across France have been dealing with – extreme heat and incredibly difficult fishing conditions. Bites were few and far between for most of the session.
As the week went on, three of the lads had to head home early, leaving the remaining two anglers to fish the final couple of days. Fortunately, things started to improve, and they enjoyed a very productive finish to the session. By the end of the week they had landed eight carp, with the biggest reaching 43lb, the majority of the captures coming during those final two days.
With cooler weather and some much-needed rain now arriving, we’re hopeful that Baleine will continue to improve over the coming weeks.
Thank you all for your patience and continued support.
27 June, 2026
Following several weeks of extreme weather, conditions were a little more manageable this week. However, with bright sunshine every day and temperatures still climbing well above 30°C, the fishing remained incredibly challenging.
The carp weren’t showing much interest in feeding. Most of the day they could be found cruising or sunbathing in the upper layers, only occasionally dropping down to pick off a few natural food items or sample a small amount of bait. It certainly wasn’t a week where the fish wanted to cooperate.
The lads fishing Saussaie this week were a fantastic group to have on the lake. They worked hard, kept their spirits high and certainly weren’t short of ability, but the conditions made every bite hard earned.
In the end, their efforts were rewarded with two lovely carp: a beautiful mid-thirty mirror and, best of all, a stunning 50lb common, landed right on the nose and a new personal best for Neill. Massive congratulations on a fish to remember!
Despite the difficult fishing, the group thoroughly enjoyed their stay and took the conditions in their stride. They’re already talking about coming back for a rematch, and hopefully next time the weather – and the carp – will be a little more cooperative.
Thank you, lads. It was a pleasure having you at Saussaie, and we look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
27 June, 2026
Paul and Louie had a bit of a tricky week with temperatures in the low 30s, but had seven fish between them up to 32lb, and they, Leanne, Paula and the rest of the family all had a great week.
26 June, 2026
Chestnut Pool is a very picturesque little fishery situated in something of a bowl, meaning it doesn’t get very much wind. My mate (and his wife) and I fished it in June, so we had some very warm weather, even at night. But despite that, the fishing was good. I fished the shallow end where the aerator is situated and had 21 fish over the 6 days. I had carp up to 23lbs and the big catfish to 65lb-plus (I couldn’t determine the fishes exact weight as the scales provided only went up to 60lbs). But the majority of carp were in the low teens or single figures. My mate also had plenty of fish out from the deep end, though not as many. But the size of his carp were better. He had one carp to 35lbs, and others at 26lbs and 27lbs. He also had both catfish out. As has been mentioned in previous reviews, the cradles and landing nets are not sufficiently good for optimal fish care. I had one carp that ripped open a landing net and escaped and then had to be landed again in a second landing net while holding the first. This was reported to the owner at the time but not remedied while we were there.
There is a steep walk down to the pool from the accommodation which requires a reasonable degree of stamina when carrying all your fishing gear down. There is a second gate, however, that would allow a vehicle to be driven down to the pool to facilitate unloading, especially if a tree that has fallen across the route was removed. When it came to leaving we asked Tudor if we could drive down as far as the fallen tree but despite several attempts, he couldn’t remember the code for the padlock.
The accommodation was good overall. It was clean and well appointed. However, we booked Chestnut Pool because it offered a second toilet and shower block outside the main accommodation. This was important because one of our party has a condition that can cause them some anxiety if they can’t get early access to a toilet. In addition, an outside toilet means that those fishing at night can go to the toilet without disturbing the occupants of the main accommodation. That said, when we raised this with Tudor he arranged for a cleaner to attend the property reaosnably promptly to clean the outside toilet so it could be used. The other thing that concerned me was the presence of a cctv camera INSIDE the accommodation located in a hallway leading to the bedrooms and bathroom, and I question why it needs to be positioned here. There is nothing of value in the hallway and anyone disposed to cause damage would be more likely to do so in the adjoining lounge and kitchen area. The presence of this camera is not advertised anywhere either, so we didn’t spot it until nearly at the end of our stay.
26 June, 2026
Hard going all week.
Fish spawning and very high temperatures meant fish were at a premium.
All had a fish to 34lb and all fish were in nice condition.
Thanks to Graham for looking after us , as he went over and above board to make our stay the best it could be in the conditions.
25 June, 2026
Sorry nothing to report we covered the whole lake with no success. We couldn’t see any carp in the margins or the surface. There were a couple jumping in the evening. We put a camera around the lake and couldn’t see any carp and our bait was untouched. We left a day early due to no success.
Lake owner response
Thank you for your feedback. I’m sorry you had a disappointing week despite your efforts around the lake.
Misty Waters holds approximately 100 carp, but it is not a runs water and the fishing can be challenging. Not seeing fish in the margins or on a camera does not mean they are absent.
Temperatures in the low to mid-30s, combined with high pressure, made the fishing extremely tough during your stay.
I understand your disappointment and appreciate you sharing your experience.
23 June, 2026
Just had our first visit to Villaine, extremely difficult conditions due to extremely high temperatures, but as a group we worked hard and ended on 31 fish, none of the real bigguns. Facilities were bang on and the owners couldn’t do enough for you.
23 June, 2026
Ray, Jenny, Louis and Benny were our guests on Kingfisher last October as a last minute booking and for that time of year had a lovely week in the sunshine, although the nights were pretty cold. They managed to land 9 fish between the three of them https://carpfrance.com/04-10-25-kingfisher-team-hornby/ . This year they had decided to change things up a bit, with the time of year and the lake, choosing Lac Lucie instead. Arriving on the Friday (as the lake was not booked the week before), they were straight down to the lake whilst Jenny got all of the food and cases unpacked.
Louis was first down and saw a few crashing on the left hand bank near the shallows so he decided he was going to have that spot with his 3 rods, with Ray in the middle fishing up the left bank at the far end and in the middle with his 2 rods and Benny having the right hand side and middle with his 2 rods. Ray had decided that he probably wouldn’t fish the nights and generally headed back up to the chalet around midnight and came back down first thing in the morning.
With temperatures forecasted to be in the 30s all week the three anglers were not hoping for great things as we all know that the fish can go off the food when it gets too hot. This was not to be the case this week though and they had pre-ordered our bait package each, with two of them having the maple syrup flavour and one with the spicy fish and had a top of of pellets and parti-blend during the week as the fish were evidently hungry. They all had a pot of matching hookers as well, as these are nice and hard and prove more of a challenge for the crayfish.
Ray was the first to catch, within 5 minutes of getting his rods out he had had a 41lb 5oz mirror on the bank, just 3oz under his PB which he had achieved on Kingfisher last year.
By the time we got down to the lake on Saturday to see how they were getting on, Louis had had 5 on the bank, proving that his spots were definitely the most lucrative. Four were in the 20lb bracket, with a special 25lb common first in the net (it’s first time out this week), and one smaller fish weighing just 13lb – we think that must have grown in there. Benny had not properly got his rods out yet but there was plenty of time for him to catch up.
Ray spent a good time down on the main bank with Louis and Benny telling jokes and ghost stories into the night. It’s always amusing for us to hear how people spend their time when fishing. Benny had a 18lb mirror late in the evening and we were also delighted to hear that Louis had caught a new PB at around 2am – a lovely 42lb common from underneath a very starry sky (see post photo)
Benny had a 22lb mirror on Sunday evening and on Monday Ray decided he was going to go down to the side swim, rather him than us as there is not a lot of shade down there. Monday afternoon Louis caught one of the only named fish in the lake, Nemo, who is called this as he has a fin missing.
Later on Monday, Nigel was down on our neighbour’s lake and heard some excitement and shout of 33lb – this was from Benny who had landed a new PB – a lovely common.
The early hours of Tuesday morning saw the first appearance of this mirror on the bank, only 21lb but the sort of fish that Louis had always wanted to catch (with a big belly) – and on Thursday he caught it again for his last carp of the session.
Also on Tuesday morning at around 4am Benny also beat his PB again with a 35lb mirror and then had a 2nd 35lb mirror around 10am
On Wednesday morning Louis caught a 36lb common and in the afternoon Benny landed the same 25lb common that Louis had caught on the first night
Thursday was a quiet day and with temperatures up to 37°C the anglers were just trying to find the shade. Louis took his rod up to the shallows with a little pop up maize on a spinner and landed a 18lb mirror, another lovely looking fish.
Ray had a further few fish out down the far end over the few days he was down there.
The last fish of the holiday was a common that had already been out of the lake twice, with Louis catching it on the first Friday night, Benny landing it on Wednesday afternoon and Ray making the hat trick on Thursday, the last fish of the week.
Whilst the lads were fishing, Jenny had a lovely time, enjoying the hot tub and swimming pool as well as looking after everyone! A nice relaxing break for her too.
What a week with temperatures at 29.5°C when they arrived and creeping up the following Thursday to 37°C and night time temperatures ranging from 11°C to 21°C. But the oxygen levels of the lake have stayed stable and the fish have been happy taking the bait. There is now no one on the lake for 2 weeks and with the forecast to reach over 40°C for the next few days we will be keeping a close eye on the water and make sure the aerators are on.
Over the week Louis landed an impressive 15 carp, Ray had 11 on the bank and Benny caught 7 in total. With 34 fish between them the final summary is zero babies, 5 at 10lb+, 19 at 20lb+, 7 at 30lb+ and 2 at 40lb+. A great week for all of us and it was lovely having this family back here. We hope to see them again next year. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt,,,,
23 June, 2026
Chris and Bill have been fishing in France for about 25 years and have been to Carp France several times with the previous owners. They have a combined age of 144 apparently and both have PBs over 50lb and these days, for them, it is about getting away and enjoying fishing rather than chasing the numbers. They are usually joined by a friend, who lives in Belgium, but he was unable to make it this year so they had the lake to themselves.
Following a very hot week here we were unsure how the lake would be this week, with spawning over and done with and temperatures due to be a lot lot cooler we were hopeful that there would be some decent fish on the bank.
They arrived around 3pm on Saturday, having left home late evening the day before and slowly driven south in the UK to cross on the shuttle. We sat and had a nice beer with them before going over to the lake and having a walk round with Nigel showing them where he had seen fish over the last few days and them admiring the changes that we had made in the last three years.
The lake was split in two with Bill fishing in the deeper water from swims 1 and 2 (he moved from his bivvy into the hut on the Monday) and Chris in the hut on swim 3 but mainly fishing from swim 4 during the day. Their rods got set up and they quickly settled in for the week with all their gear unpacked, including their Angling Technics bait boats, a Microcat and a Procat. Chris had prepared a few meals and brought them with them so they did not need to worry too much about cooking and shopping for a few days.
Temperatures dropped to 27.8° on the Sunday having been over 36°C the Wednesday before but the lake was still very quiet and there were no fish caught in the first 36 hours. On Monday morning when we went round to see them they had both finally got off the mark with Bill landing a 15lb+ common and Chris catching a 15lb+ mirror from in front of the round bush in the shallows. Whilst we were stood there we saw lots of bubbles in the middle of the lake and Chris had seen some signs of fish in the carp holes at the shallow end.
On Tuesday Bill reported that he had had a small common, weighing about 13lb, and slightly deformed. We had a couple of reports of a common like this last year but the weights were slightly more than that so we were not sure if this was another one or it had lost some weight. Chris had had no more out but he had been stalking at the shallow end having watched a shoal of fish make their way along the far bank into the shallows and the carp holes and then come around the end of the lake and up the other side. But his perseverance had not paid off. It was a lot cooler for the next few days with temperatures a more comfortable 20°C and we even managed some rain on Tuesday and Thursday.
There was nothing to report again on Wednesday morning and we were all wondering what had made the fish switch off the food but they were obviously waiting for darkness as on Thursday they reported that they had had 2 carp in the net each over night around 2 am so they were starting to feel a bit happier. Chris had two in the mid 20s and Bill a 23lb+ and a 37lb+ so we were hopeful that the last couple of days may see a few more.
Thursday evening they treated themselves to a meal out at Le Vieux Moulin in Chabanais and showed us some photos of the delicious dishes they had had. Bill had spent the night in the comfortable bed in the chalet but Chris had managed 3 runs in the night, landing a 25lb+ and a 42lb 7oz mirror and losing one in the tree at the shallow end at around 7am.
We called round to see them again late on Friday afternoon as they were heading off back to Calais late in the evening and we wanted to make sure we got to say goodbye to them. Bill had had a 25lb+ during the day so ended the week quite happy.
A quick recap of their catches there were zero babies. 3 at 10lb+, 5 at 20lb+, 1 at 30lb+ and 1 at 40lb+ as well as two small cats caught by Bill. Both anglers ended on 5 carp each. We have had a great week with these two anglers and enjoyed listening to their feedback about the changes we have made and their great fishing adventures. We hope they will return again one day and until then bonne journée et à bientôt…
23 June, 2026
We had first timers on our Kingfisher lake this week with brothers, Kevin and Shane, Kevin’s son, Max, Shane’s grandson, Kai and son in law to be, Aidan travelling the hour to catch the overnight ferry from Portsmouth to Caen and then the 5 hours on the lovely French roads in the van to us. On arrival they sat and enjoyed a beer with us and we found out that although they all fished regularly in the UK, none of them had been to France fishing before. They all had PBs in the mid 20s and some of them had never had a catfish before. They had kindly bought Jo some wine and Cadburys – always gratefully received and much appreciated!
With the weather forecast to be in the mid 30s all week you never can be sure how the fish would respond but we were hopeful, as always that there would be some fish on the bank. We walked round the lake, with Nigel introducing them to each swim and pointing out the places that most fish were caught from and where he fed them over the winter. Once we had done this we left them to get their van unloaded and they then popped out to the supermarket before it closed to stock up on some supplies before tea.
They had opted to use our tackle and had a bait package each, some with the maple syrup flavour and some with spicy fish. They had also chosen to rent our new Ultracat bait boats and Nigel gave them a quick lesson on these after their tea, showing them how to save their spots, recharge the batteries and use the GPS.
They had had a darts game before they came and the swims were decided based on who had won. Aidan and Shane opted for swim 1 together with Shane fishing to the right and Aidan to the left, Kai had the new hut on swim 2, Kevin was in the hut on swim 3 and Max had his bivvy set up on swim 4 with the shallower water.
On Sunday morning they came up to the house for their breakfast and told us that Kevin had had a 56lb catfish (a new PB) which he described as a big beast, at around 3am. Aidan had also had a a 44lb catfish and Shane a 8lb catfish. Aidan went on to have another catfish at around 11.30 am weighing 17lb. Nigel just happened to have finished doing his weekly bee check then and went down to share a beer with them to celebrate.
At teatime they reported that the lake had been very quiet all day and they had caught nothing more but Sunday night ended up being the busies of the week with lots of action at both ends of the lake around 3am when Kai caught a new PB, a 39lb common from swim 2 and Max on swim 4 had a 37lb mirror and a 34lb common. The looks on their faces tell us exactly how thrilled they both were. And there were also several catfish who were caught but lost from swim 1 – not much sleep was had by all accounts.
On Monday afternoon they popped round to the house to see if we had any better end tackle for the catfish, there is nothing worse than playing a catfish and then losing it. In Kingfisher the catfish are quite smart and know where they can dash to for safety so it is not uncommon. Nigel showed them a different set up and they borrowed a few bits from him to try again.
When we took their breakfast round on Tuesday morning Max was the only person who had got any fish to the bank as he had had a 19lb common at 22.40 and a 15lb common at 00.35 overnight.
Tuesday turned out to be the hottest day of the week and they decided they would have a break away from the lake for the afternoon and went to the fishing shop, Europêche in St Junien and found a bar for a couple of drinks before coming back when they went in the pool for a bit and had a BBQ before setting up again for the night. Our pools are usually open from June to September but Kevin had asked if there could be a possibility of them being ready early as the ‘youngsters’ were keen to use it. With the temperatures so high all week they all really benefitted from being able to cool off at various times of the day.
They were all in agreement on Wednesday that they were going to move swims in the afternoon but before they started packing their kit up, Aidan had a 21lb mirror at 10.10 which he described as a beautiful fish and followed this up with a 27lb catfish at 11.51 and a kitten at midday.
On Thursday morning we found Kai and Max on swim 1 with Kai to the right and Max to the left, Shane on 2, Aidan on 3 and Kevin on 4.
Max had lost a fish overnight but told us that he had done some stalking in the shallows on Wednesday afternoon. He said that there were lots of carp swimming around but even though he did not catch anything he really enjoyed it.
There were clear signs that the carp were spawning under the trees opposite swim 1 when we were round there so we think their minds were on other things apart from food. As we were chatting to Aidan on swim 3, Nigel suspected that Shane might have a fish on so we wandered back to see and watched him land a small kitten, weighing about 8lb so did the photography duties!
And Friday morning seemed to come around again far too quickly. When we went round for breakfast Shane had caught a 19lb common, Kai had lost 2 catfish and Max had caught a small cat overnight but nothing for anyone else. They decided that they would pack most of their things up in the afternoon and enjoy the evening, apart from Max and Aidan who opted to get one more nights fishing in before they headed off again early Saturday morning. And it paid off as he caught the last fish of the week and a new PB for Aidan with a 27lb mirror.
It has been a great week with these guys and considering the temperatures, no one blanked and 4 out of the 5 of them went away with new PBs. We have enjoyed their company, sharing a beer or two with them and admiring Max’s shirts every day, even if Nigel can still not remember everyone’s names. We are hoping that Aidan might come back and help us over the closed season as he is a tree surgeon back home but whatever we hope that all or some of them will make a return trip one day.
In summary there were 0 babies, 3 at 10lb+, 3 at 20lb+, and 3 at 30lb+ and 5 catfish up to 56lb. Until the next time bonne journée et à bientôt…..
23 June, 2026
25 fish
biggest : 68 lb and 67 lb
5 fish over 50 lb
10 fish over 40 lb
23 June, 2026
This week saw the return of Chris, Mike, Donna and Marie who had fished on Kingfisher during a wet, cold week last September and only caught a few catfish https://carpfrance.com/20-09-25-kingfisher-cat-report/. How different this week was going to be with the forecast to be dry and sunny, and hot all week and they were hoping that the sudden extreme heat would not put the fish off.
Normally our dip pools and the hot tub on Lac Lucie are only available June to September but given the forecast we got them ready a week early as we knew that people would need to cool off and would make the most of them.
Chris, Mike and Donna arrived on Friday afternoon, flying into Limoges and they had decided to hire a car this year to give the ladies a chance to visit the local area. Usually our weeks run from Saturday to Saturday but as we had been closed the week before and there are no flights from Manchester on Saturday this year we try to accommodate people wherever we can. Marie was to be joining them on Sunday as she had other commitments.
Whilst Donna unpacked the car, the men got straight down to the lake for a walk round with Nigel and saw loads of fish in the shallows. They were planning to fish on some nights but not all so were still planning on putting their bivvies up and Nigel left them to it. Mike had prepared some PVA bags before coming and got these straight onto his line and in the water whilst setting up the rest of his kit. And it paid off as the first carp was landed within an hour – a lovely 36lb mirror and a new PB for Mike.
We went down to see them on Saturday morning and they had slept out all night but there were no other signs. Donna had arranged to go and meet a friend for the day so once she had set the men up with breakfast and drinks she headed off. It was a very quiet day for the men though, and very hot with no fish all day. They were already beginning to think that the sudden high temperatures had put the fish off their food and they would end up with a similar year to last. We were also concerned that the fish had not appeared to have spawned on Lac Lucie so were worried that they would definitely be off their food.
On Sunday morning again there had been no signs of fish when we went down to see them. Chris decided he would move up to the side swim as loads of fish had been seen in the shallows under the willow tree for the past two days but they had all seemed to have moved. Patience paid off though and around 2.30pm Chris managed to land a 28lb common. Nigel was fishing next door on the stock pond and heard their delight. Marie arrived in the early evening and the wine started to flow.
On Monday morning they had nothing to report. In the evening Mike had two commons in the net, both weighing around 25lb, and they were convinced it was the same fish only 30 minutes apart.
They decided to swap sides on Tuesday morning, with Mike now fishing to the right and Chris to the left. Typically, Chris caught three in quick succession a 28lb common, an 8lb mirror and an 18lb mirror.
Deciding that it was too hot to fish during the day the two couples went off to visit Angouleme in the afternoon, having a wander around the town and finding a bar to have a drink in and then to the fishing shop.
We always recommend the market at Piegut Pluviers to our visitors and on Wednesday morning Donna and Marie took themselves off there, loving the way the market meanders through the town and loving the diverse selection of stalls there. Chris and Mike had come up to the chalet the night before around 11pm and gone back down early morning and Mike managed to land a 34lb 8oz mirror around 10.15am and luckily we were down there to see it on the bank. Nigel had emptied the crayfish traps the day before and Marie asked if they could have them as she fancied cooking them. Not something we have been asked before and we are not big fans of sea food ourselves but were willing to let them have them. We have to admit that they did a lovely job of cooking them and they reported that they were very tasty.
On Thursday Nigel heard some beeps around 8am and went down to see Mike land a 30lb common. He followed this up with a 39lb mirror an hour or so later before it then went quiet as the temperatures rose. They stopped fishing for the afternoon and went to the beach after lunch to cool off in the lake and then had a drink in Le 16 Beach.
They were back down by the lake early in the evening and at around 9.30pm we had a message from Donna to say they had both had a fish one after the other and with new PBs for them both – Mike with a 46lb mirror at 9pm closely followed by Chris with a 34lb common at 9.50pm.
Obviously we had to go down to have a beer with them and shake their hands and we spent a good hour or so chatting away and throwing the ball for Maisie. We were all just about to call it a night when Mike’s rod went off and he landed a 43lb common at 11pm.
Friday came around far too quickly but as their flight was in afternoon they were able to fish in the morning whilst the ladies got the packing and tidying done. Mike finished the week off with a 8lb common and a 26lb 8oz mirror not long after 8am and that was it for another great week.
As in the UK it has been a very hot week here in France with temperatures peaking during the day at 36.5°C on Wednesday and only dropping to around 14°C at 6am over the week. We had no rain and very little wind so the hot tub and dip pool have been very much appreciated. With 16 carp on the bank between them we think this has been some great fishing despite the weather.
In summary a very successful week compared to last year and new PBs for both anglers despite the heat. There was 1 baby, 1 at 10lb+, 6 at 20lb+, 5 at 30lb+ and 2 at 40lb+. Once again we have thoroughly enjoyed your company and will look forward to next April to do it all again. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt…..
23 June, 2026
This week saw some new anglers on Lac Lucie who had travelled down from the Midlands area on Friday, across to Calais and then the road down to here. They had hired a van to bring all of their tackle out and took it down on the bank to unload it. We do not mind people doing this but always suggest that it is put back up nearer the chalet in case it rains as the slope can be a bit slippy….
Liam and Nathan do a bit of carp fishing in the UK but have never been to France before so their PBs were relatively low and the pair were determined to beat them. Liam had messaged me a few times about the possibility of fishing somewhere on the Friday night but they ended up sleeping in their van and arriving with us mid afternoon on the Saturday. Planning on spending every second by the lake that they could they set up their bivvies and got the rods in the water as quickly as they could.
The weather for the week was a real mixed bag. On Sunday there was a real mix of temperatures up to 19°C and then plummeting in the afternoon down to 12°C and a heavy rain shower lasting an hour or so. Monday was a bit cooler with some rain in the afternoon and Tuesday and Wednesday were dry. The nights were chilly though and we didn’t envy the guys for sleeping out in their bivvies all night. But their persistence paid off and they were rewarded with some nice looking fish.
On Monday we had to pop to the supermarket to restock the beer for the Kingfisher lads and whilst we were out the pair told us that two fighter jets had gone over. They said that they were so low and so noisy they thought that we were being attacked so threw themselves on the ground! We do get jets flying over regularly and daily small air force training planes overhead from the Cognac airfield so we were not totally surprised but can imagine that the sudden noise disturbing the peace and quiet down by the lake must have come as a bit of a shock.
This is a picture of a baby mirror caught by Nathan on Wednesday afternoon transferred to the stock pond, weighing around 8lb. This will be a stunner in the future.
Here are some of the fish that were caught by the lads over the five days they were with us, with weights where we know them.
The lads were heading back off home on Thursday and were planning on leaving at around 11am. We said our goodbyes and headed around to see Nigel’s mates on Kingfisher and assumed they had left. We then got a message about an hour later to say they were stuck at the bottom of the slope and couldn’t get a grip so we went and fetched Nigel’s Range Rover to see if that could pull it up. It didn’t help that the tow loop was missing from the front of the van! Using the longest rope we could find and Nigel staying at the top where the grass was drier we eventually pulled them up and they got on their way.
We believe, from the photos that we have been sent, that they landed 9 carp each and both had carp over 30lb so both had new PBs. There was 1 baby, 1 at 10lb+, 5 at 20lb+, 2 at 30lb+ and 9 photos that we have no weights for. Thank you for some great fishing and we hope that you enjoyed your stay with us and will make a return visit at some point. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt…..
23 June, 2026
This week saw the annual return of Nigel’s mates from The Oliver Twist in Irthlingborough. They come for the beer and banter as much as for a fishing holiday, with three of them fishing for leisure and a bit of match fishing in the UK but they would not call themselves carp anglers. And Bob, who first held a fishing rod in 2024, when they first visited us and landed his first ever fish, a 46lb mirror.
Now more experienced they decided that they did not really need Nigel to babysit for them but for the most part would only fish days so once Nigel had picked them up from the airport and taken them to the supermarket for a couple of five cases of beer they embedded themselves at the outside table and got started…on the beers until teatime and then they decided they would have some more beer and start fishing on Sunday.
The swims were picked over a beer by selecting bottle tops with a number on. Bob was going in the house swim, Dave in swim 2 and John in swim 3 with the huts for shelter and Danny in swim 4.
On Sunday morning, after a leisurely breakfast, they got themselves set up and soon got to grips with how the new Ultracat bait boats worked – well Bob and Danny did. It was lunchtime before the first fish was landed, Danny with a 35lb 2oz mirror and we were all there to see it before Jo had to take Izzy and Frazer back to the airport after their 10 days break. This mirror was closely followed by Bob with a 15lb common at 2pm. Obviously there was a beer for everyone after every fish and the glass bottle box started to fill up.
Despite some rain on Sunday afternoon the guys carried on fishing and the first trip out in the rowing boat of the week was Nigel to help John unsnag a catfish which Danny helped him to land. Not that it was very heavy at 4lb 2oz but it was John’s first ever catfish so he certainly wasn’t complaining – a fish is a fish and another beer was called for.
Sunday teatime was followed by more beers and more catching up and the guys got their rods out again on Monday morning after breakfast. Nigel and Jo spent the morning at the vets as Maisie had ended up with a hook in her mouth, having tried to eat some bait from the guys fishing on Lac Lucie, and at the supermarket to restock the beer fridge and cool box. Whilst we were out the lads were entertained with a couple of fighter jets going over, as they often do, and we were told that they were very low over the lake and the noise was incredible.
Whilst they were out it was Danny’s turn to get in the rowing boat as a cat took to the tree roots and needed the line freeing so that was another rig they had to set up once we were back and Nigel had taken them round some more tubing, and had another beer with them. There was nothing else on the bank until just before 4pm on Monday when John had his first carp, a 10lb 8oz common, followed by Dave, 45 minutes later with a 22lb 8oz common.
Nigel obviously had to go round to help them to celebrate and whilst he was there Bob landed a 30lb mirror so another beer was called for.
Monday evening was spent at the house as an important relegation match was being shown for John who is a Spurs fan. He enjoyed the last 20 minutes of it anyway as he slept through the main part of the match but it was like old times in the Ollie and we had a bit of fun with a photo of him asleep and a bit of ChatGPT to create an image relating to a story he told us about a double booking in a hotel room….will leave that one there.
After a bit of a downpour on Monday the lads were pleased that Tuesday was set to be a dry day and quite nice for those of them who were in the sun with temperatures reaching just over 19°C.The morning was very quiet though and it was not until nearly 4pm when Danny caught the first fish of the day, a 38lb common. We had scared Danny a bit earlier with a plastic snake in his bivvy as he had told us last year how terrified he had been when a snake went near him in swim 1.
We had birthday cake for tea to celebrate John’s birthday and we had given him some French maggots which he put on the end of one of Nigel’s float rods but had no luck all week with that.
Bob decided that he might quite like to do a bit of night fishing and whilst the others were happy to fish a bit later after tea, no one else wanted to sleep out for the night and to be fair it was quite chilly with temperatures this week dropping as low as 6°C at night, so Nigel said he would stop out with him. Danny lasted a couple of hours though and was rewarded with a 29lb 4oz mirror. Nigel also landed one in Dave’s swim (he had a nice cosy hut to sleep in), a 33lb 4oz mirror at around 4am. Bob did get another kitten on the hook at 2am but it had got caught up and was still on the line when Nigel went out in the rowing boat (again) to free it.
It was just after beer o’clock when Bob had the first fish on Wednesday, a lovely 33lb 12oz mirror and this was closely followed by another kitten, caught by Dave weighing 3lb 9oz (don’t worry we have plans to remove all the small catfish this winter)
With temperatures over 19°C in the sun on Wednesday John decided it was warm enough to try out his new birthday present form Lisa at The Ollie. We are not sure it would make our calendar but do think that it is a great pose!
Another lovely evening was had with a few beers on Wednesday evening with the four of them and they were back up for breakfast on Thursday as usual, but had to put up with Nigel’s cooking as Jo had gone to the airport to collect some surprise guests – John G and Tina – more great friends from Irthlingborough, who had decided they would come and join the fun and laughter. Just before they walked round to the lake to surprise them, Bob landed this 36lb 4oz common. And then an hour later a 27lb mirror which John G was pleased to see.
Whilst we were back having some lunch the heavens opened and we had a massive hailstorm which kept setting the bite alarms off and the lads retreated into their bivvys/huts for shelter. With the air really cold and the water quite warm the steam rose from the lake, always a lovely sight.
The fish seemed to then retreat into the deeper water for protection and Bob, on swim 1 ended up with a further three fish in the afternoon, a 14lb 6oz common, a 36lb 8oz mirror, and the biggest carp of the week, a 44lb 5oz mirror. It was definitely Bob’s day on Thursday.
Dave did manage to get the biggest fish of the week though, in amongst Bob’s carp, a 56lb 9oz catfish – much more the size we like to see on the bank. And it certainly made Dave’s week
Nigel had been trying to persuade John, who had only landed a small catfish and 10lb+ carp up til then, to go and spend the day on the dam wall but John was not keen to leave this band of merry men, or the cool box with the beer in and decided he would stay where he was and hope for the best. The dam wall is great for the deep water and the fish do seem to like to hang out there and near to the over flow but if you want to be near your mates and enjoy the company as well as the scenery then sometimes you have to sacrifice the fish.
On Friday Jo and Nigel took John G and Tina to Oradour-sur-Glâne, where the German SS had captured and massacred 642 men, women and children on June 10th 1944. Not an exciting day out but a place that is worth visiting, if only to remember the atrocities that took place in the second world war and how the people in France were affected by the German occupation.
Whilst they were out the four anglers managed by themselves and made a good shot at finishing the beer supplies. Bob landed another mirror weighing 23lb at 12ish and then lost one a couple of hours later, along with his rig. John offered Bob his two rods instead as he had given up – he should have had a go on the dam wall!
So this was the final fish of the week as Friday evening we took them all to Le 16 Beach, a local pizza are next to the man made beach, and then back to our kitchen to enjoy the Aston Villa vs Liverpool match which was for a place in the Champions League. With a supporter for each team on site it was an interesting evening that ended up late into the night also watching the golf.
As always though it has been great to catch up with friends from home, with the added bonus of John G and Tina this year. It has been a very lovely week with them all, lots of beer, vodka and coffee drunk and lots of reminiscing. We apologise to John for all the ChatGPT photos – which we will not embarrass him with and also for his lack of fish. We hope they have all had a safe journey home and will look forward to next year when hopefully the weather will be a little warmer, but not as hot as last year!
The final summary is Bob with 10 fish, Danny with 3, Dave with 3 and John with 2 with Nigel also catching 1 on his night over with them. There were zero babies, 3 at 10lb+, 4 at 20lb+, 7 at 30lb+ and 1 at 40lb+ as well as 4 catfish up to 56lb 9oz. Until next year bonne journée et à bientôt…..
23 June, 2026
We first met Dave and his son, Alex in May 2024 when they caught nine carp between the two of them up to 50lb+ and both had new PBs. They returned in May 2025 with Dave’s brother, Matt and landed fifteen carp last year, again with new PBs for Alex and Matt. Read their catch reports below
On their very first visit here Dave asked us to reserve the first week in May forever more and the trio returned again this year to enjoy a week relaxing together and see what they could get onto the bank this time. They are related to our guests who came with Opal, the rottie, from a few weeks ago and having read their catch report and seen their visitor’s log they were determined to beat them. And that was a challenge as they had had over 30 carp out in our first hot period of the season.
Arriving at Limoges airport they sailed through the new biometrics system and were waiting for Nigel to bring them back to the lake via the supermarket. After a quick tea and catch up with us they went and got themselves set up on the main bank. The plan was that this year they would fish a few nights, not having braved it before. They got two bivvies up but decided to get a good first night’s sleep in the chalet, especially as it was pretty wet most of the evening.
Renewed and refreshed on Sunday morning they headed down to the main bank, with Dave fishing to the left bank, Alex in the middle and Matt on the right bank and up into the deeper water. Alex has managed to catch the biggest fish on each of his visits here and was determined that he was going to beat the other two again and hopefully get another photo on the wall in the chalet. And he was first off the mark as predicted with a 39lb 1oz mirror to get the ball rolling just before 2pm and a second mirror in the net 45 minutes later weighing 25lb 2oz. It felt like it was going to be The Alex Show again.
On Sunday they decided that they would do a full night session and there was a story to tell when we saw them the next morning, as we asked them if they had had caught something at around 10.30pm as we had heard some shouting as we were going to bed. They told us that it was carnage as all three of them had a fish on at the same time, in the pouring rain and Alex had shouted for Nigel hoping we would hear. Unfortunately we hadn’t heard what they were shouting, but they had managed on their own, although Dave’s description was that he was running round like a tit in a trance made us laugh. Dave had a 25lb 11oz mirror, Alex landed a 46lb 1oz mirror (which turned out to be his biggest of the week) and Matt beat his PB with a 34lb 7oz mirror. Due to the chaos they did not manage to get any pictures with them holding them but it was great to hear that they were now all off the mark.
They very nearly made it right through the night to breakfast, except that Alex’s feet got very chilly and with all three of them landing a fish in the dark and rain, they were all feeling a bit damp and smelly so headed up to the chalet in the early hours to get a few hours sleep before heading back down after breakfast.
They all cast their rods out so it was tough going for Alex in the middle, with the furthest to cast so Nigel suggested he should go up to the side swim but being the social animal that he is, Alex decided to stop with his dad and uncle for the day. He still managed a 36lb 10oz mirror though around midday and Dave caught a a lovely new baby mirror for our stock pond weighing 7lb 6oz and a 25lb common just before it got dark.
They had another good nights sleep in the chalet on Monday night and were back down by the lake at first light on Tuesday morning. Alex decided to take Nigel’s advice and moved down to the side swim. The carp had been seen milling around in the shallows under the willow tree and Alex was hopeful. But it was a pretty quiet day for all of them, with only Matt landing one, improving his PB yet again with this 35lb 6oz common.
Alex did not manage to prove Nigel right until midday on Wednesday when he landed two in very quick succession. A 30lb 7oz common, closely followed by a 32lb 8oz common
Before the day was over Matt landed yet another new PB, a 38lb common and Alex had one just after dark, a 22lb 4oz mirror.
So by the midway point of the week the scores on the door were Alex – 7, Dave – 3 and Matt – 3. Not that they were competing with each other of course!
Thursday morning saw Alex with another fish from the shallows and we were there just as it reached the bank, having heard them calling each other when we were round visiting the Kingfisher anglers. He had landed a 36lb 10oz common and a few hours later Dave had another out, a mirror weighing 37lb 8oz.
They decided to have another night under the stars on Thursday as although it was the coldest night of the week there was no rain forecast and the skies were clear so the stars were amazing. Alex made sure he had plenty of layers on and got this 25lb 10oz mirror to the bank just as it was getting dark.
Matt landed yet another PB and went well over the magical 40lb mark just before 11pm with this 45lb common from the deep part of the lake.
And Dave ended the night with a 43lb 9oz mirror just before it started to get light.
And their last day arrived and it was very quiet on the bank, but lovely and warm so the guys made the most of the sunshine. Sadly only one fish reached the net on Friday, another new baby for our stock pond, weighing just 7lb 6oz but a very lovely looking common caught by Dave and we will enjoy seeing this one again when it comes back into our lakes in a few years time.
So for their third year with us these lovely chaps managed to land 18 carp between them with Alex winning again with 9 fish, Dave catching 6 and Matt smashing his PB every time with 4 carp. Each of them had a 40lb+ so they were all very happy with how their week had been.
Their final summary was 2 babies, 0 at 10lb+, 5 at 20lb+, 8 at 30lb+ and 3 at 40lb+. They have already booked for next year and then will have a week on Lac Lucie and a week on Kingfisher. We will look forward to seeing them again next May and until then bonne journée et à bientôt……
23 June, 2026
When Mike visited us in April 2024 (https://carpfrance.com/27-04-2024-lac-lucie-the-final-hurrah/) he said that it was his final European fishing trip and he had a great week with 10 carp up to 50lb 8oz that week. Nigel had been on hand to take some great photos for him as his friend had had to cancel his trip. So when Ian suggested to Mike that they came this year Mike decided he would have a final final hurrah. With Lucie already booked that week they chose to go on Kingfisher and see how that went, a bit more challenging, especially for only two anglers but they certainly tried their best to beat it.
Arriving a bit later than planned on Saturday evening after their plane had been diverted to Toulouse due to the weather, refueled and then got into Limoges they decided that they would set up the next morning and got an early night. Overnight there was heavy rain and who knows how the fish would react to the sudden downfall and more oxygen in the water.
They both started on swim 2, sitting outside the hut all day on Sunday and as Jo was walking round with their breakfast baguettes Ian had just landed a baby 2lb carp but put it straight back in the lake. Mike had a 28lb common whilst we were stood there chatting with them but chose not to have his photo taken with it.
On Monday they decided they would tackle the shallower end of the lake and Mike moved to swim 3 and Ian to swim 4. They were only fishing during the daylight hours from early morning to late evening, choosing to enjoy the comfort and warmth of the chalet and on Monday Ian had had a common weighing 34lb 8oz and had lost one and Mike had a 34lb 8oz mirror. Mike also managed to lose a spod in the trees and ended up out in the boat to try and get it.
On Tuesday they decided they would try the deeper end of the lake and put a bivvy up (just in case it rained) on swim 6. But the fish did not seem to want the bait. There was plenty of activity, with fish splashing on the far bank margins and lots of fizzing in the silt but for whatever reason they were not wanting to be caught.
With no activity on the dam wall on Wednesday they moved back to swims 3 and 4 where Mike caught a small 7lb fish and lost a big one (it is always the big ones that come off, isn’t it?) and the two of them were getting more and more frustrated. The pair had tried one of our new bait boats but couldn’t get on with it so went back to old fashioned casting. They were using all of our bait, the two different varieties of boilies, with spodding pellets, parti-blend, maize and chilli hemp and had some wafters on their rigs.
Thursday arrived and they moved back to the dam wall again. The frustration was mounting so much that Ian came to get some catfish hooks as although they didn’t really want to catch a catfish they were reaching the point where they just wanted to catch something. And typically Mike caught a carp, another 34lb 8oz mirror.
Friday always comes round a bit quick and the pair had a final attempt in the deeper end of the lake but this time fishing off the house swim 1 but it was again a very slow day, albeit a warm one. Ian had the final fish of the session, a 34lb common
So over the week, Mike had two mirrors both weighing 34lb 8oz and a 28lb and lost 2 and Ian finished the week with two commons 34lb 8oz, 34lb, 2 babies and a 24lb
Final summary of the week is 2 babies, 0 at 10lb+, 2 at 20lb+ and 3 at 30lb+. As we said, Kingfisher lake can be more challenging for two anglers on their own and who knows why they decided not to take the bait this week. For us it has been lovely to see Mike again and to meet Ian and until next time bonne journée et à bientôt….
23 June, 2026
We welcomed three Dutch anglers onto Lac Lucie this week and with no one on Kingfisher, Jo had travelled back to Liverpool to meet her new granddaughter, Pippa so Nigel was left in charge with a long list of jobs and to look after Dennis, Nina and Ton (Opa, who is 82 years old).
Arriving at around 4pm laden with gifts from their bakery which supports people with disabilities, Nigel knew that they would have lots in common, and their English was excellent. Their goal for the week was to make some memories, to fish the daylight hours and go out exploring a little.
Ton has had a few medical issues recently and with the ground being quite dry, Nigel said that they could drive the car down to the swim each day to make things easier.
After a visit to the bakery each morning the trio got themselves set up on the main bank and it was not long after the first cast that the first fish was on the bank. At 10.30am on Sunday morning Ton had the first fish a 13.5kg (29lb 12oz) mirror caught on the feeder. Dennis’ photo that he sent through said ‘Superman’ and we are not sure if he named the fish or was referring to Opa who held it well for his photo.
On Monday morning, around 11am, Nina was off the mark, with a small common weighing about 6lb, again caught on the feeder, which Nigel took to our stock pond – destined to be a big fish in the future. They popped out to the shops at lunchtime and then moved to the left side of the lake, into the sunshine as it was feeling a bit chilly in the shade on the main bank and Nina had a small roach.
Nigel spent some time with them each day and enjoyed chatting about bakery life, as Ton had had his own bakery for a number of years before Dennis decided to do what they are currently doing and Ton still manages to assist him with their delicious cakes and biscuits.
On Tuesday they went to Oradour-sur-Glâne for the afternoon to visit the village which has been left as it was after the German’s invaded it in 1944 and killed all of the inhabitants. There were no fish on the bank from Lac Lucie but Nigel did a couple of nights fishing on Kingfisher and had a few carp out. During the daytime he was busy laying a new floor in the Kingfisher chalet.
On Wednesday afternoon, just after lunch at 13.00, Nina landed this lovely 22lb 11oz (20 Dutch pond) mirror on 2 pieces of sweetcorn and another small roach on corn.
It was Wednesday evening before Dennis had his only fish of the trip, at around 21.00 he landed a 30lb 13oz (28 Dutch pond) mirror which had caught on dog biscuits
And apart from another couple of roach caught by Nina that was it for their week but as they wrote in our visitors report they did not come here to be fishing all day and night but to spend time together and make some memories and they had a few blank days but the memories and stories are great.
Final summary of their week is 1 baby, 2 at 20lb+, 1 at 30lb+ and several small roach. Thank you for choosing to come to our lakes and make some great memories and we hope to see you again someday. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt…..
23 June, 2026
This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming our first French guests, who came from the northwest of France. Cédric and his son Léo joined us, accompanied by Cédric’s brother, Anthony, who spent a few days with them to reconnect and go fishing.
They arrived Saturday afternoon and spent the first night at the cabin before setting everything up on the main bank of the pond Sunday morning. Leo had already fished in the river near his home and loved catching large catfish and many predatory fish, but he was eager to catch carp. And they didn’t have to wait long to catch their first: a 27lb 8oz mirror carp for Leo. His very first carp, and he was thrilled.
We went to the lake on Sunday afternoon to see them, and Cédric had caught a 24lb 4oz carp. Léo was fishing with a pole to try and catch smaller fish, like roach.
On Monday morning, when we went to see them, they told us they had caught four carp at 11 p.m. and 5 a.m., then two more in half an hour at 10 a.m. Their weights were 12 kg, 5 kg, 9 kg, and 15 kg. Cédric’s brother, Anthony, arrived at 6 p.m. He’s a baker, so Nigel understands the difficulties of working early mornings.
The three of them made the most of the space, having lunch at the picnic table at the top of the steps and enjoying playing football and other games on the grass while waiting for a fish to bite. The brothers don’t see each other very often, so it was nice for them to spend some time together and catch up on their lives.
On Tuesday morning, they told us that Leo had caught three more carp weighing 16 kg, 17 kg and 37lb 15oz respectively, and that Cédric had caught one at 3 a.m.
During our visit Wednesday morning, they told us they had made a double catch the day before: Cédric and Léo had both landed one at the same time.
Anthony had caught two, one weighing 9 kg and the other over 17 kg. And Léo beat his personal record with a 19 kg catch at 4:40 a.m. With more than 20 fish already in their nets, their week was shaping up to be excellent.
On Thursday morning, they had caught two more carp. They said goodbye to Jo, who was leaving for the UK for a week to meet her new granddaughter. Everyone had beaten their personal bests. Anthony left on Thursday afternoon to return to work, and Cedric and Leo left on Friday morning after a good night’s sleep at the cabin.
They finished the week with a total of 26 carp. Although we don’t have the exact weight of each one, we know the largest weighed over 19 kg (41lb 14oz), almost 20 kg, which is still an excellent catch for the week. We were delighted to host them and thank them all for their patience with Jo’s limited French. We hope to see them again someday. Until then, bonne journée et à bientôt…..
Other photos from their week here
23 June, 2026
Both lakes
When we were contacted in January by Chris who was looking for venue for 8 anglers for a stag week we were slightly unsure as to what to expect but agreed that we could make both of our lakes available to them. As we often see, when you try to organise a big group of people things change and life gets in the way and there ended up just being 5 of them. But what a lovely week it turned out to be and we will not be so quick to jump to conclusions next time.
Chris has been coming to France fishing with Will and some other mates for many years and they both have excellent PBs already. These days they prefer just to fish, not worrying too much about the size of the fish but just escaping from the day to day routine and enjoying each others company. So our lakes were ideal, peace and quiet with plenty of fish. The only job they were meant to complete by the end of the week were their speeches ready for the wedding in a few weeks time.
Chris and Will arrived in the pouring rain on Saturday afternoon in a van they had hired and by the time they came for their tea they were soaked but just about organised with Will in swim 1 and Chris in 2.
On Sunday morning when we took their baguettes round to them, they had had 3 carp from Kingfisher weighing 28lb, 30lb and 35lb with Will taking the lead with 2 carp on the bank. In the afternoon Jo went to the airport to collect Richard, Chris’ dad and Jim, his uncle. Richard had never caught a carp before but had done some other types of fishing and Jim has recently got into carp fishing and only caught small carp in the UK before.
Having both lakes meant that they could spread out and fish a bit in both lakes if they wanted. On Sunday afternoon Will moved across to Lac Lucie and on Monday morning he had caught a 40lb mirror and 20lb mirror. We saw that he had a fish on in the afternoon and went down to see it reach the bank. Weighing in at 42lb 8oz, Will was feeling very pleased with himself.
On our Tuesday morning trip round to see them all Will reported that he had had a 44lb common and 46lb 8oz mirror overnight from Lac Lucie and Jim had had a small catfish weighing 15lb but no one else had caught but at least Richard was off the mark. Will had a 30lb common on Lac Lucie on Tuesday afternoon and then had this 25lb 8oz mirror on Tuesday evening, again we were there to see it and take the photos for him. This was just after Nigel had returned from the airport to collect Chris’ brother, James, who again had not been carp fishing before.
On Wednesday morning Chris said that he had had 2 overnight a 40lb+ and a 20lb+ from Will’s spot in swim 1 on Kingfisher but had also lost a big one (it is always the big ones that get away). Will had another 4 overnight on Lac Lucie. The guys had decided that as Kingfisher was proving rather challenging for them the ‘novices’ would take it in turns with Will on Lac Lucie for the next few days with Jim first to go and by teatime on Wednesday, Jim was at last off the mark with 28lb so just James left to catch (and Richard for a carp).
Jim beat his new PB again with a 38lb common from Lac Lucie just as it was going dark on Wednesday evening. Will lost one but had 3 or 4 more overnight and Richard lost one overnight on Kingfisher and at tea on Thursday there was nothing to report apart from Jim losing one on Kingfisher.
Richard finally landed his first carp after tea on Thursday, a 38lb common after spending the day on Lac Lucie with Will and Chris had another at 34lb on Thursday night on Kingfisher.
Teatime came early on Friday as Richard and Jim were flying back to Stansted and Will told us he had had another 2 from Lac Lucie with one 40lb+ and Chris had had a further 2 from Kingfisher. We decided we would hand over their magnets there and then as they were all together, with Richard and Jim receiving a PB magnet and the others a CFF one. James decided he would leave his with us, just in case he happened to catch that evening. We were not feeling hopeful but were delighted when we went round on Saturday morning to wave Chris and Will off that he had finally caught, a lovely common so his magnet was swapped when he came round to wait for his lift back to the airport on Saturday afternoon.
The weather started off bad but we had no more rain for the week. It was chilly overnight with temperatures down to 1°C but by the end of the week the daytime temperatures had risen from 10°C on Sunday to over 26°C on the Friday. The guys had chosen to bring their own bait, including some maggots and worms, but did have a few of Nigel’s maple syrup pop-ups for hook bait
So a quick summary of their week, Will had 26 carp on the bank, mostly from Lac Lucie, including 4 x 40s, a 39lb and a 38lb. Chris caught 7, Jim had 2, Richard had 2 and James one on the last night after not having anything all week so 38 carp on the bank in total for the week including more than 4 x 40lb+ from both lakes.
No speeches were written but the guys did all pose for a group photo and with a bit of ChatGPT magic they ended up as the below.
They all seemed to have had a lovely week and we enjoyed their company and hope to see them again someday. We wish Chris and his wife-to-be a very happy wedding day and for their future together. Until the next time bonne journée et à bientôt…
These are their best photos of the week.
23 June, 2026
Rob, Harry, Lisa and Bob were with us during a gloriously sunny week in April 2025 and the anglers, Rob and Harry went home with new PBs in the 30s. With 14 carp last year they bought Rob’s brother, Jon with them too to try and get even more fish out of the lake. As last year Bob and Lisa came to enjoy the peace and quiet, take a few walks and generally relax. And we mustn’t forget Opal (Aka Rolo, as Nigel is terrible with names) who returned with them to catch up with Maisie.
Rob and Harry set up their shared bivvy on the main bank and decided Harry was going to fish to the left bank and Rob to the right. Jon decided not to fish the first night, after a long car journey but the plan was for him to fish up the far end, sitting on the side swim during the day but in a bivvy on the main bank at night time. Lisa had treated Rob to a bait boat since their last session and it would be interesting to see how they fared with that, considering they had caught 14 carp last year between them without one.
Jon has done a little bit of carp fishing in the UK but knew that whatever he caught this week he would have a new PB and landed his first fish at 11.30am on Sunday morning, a lovely 28lb 10oz mirror from under the tree at the far end, just where Nigel had said they were. Harry was second off the mark at teatime on Sunday with a gorgeous scaled 22lb common and Jon had his second overnight, another new PB at 31lb 1oz mirror, that has a great scale pattern.
Monday saw Rob off the mark with a 25lb 6oz mirror, followed by Jon with a long lean common weighing 19lb 13oz and then Rob again with a 30lb 2oz common, all before tea. The numbers were creeping up and we sensed that the competition had begun, with Harry and Rob in particular desperate to get over the 40lb mark and get a new PB.
Bob and Lisa had a lovely walk around the lanes, admiring the bluebells that are adorning the banks and having a chat with the Limousin cows in the fields.
After tea on Monday Rob thought he had hit the 40lb mark but making sure the weights were accurate each time was important and unfortunately Rob was a few oz off with this 39lb 6oz common
Tuesday saw another four fish on the bank, but still no 40s. Harry caught the prettiest fish of the week, with a 22lb mirror, and he also landed a 31lb mirror with Jon having another new PB with a 38lb 8oz mirror and Rob a 30lb 13oz mirror.
Harry and Rob were disturbed overnight with a further 2 carp in the nets at 20lb+ and then Wednesday arrived,
It is a good job they were well rested from their long drive by this point as it was non stop all day on Wednesday with 10 carp on the bank between the three of them. Harry had 5 weighing up to 37lb 15oz and Jon managed another 3 and another new PB of 39lb 13oz with Rob catching 2 but not until after teatime. Harry had this gorgeous mirror with a golden tail weighing 32lb 2oz and Jon’s nicest fish was this completely gold 23lb 7oz common.
But it was Rob who was celebrating with a new PB of 41lb 7oz – his first fish over 40lbs and he was a happy man. And he followed that up at ten minutes to midnight with a common weighing 40lb 4oz.
Thursdays are commonly known as ‘big fish Thursdays’ and it did not disappoint. With temperatures reaching over 30°C in the afternoon the fish were not quite sure what they were meant to be doing and again the numbers on the bank were prolific. At 9am Harry landed a fish we were not aware of, he has called it Nemo as it appears to be missing a pectoral fin on one side. Currently weighing 27lb 6oz it will certainly be an obvious one to look out for in the future. Harry also had two further 30lb+ out by the end of the day.
Jon had a further 3 carp as well, a 30lb 3oz mirror, a 26lb 3oz common and a 18lb 4oz common. All from up under the willow tree,
Rob did only have one fish in the net on Thursday but he had had to take Lisa and Opal to the vets in the morning to sort out Opal’s worming treatment so they could return to the UK. It was, however, to be the biggest fish of the week, a 44lb 7oz mirror – what a chunk and he is well on his way to a 50lber now.
And it did not stop there. Friday is always a tough day as our anglers have to think about packing their gear up and squeezing it all back in the cars. After last year Rob and Lisa had invested in a soft roof bag which really helped, especially with Opal being in the back of the car! But the three of them kept on fishing and by the time they had packed up to enjoy the evening with Bob and Lisa, Rob started the day off with another 40lber, a 40lb 15oz mirror at 2.15am, Jon once again beat his PB with a 41lb 5oz common at 11.30am and Harry pulled in a 34lb 9oz mirror at 5pm. The last fish of the session was another pretty mirror for Jon weighing 28lb.
The weather got warmer as the week went on with temperatures peaking at just over 30°C on the Thursday. It was certainly a good weather week for Bob and Lisa and with the air temperatures rising, so did the water temperature and we even had some spawning roach around the margins one morning, and carp spawning on Kingfisher lake. We hope we will see a bit of rain before the full summer arrives but it is lovely to see our guests enjoying the lakes and the sunshine.
The final tally for the week was 34 carp in total with zero babies, 2 at 10lb+, 14 at 20lb+, 13 at 30lb+ and 5 at 40lb+. Rob worked out that they had caught over 73 stone of carp between them during the week with Harry catching over 370lbs with his 13 fish, Jon at 345lb with his 12 and despite catching the biggest fish and the most 40s, Rob ended up on 315lb from his 9fish. That is a lot of weight lifting. We have loved having you all back again and watching Maisie and Opal be together, until the next time bonne journée et à bientôt…..
23 June, 2026
This week saw some new faces on Kingfisher lake with Matthew and Anthony bringing their sons Rupert, Max and Milo for their first French carp fishing experience.
They arrived Saturday afternoon in glorious sunshine and that was the way the weather was heading for the week with temperatures up to 30°C by Thursday. The fish were feeding and the frogs are starting to shout across all the lakes around us. The cuckoo has been calling, bluebells have come out in flower and the fish have been seen spawning, some roach o Lac Lucie and by the end of the week some spawning activity from the carp on Kingfisher.
The three youngsters were all very excited and keen to get going. Max and Rupert set up in swim 2, preferring to use their bivvy rather than the hut, although that did prove to be a useful place to store everything. And their bivvy had ample space for everyone. Milo and his dad spent the week between swim 1 and swim 3.
The lads got their spots baited up quickly, using our spicy fish and maple syrup boilies along with some pop ups and wafters to match. After a quick tea they got their rods out and before long were settled in for the night.
Rupert and Max are avid carp anglers and have loads of gear and gadgets and had started their own TikTok channel (@mr_fishing01). They also hoped to complete a school project whilst they were with us, making a YouTube video and had lots of cameras and lights to help them with this.
By the time we walked round to see them on Sunday morning they were already buzzing after their first couple of fish both from 14 year old Max’s rods – two mirrors weighing 28lbs and 34lbs 4oz.
Sunday saw more fish on the bank with two more mirrors, 30lbs for 13 year old Rupert and 27lbs for Max and a common for Max at 22lbs.
Milo was super excited when we walked round to see them on Monday morning. His rod had gone screaming off in the night and after a long fight and a bit of unsnagging they managed to bring in a 78lb catfish at 4am. Not bad for a 10 year old! Whilst we were round there Max was also playing a catfish and it was great to watch it coming in. Not quite as big as Milo’s at 60lb but still a good fight and a PB as none of them had had catfish before.
Rupert had a 20lb common in the afternoon and then Max hooked into another catfish about 7pm, even bigger than the last at 80lb. Max then finished the day with another common of 35lbs.
Tuesday saw another 5 fish on the bank, a 23lb 8oz mirror for Max at 6.40am, a 18lb common for Rupert at lunchtime, and the biggest fish of the week for Max at 7.30pm, a stunning 46lb 4oz mirror. You can see the excitement on all three faces.
The day wasn’t over though and Max had a 27lb common later that evening and Anthony had his first and only catch of the week, a 7lb catfish.
It was not all about the fishing for these lovely people. They had bought a couple of mountain bikes with them and Anthony and Milo enjoyed a few bike rides and went to Le Chambon Station, not a place we have visited but it looks like it has some great hiking and cycling trails as well as other activities going on https://www.lechambon.org/station/. They also spent a couple of afternoons down by the public lake near us, swimming across it and enjoying the paddle boards etc at La Base Nautique https://www.basenautiquedeslacs.fr/ and a meal at Le 16 Beach, one of our favourites.
As the temperatures rose the lake quietened down and the fish started to think of only one thing and it wasn’t food. Max managed to catch a 24lb mirror on Wednesday evening but that was it and Thursday was not much better with a mirror out for Rupert weighing 21lbs and a mirror also for Max, but that did weigh 45lb 7oz so was worth getting out of bed for.
Friday always comes round too quickly but the boys were planning on fishing until the very last minute whilst Anthony and Matthew got packed up. It was Rupert catching all day on Friday with 2 carp in the net during the day. Nigel was there when he caught the 20lb common and he also had a 39lb common – his biggest fish of the week.
We had been sat chatting to the guests on Lac Lucie on Friday evening when Nigel wandered down to the shallow end of Lac Lucie to see if there were any signs of spawning on there with water temperatures up to 19°C. He was gone ages and when Jo went to see if she could find him he was on the house swim on Kingfisher helping bring in a 60lb catfish that Rupert had struck into. What he hadn’t realised at first was the the boys were doing a TikTok live video at the same time and had a couple of thousand people watching them. He may go viral again yet!
We are still waiting for the photos to come through but these are some from their TikTok account. Why not go over and give them a follow – they certainly have the skills and the enthusiasm to take it further.
The summary of the week is as follows 16 carp in total with zero babies, 1 at 10lb+, 9 at 20lb+, 4 at 30lb+ and 2 at 40lb+. There were also 4 catfish on the bank up to 80lb. A cracking week for these families, with some glorious sunshine and spring warmth. Until the next time bonne journée et à bientôt…..
23 June, 2026
Our guests on Kingfisher this week have been before – in fact this is Paul’s 6th visit to our lakes so he knows us and knows the fish. Last August the group were on Kingfisher at the same time as Chris and Liam on Lac Lucie and it was a bad week with temperatures hitting 40°C and low oxygen levels in the lakes. Lac Lucie suffered the most and Paul was kind enough to let Liam fish with them. This year both families decided to come at the very start of the season, where temperatures were almost the opposite – with a low of under 1°C on the first night. But they are all hardened anglers and do not really want to leave the lake at all over the week, which bought them some great results.
Arriving around mid-day in some rain, they unhooked the trailer and went off to the supermarket to stock up, mainly on camembert, before heading back to the lake to get set up. With the two new huts now in place there was a bit of a discussion as to who was going where. Historically Michael has been in swim 3 but with Thomas having his birthday this week, and being the youngest in the family, he laid claim to the new hut on swim 3, with Paul in swim 2 to keep an eye on him, Dave in the house swim and Michael and Oliver on the dam wall in swims 5 and 6. This did not leave a great deal of water between Oliver, Michael and Dave but they were happy where they were. Oliver was desperate for a catfish, so much so that he set one rod up with chicken on – just for the cats.
As they were setting up, Thomas threw a rod in the middle, in the hope that something would take his bait. Within a few minutes he was shouting to the others that he had a fish on, but no one heard him until he nearly had it at the net. Imagine his delight, and Oliver’s despair when he landed a 76lb catfish, without even trying and just a boilie on the end of his line. A new PB catfish for him and a great start to his week.
And so the competition started. By the end of Sunday Thomas had landed 5 carp as well as the catfish and as previous visits was way ahead of everyone with numbers caught.
And it continued throughout the week with fish ending up on the bank during the day and night and Thomas ending the week with 14 carp in total – beating all the others by at least 6. These are some of his photos.
Paul has always had the house swim when he has fished this lake previously but the new hut on swim 2 tempted him way too much and along with his AstroTurf, made himself comfortable with his bed looking out over the lake. Historically he has also always been the last to catch anything, usually making it til Thursday before he lands anything but this time he was off the mark by the time we went round to see them on Sunday morning with a lovely 48lb common
He ended the week with 8 carp on the bank in total and you have to agree that is is a cracking photo of a stunning mirror with the morning mist on the lake.
Maybe it is the swim that is always slow to switch on, rather than Paul as it was Dave who was the last to land a fish this week, having to wait until Tuesday before one was on the bank. But whilst most of the others will all fish 24/7 given the chance Dave was a bit more laid back about it all, enjoying the peace and quiet and being away form everyday life as much as the fishing. He was also the one sweeping the chalet out most days when we went round there so he did have some other responsibilities also! He ended the week with 3 or 4 carp he thinks, including a 33lb mirror and these are the photos we have.
Michael is Thomas and Oliver’s cousin and this was his 3rd trip to Kingfisher lake, usually ending up in swim 3 but this time setting up on the dam wall with Oliver. He started the week well with a 38lb mirror on the Saturday evening.
But unfortunately only ended up with two more on the bank for the rest of the week. This had to win the photo of the week though with a stunning sunset behind him, and a lovely 42lb common and a new PB.
As we said before Oliver had come for a catfish this time, not that he was adverse to the carp but all of his efforts went into trying to get a catfish. He knew that they like to hang around in the deeper part of the lake near the dam wall so that is why he wanted to fish from there. He had set his rig up on one rod with some chicken and adapted this over the week, hoping that patience would pay off. By Tuesday he had had 3 carp on the bank, a 38lb common, a 33lb common and a 30lb mirror so was still catching but he was determined to get a catfish.
It was Wednesday afternoon before his patience paid off. With everyone around him he managed to play the catfish and keep it on his line for a good 45 minutes, getting it right to the net. But we all know they are tricky to get into the net when they are big and between them the fish kept on sliding out. Determined he was going to land it, brave Oliver got into the water, even though it is only April and still very cold and got the cat onto the bank. Soaking wet and freezing cold he was still jubilant and was thrilled that it was 78lb, 2lb heavier than his brothers and a new PB for him too.
A summary of their week, based on the information we have, 35 fish on the bank in total, including zero babies, 1 at 10lb+, 5 at 20lb+, 11 at 30lb+, 4 at 40lb+ and 3 catfish up to 78lb.
So another great week for this family who have been here every year that we have been and in all weathers. We have enjoyed spending time with them again and sharing in their trials and tribulations and hope to see them again someday. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
23 June, 2026
When Chris and Liam visited us last August they could not have picked a worse week. With temperatures reaching 40°C and no rain for weeks our lakes were severely lacking in oxygen and the fish were struggling. Rebooking for the first week of the season seemed a great option and we were really looking forward to them coming back again and hopefully landing some real fish this week. And the fish did not disappoint with half of the lake population appearing on the bank over the 7 days. They were joined by one of the founding members of the Calendar boys, Paul A, as the rest of the tribe were on Kingfisher for the week.
Arriving mid afternoon on the Saturday Chris and Liam got set up on the main bank with Chris fishing to the left and Liam to the right. Paul A had driven down with the Kingfisher clan and was already set up on his own on the side swim. By the time we saw them on Sunday morning there had already been 5 carp in the nets and there was only Liam who had not caught. Paul kicked off with an 18lb mirror before darkness followed by Chris with a 32lb mirror before bedtime and his rod had only been in the water for 10 minutes. Paul had a further 3 during the night around the 20lb mark.
Chris landed a further couple on Sunday morning including a 42lb common, Paul had another two and then finally Liam was off the mark with this 16lb 8oz common.
Paul had at least one more before Monday morning including this lovely 37lb common
Monday was the Liam and Paul show with Liam landing an impressive 4 carp from exactly where Chris had seen them moving and Paul having another 37lb common. Liam had a fish on just when their tea was ready but unfortunately lost it at the net
Chris had a good fighting common on Tuesday and reckoned it felt a lot bigger than the 23lb 2oz common that he landed. Paul had another 2 including a 15lber and a 35lb common after dark.
Maisie and Nigel were down by the lake on Wednesday when Paul had a double take – two mirrors weighing 28lb and 32lb. As always Maisie managed to get in the photo – but does not look impressed that no one was throwing the ball for her.
We did not get any further photos on Wednesday but we are sure that Paul had had a few more. He was trying not to fish his spot too much, making the most of being away from his daily routine and giving the other two a chance to catch up with him. By Thursday tea time he reckoned he had had just under 40 fish out of the lake, and caught a couple of babies which would have been great for our stock pond if we had put the keep net down there for him.
Thursday saw at least another 5 carp on the bank, Chris with a 37lb common and a 38lb 2oz mirror, Liam with two mirrors weighing 24lb 10oz and 22lb 8oz and Paul with a 26lb 7oz common.
And Friday comes around again and the guys started to get their gear packed up. Chris and Liam were setting off early Saturday morning so were not planning on fishing the night but did manage to get 2 more to the net on Friday including a 27lb 8oz common for Liam and a 37lb 8oz mirror for Chris. Paul got the biggest of the week on Friday afternoon though with this 43lb common.
The weather was mostly dry all week with only a mm of rain. The nights started a bit chilly and we had some frost on the ground for the first few mornings but temperatures peaked at 16.8°C on Monday and the nights got warmer over the week. Jo’s Fishing Points App forecast very high fish activity for Tuesday to Thursday so we were expecting a good catch report this week and we certainly saw it from these three fine anglers.
To summarise their week, from what we have on record, we ended with 2 babies, 2 at 10lb+, 13 at 20lb+. 10 at 30lb+ and 2 at 40lb+. We do know that they had at least 15 more than this but are not aware of the weights. We have loved having these guys back with us and hope they had a safe journey home and will make another return trip one day. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
22 June, 2026
Yves and Sylvia pulled off an outstanding fishing session on Lake La Loubière. They landed over 104 carp, with 35 weighing over 33 pounds, and a top fish nearly reaching 50 pounds. Positioned at peg 2, their heavy baiting approach sparked intense activity. Many fish ranged between 24 and 31 pounds, with a few smaller ones from last winter’s stocking. This extraordinary catch hints at even heavier fish in the seasons to come!
22 June, 2026
Stunning venue, a beautiful lake which is apparently in the geographical centre of France. The lake is immaculately kept and the facilities are excellent. The owner, Alan Brackenridge, and his wife Shelley were lovely, they clearly wanted our week to be a success and were so helpful and accommodating. Our group of 4 loved it so much we had already booked to go back within a week of returning home.
The weather for the whole week was a real mixed bag of warm sun, wind, rain, hail and thunderstorms which made the fishing unpredictable. Between the 4 of us we managed 15 runs landing 8 carp between 21 pounds and 48 and a half pounds. Owner Alan said he would normally have expected similar numbers per person but the unseasonable weather had certainly had an effect.
Overall we thoroughly enjoyed the week and will be going back to try and catch some of the bigger Carp that undoubtedly reside in the lake. Will Glennie
20 June, 2026
We stayed at the gîte with friends and had a lovely, relaxing week. The accommodation was comfortable, well-equipped, and had everything we needed. The above-ground pool was especially appreciated in the extreme heat, with temperatures reaching around 41°C. Even the pool warmed up to around 35°C, which shows just how hot it was!
The fishing lake is well maintained and looked great. Unfortunately, the exceptional weather conditions made fishing quite challenging during our stay. The prolonged high temperatures seemed to affect fish activity, and while we spent plenty of time on the bank, the fish were understandably not feeding much. We even noticed a few dead pike, which we suspect was related to the unusually hot conditions rather than anything specific to the venue.
Despite the difficult fishing, we still had a great holiday. The peaceful setting, comfortable gîte, and refreshing pool made it a very enjoyable place to stay. We’d be happy to return under more typical weather conditions and would expect the fishing to be very different.
20 June, 2026
This was my second visit to Lac Baronne, having first fished the lake in September 2024, and I honestly can’t believe how much work has been done since then.
Rafal has put a huge amount of effort into improving the venue, making the swims far more accessible and comfortable to fish. His knowledge of the lake is second to none – he knows it like the back of his hand and genuinely wants every angler to succeed. He’s always happy to offer advice and will do his very best to get you onto the fish.
I’ve caught well on both visits and was fortunate enough to land a stunning 66lb mirror carp on my first trip. During my visits we’ve caught fish at both short and long range, which shows there are plenty of opportunities regardless of your preferred style of fishing.
The lake holds a very good stock of big, hard-fighting carp that seem to respond well to a heavy baiting approach. The fish are in great condition and every bite feels like it could be something special.
Overall, Lac Baronne is a well-run fishery that continues to improve year after year. Combined with Rafal’s dedication and willingness to help, it’s a venue I’d happily recommend and one I’ll definitely be returning to again. 🎣🐟
19 June, 2026
Lovely lake and surroundings. Patricia and Jay are wonderful hostes, thank you.
Me and a pal had lake exclusive for a week and a haul of 150+ fish,21 20s to 27lb4. 70+ doubles, rest singles.
Owners say it’s a working progress after taking over late Jan 2026 from previous owner. Best of luck guys.
Definitely one for the future…
19 June, 2026
Lovely looking lake, lots of features. Baliff’s very friendly, just a shame it was spawning a few days we were there. Would go back
17 June, 2026
Stunning lake and nice location. Tough week with very hot weather the days prior to arriving and huge temp drop . That coupled with the lake being heavily weeded on the side i was fishing made it very challenging. For me prefer that to it being a snag free puddle filled with fish. Managed to land some fish 5 over the week, largest only 38 lbs. Unfortunately most runs didnt result in a fish on the bank. When the weed has recessed it will be a greate place to fish.
16 June, 2026
Discover how the biggest carp feed, respond to pressure and use their environment, and the tactical decisions that can help you consistently target big carp.
Most anglers want to catch big carp. But very few anglers truly target them. There is a big difference.
Catching a big carp can happen by chance. You can put a good rig in a good area, use decent bait, and one day the biggest fish in the lake may make a mistake. Targeting a big carp is more deliberate. It means identifying a fish, studying the lake it lives in, looking at previous captures, watching how it behaves, and building your approach around the clues you collect.
It is not just about using bigger baits. It is not about fishing the most fashionable rig. And it is definitely not about assuming every big carp behaves in the same way.
Some big carp are notoriously elusive. Others are surprisingly catchable once their habits are understood. Some avoid pressure, some tolerate it. Some become creatures of habit. Some seem to break every rule in the book.
That is why the best big carp anglers rarely fish blindly. They build a picture. They look at previous captures, listen carefully, watch the water before setting up, and notice where the fish has been seen, caught, or expected to move.
Then they set a trap that suits that individual fish. That is the real art of targeting big carp.
Terry Hearn – image credit to Advanced Angling
Before we go any further, this needs to be clear: not all big carp behave differently to smaller carp. Not all big carp are difficult. Not all big carp are cautious old warriors that only feed during tiny windows of opportunity.
Some are very catchable. Some are caught regularly. Some are almost “friendly” by big carp standards, especially when they live in waters where anglers have learned their routines.
But many big carp do develop patterns. The largest fish in a lake may have survived years of angling pressure. They may have been hooked, lost, photographed, watched and targeted many times before. Over time, they can become associated with certain areas, certain routes, certain feeding windows and certain conditions.
That does not mean they become impossible. It means they become more interesting.
The mistake is treating “big carp” as one category. The better approach is to ask more specific questions. What do I know about this fish? Where has it been caught before? When does it usually appear? What areas does it use? Does it respond to bait? Is it regularly caught, or does it disappear for long periods?
The answers to those questions matter far more than any generic “big carp tip”.
If you are targeting a known big carp, previous captures are your starting point. They do not give you the full answer, but they do give you clues.
One capture may be random. Two captures may be coincidence. Several captures from similar areas, at similar times of year, or under similar conditions can start to reveal a pattern.
This is where many anglers miss the biggest opportunity. They see a photo of a target fish and focus only on the weight. The better anglers study the story behind the capture.
Look at where the fish was caught, what time of year it came out, and whether it was caught at night, dawn, dusk or during the day. Study whether it came from open water, snags, weed, a bay, a margin or a known feeding area.
It is also worth looking at the method. Was the fish caught on a single hookbait or over bait? Was it taken on boilies, particles, naturals, pop-ups, wafters or bottom baits? Was the successful presentation subtle, obvious, high-attraction or very natural?
Conditions matter too, but they must be treated carefully. Wind direction, air pressure, temperature and moon phase can all be interesting, but they can also become distractions if you force patterns that are not really there. The most useful patterns are usually the ones that repeat across captures, sightings and reliable observations.
Capture history turns guesswork into informed targeting.
The Burghfield Common from Burghfield Main Lake in Berkshire is one of the best examples of why capture history, observation and long-term thinking matter.
This was not simply a big common. It was a fish surrounded by pressure, attention and expectation. Many top anglers spent serious time on Burghfield trying to catch it, and the fish developed a reputation for being a rare visitor to the bank.
A fish like the Burghfield Common could not be approached like an average stock fish. It lived in a large, complex venue with natural food, weed, bays, snags, open water and countless places to disappear. The anglers who got close to it did not simply arrive, cast out and hope. They had to watch, walk, look and build knowledge over time.
Dave Lane’s account of his Burghfield campaign is especially useful because he makes it clear that location became the central issue. Rigs and bait were not his biggest concern. Finding the carp was.
Dave Lane – image credit to CarpWorld
That is a critical lesson. When you are targeting a big carp on a big water, the rig is rarely the first problem. The first problem is knowing where the fish is.
The Burghfield Common was also widely regarded as a fish that did not always behave like the main pack. If a target fish is known for avoiding the main group of carp, then fishing where the most carp are showing may not always be the best strategy. You may need to look for quieter areas, understand its associates, and wait for a very specific opportunity rather than chase general activity.
Tom Stokes’ capture of the Burghfield Common also reinforces the value of persistence and accumulated knowledge. His pursuit lasted years, and the eventual capture was not just the result of one good cast. It was the end result of a long campaign built around time, pressure, observation and belief.
The lesson is not that every big carp is elusive. Most are not.
The lesson is that some target fish require a campaign. You build that campaign around sightings, previous captures, companion fish, seasonal movements, known areas and the fish’s apparent response to pressure. You do not need to know everything, but every reliable clue helps you fish less randomly.
The biggest mistake many anglers make is setting up before they have found the fish. This is especially costly when targeting a specific big carp.
If you only have limited time, it is tempting to get the rods out quickly. You arrive, choose a comfortable swim, cast to a feature and hope the fish finds you. Sometimes that works. But if you are targeting one of the biggest fish in the lake, the better approach is often slower.
Walk first. Watch first. Look into the bays, check the quiet corners, stand behind the swim before committing, and try to understand whether the fish is actually in front of you.
Look for shows, fizzing, coloured water, drifting weed, liners, subtle movement and disturbed margins. Watch the birdlife too. Coots, moorhens, tufted ducks and other birds can sometimes reveal disturbance, natural food zones or fish moving beneath them.
Ask yourself one simple question before setting up:
Have I seen enough to justify fishing here?
If the answer is no, keep looking. A rod in the wrong place is not fishing. It is waiting.
And waiting in empty water is one of the fastest ways to waste a big carp opportunity.
Mary from Wraysbury 1 is another important example, not just because of the fish’s place in carp fishing history, but because her story shows how important long-term venue knowledge can be.
Wraysbury 1 was a vast, low-stock gravel pit. In the 1990s, it was one of the most mentally demanding waters in the country. There were very few carp in a huge amount of water, and simply finding them was an achievement.
The anglers who succeeded on waters like Wraysbury did not do so by fishing randomly. They built knowledge over time. Sightings, previous captures, seasonal movement, holding areas and reliable information all mattered.
That is exactly the point of this article. A sighting can become knowledge. Knowledge can become a decision. A decision can become a trap.
This is how big carp campaigns are often built. Not from one magical moment, but from stored information that later becomes useful. A fish seen in spring may guide your autumn approach. A fish spotted near a snag line may reveal a holding area. A fish caught twice from the same bank may tell you more than any weather app.
Targeting big carp is rarely about a single session. It is about collecting information and using it properly.
A sighting matters. A previous capture matters. A known holding area matters. Sometimes the most important part of a capture happens months before the bite.
If you are serious about catching a specific big carp, build a simple target fish profile. You do not need a complicated spreadsheet, although some anglers will enjoy one. A notebook is enough.
The point is to turn loose information into something useful. Instead of remembering vague details, you create a clearer picture of the fish you are targeting.
Record the date, weight, swim, time, bait and conditions of previous captures. If the same fish has appeared several times in similar circumstances, that may become an important clue.
Sightings are often just as valuable as captures. Note where the fish was seen, what it was doing, what time of day it appeared and whether it was alone or with other carp.
Look for repeated areas. Bays, snags, weedbeds, margins, open water zones, gravel bars and silty areas can all reveal something about how the fish uses the lake.
Some big carp show strong seasonal habits. They may appear in spring, become catchable after spawning, visit certain areas in autumn, or show during winter when pressure drops.
Try to understand how the fish feeds. Does it graze over bait? Does it come quickly and leave? Does it feed alone? Does it get caught among other fish? Does it respond to boilies, particles, naturals, singles or small traps?
Does the fish tolerate busy water, or does it vanish when the lake is under pressure? Does it get caught midweek, during poor weather, at night, or when the venue is quiet?
A good target fish profile does not guarantee success. But it helps you make decisions based on evidence rather than guesswork.
This is where many articles about big carp get it wrong. There is a romantic idea that every huge carp is a near-mythical creature that only feeds once a month, avoids every rig and outwits every angler.
It makes good storytelling, but it is not always true.
Some big carp are caught regularly. Some become famous because ordinary anglers have a realistic chance of catching them. That does not make them easy. It makes them readable.
Once you understand their habits, they become more targetable.
Benson from Kingfisher Lake at Bluebell Lakes is the perfect example of the “friendly giant” idea.
She was a genuine giant and one of the most famous carp in Britain. Part of her appeal was that many anglers had a realistic chance of catching her. That does not mean she was simple to catch; it means she lived in a setting where anglers could build knowledge and opportunity around her.
Martin Locke’s capture of Benson is a useful example of observation changing tactics. He noticed that gulls were attacking coots to take boilies from them, which suggested to him that the carp were not feeding on those boilies in the way anglers might have expected. Rather than simply copying what others were doing, he adapted and used maggots.
That first trip using maggots produced fish when little else was happening around the lake.
The lesson is not that maggots are always the answer. The lesson is that observation changed the tactic. He did not blindly follow the expected method. He read what was happening in front of him and adapted.
Benson – image credit Carpology
A big carp can be famous, accessible and still worth studying carefully.
If a fish is caught regularly, use that information. Find out what works, but also watch for signs that the usual approach has stopped working. Sometimes the best big carp tactic is not more bait, bigger bait or a more aggressive rig. Sometimes it is simply noticing that the carp are not behaving how everyone assumes.
This might be the most important tactical lesson in big carp fishing.
A “big carp rig” does not catch big carp because it has a famous name. A Hinged Stiff Rig, Chod Rig, Ronnie Rig or simple bottom bait rig is only useful if it suits the situation in front of you.
The best big carp anglers do not choose a rig first and then hope the fish fits around it. They study the fish, the spot and the feeding behaviour, then choose a rig that suits.
If the fish feeds over light debris, a pop-up presentation may make sense. If it visits a clean, hard spot, a simple bottom bait or balanced wafter may be more natural. If it is known to feed cautiously over scattered bait, a rig that resets well and sits cleanly may be important.
The best rig is not the one labelled as a “big carp rig”. It is the one that suits the fish.
The Parrot from Cranwells Lake on the Wasing Estate is a superb example of adapting to the individual fish.
This was a huge carp, eventually caught by Dean Fletcher at a British record weight of 68lb 1oz. It was also later caught by Terry Hearn at 63lb. But one of the most useful tactical accounts comes from Adam Whittington.
Adam had only seen The Parrot twice in the water. The second sighting was crucial. From up a tree, he watched the fish enter a shallow bay. It did not simply pass through. It fed there for a couple of hours before drifting back into the main body of the lake.
That observation changed everything. He did not charge straight into the bay and fish dangerously among stumps and snags. Instead, he identified the safer mouth of the bay, where open water weed gave way to sparser silkweed, silt and gravel.
Then he set traps across the mouth of the bay, effectively intercepting the fish’s route.
Even more importantly, he adapted to the fish itself. The Parrot had a surprisingly small mouth due to historic damage. Rather than using large baits just because it was a huge carp, Adam chose 12mm pop-ups.
That is proper targeting. The fish told him where to fish. The lakebed told him how to present. The carp’s physical condition influenced the hookbait choice.
Terry Hearn’s later capture also reinforces the point that huge carp are not always caught on huge baits. His successful bait was a double shaved tiger nut over a scattering of maize, hemp and corn.
The Parrot -image credit Carpology
Big carp tactics should be built around the individual fish.
If the fish has a small or damaged mouth, adjust. If it feeds in a shallow bay, observe its route. If the safest place to intercept it is not the exact feeding spot, fish the safer interception point.
The best trap is the one that fits the fish.
Capture history is valuable, but it can also mislead you.
If a fish was caught once on a south-westerly wind, that does not mean it only feeds on a south-westerly. If it was caught once from a certain swim, that does not mean it lives there. If it came once on a pink pop-up, that does not mean pink pop-ups are the answer forever.
Anglers are very good at inventing patterns.
The key is to look for repeated evidence. One capture is a clue. Several captures, sightings and observations pointing in the same direction become far more useful.
Ask whether the pattern actually makes sense. Does the area offer food, safety or a route? Has the fish appeared there more than once? Have reliable anglers seen similar behaviour? Does the timing fit with seasonal movement?
Good big carp targeting is not guesswork, but it is not superstition either. It sits somewhere in the middle: observation, history, instinct and evidence.
There is good reason to believe carp can become less vulnerable after negative angling experiences. Research on common carp has explored reduced vulnerability after hook exposure and the potential influence of direct and social learning on hook avoidance.
For anglers, the practical point is simple: pressure matters.
That does not mean every carp becomes rig-shy forever. It does not mean you need to change everything after one capture. But on busy waters, older carp may react differently to lines, noise, repeated baiting patterns, heavy leads, obvious rigs, boat traffic and constant angler presence.
This is why subtle changes can matter. Sometimes the edge is not a totally new method. It might be fishing quieter, using fewer lines, casting less often, choosing a different baiting pattern, fishing away from the obvious pressure, or using a presentation that suits how the fish is feeding rather than what everyone else is doing.
Pressure does not make carp impossible. But it does shape opportunity.
The best anglers notice how pressure changes a lake. Then they fish where the opportunity remains.
On many waters, the biggest fish are not caught by doing the obvious thing better. They are caught by doing the right thing differently.
That might mean fishing a quiet margin while everyone else aims for the central bar. It might mean using a simple bottom bait while most anglers are using pop-ups. It might mean spreading boilies rather than fishing a tight pile. It might mean fishing one rod quietly instead of thrashing the water with three.
Going against the grain does not mean being different for the sake of it. That is just guesswork in disguise.
It means understanding what most anglers are doing, then asking whether the fish you are targeting may respond better to something else.
If every line enters the same water, where is the quieter route? If every baited area looks the same, how can yours feel safer? If the target fish has been caught from a certain type of spot, where else on the lake offers the same conditions with less pressure?
These are the questions that separate targeting from hoping.
There is no single best baiting approach for big carp.
Some big carp respond brilliantly to beds of bait. Some are caught on singles. Some graze over boilies. Some get caught on particles. Some seem to appear when bait has been applied consistently over time. Others are more vulnerable to small, quiet traps.
The right approach depends on the fish and the situation.
A spread of boilies can be very effective when targeting bigger carp because it encourages movement and avoids creating one obvious dinner plate. It can suit fish that graze cautiously rather than compete aggressively on a tight spot.
A spread can also help avoid the pressured look of a compact pile of bait on waters where carp have been caught many times over tight baited areas. It is not always the answer, but it is a useful option when the fish’s behaviour suggests it may feed more confidently while moving between baits.
On pressured waters, less can be more. A carefully placed hookbait with minimal loose feed can be ideal when the target fish is in the area but not feeding heavily.
This can be especially useful in winter, during high pressure, or when fish are showing but not properly getting their heads down.
If the fish responds to bait and you have the time, prebaiting can build confidence. But only if it is done carefully.
Prebaiting without understanding where the fish wants to feed can simply educate everything else in the lake. The baiting needs to support the campaign, not replace the thinking.
The key is not choosing a baiting style because someone calls it a big carp tactic. The key is matching the baiting style to the fish’s habit.
If the fish grazes, spread bait. If it visits briefly, set a small trap. If it responds to food over time, build the spot. If it avoids pressure, do less.
Two-Tone from Conningbrook Lake in Kent is a perfect example of why capture history matters.
This was not a carp that slipped through history unnoticed. It was one of the most important carp ever to swim in Britain, holding or breaking record weights and being pursued by some of the best anglers in the country.
What makes Two-Tone relevant here is not simply size. It is the level of commitment and knowledge required.
Some anglers spent years fishing Conningbrook for that one carp. Lee Jackson’s quest lasted six years. John Bird spent around a decade on the water and gained huge knowledge of both the lake and its carp before eventually catching Two-Tone.
That tells us something important. Repeated capture history can create a map. Not a perfect map, but enough to guide serious anglers.
When a fish is caught several times over many years, anglers start to gather information. Dates, areas, weights, seasonal movements, successful approaches, lake conditions and how the fish fits within the wider stock all become part of the picture.
Two-Tone also proves that a huge carp can be catchable without being easy. It was caught repeatedly, but not casually.
Two Tone – Image credit Total Carp
A famous big carp’s capture history is not just nostalgia. It is data.
Every capture adds another piece. Every sighting matters. Every repeated pattern is worth noting. The more accurately you understand the history, the better your decisions become.
If this article has one practical takeaway, it is this: stop fishing randomly and start building a campaign around evidence.
Know what you are targeting. Not just “a big carp”, but a specific fish, or at least a specific class of fish within the lake.
Look for dates, areas, timings, bait, rigs and conditions. Use old captures as clues, not guarantees.
Walk before setting up. Watch the water. Look for sightings, activity, bird behaviour, bubbles, coloured water and quiet routes.
Try to work out whether the fish is elusive, predictable, pressured, social, solitary, greedy, cautious or simply misunderstood.
Choose your swim, rig, baiting and presentation based on the fish’s apparent habits.
Do not keep changing for the sake of it. Commit to the plan until the evidence tells you to adapt.
Every session teaches you something. Even a blank can be useful if you learn where the fish was not.
The most successful big carp anglers are not always the most technical. They are often the most observant.
They are prepared to blank. They are prepared to move. They know when to sit still. They fish with confidence. They do not constantly chase trends. They ask better questions.
Instead of asking, “What is the best rig for big carp?”, they ask, “What rig suits this spot and this fish?”
Instead of asking, “What bait catches big carp?”, they ask, “What has this fish shown us about how it feeds?”
Instead of asking, “Where is the best swim?”, they ask, “Where is the fish likely to feel safe enough to make a mistake?”
That way of thinking changes everything.
There is nothing wrong with catching numbers of carp. For many anglers, that is exactly what makes fishing enjoyable.
But targeting big carp often requires a different mindset.
You may need to ignore areas full of smaller fish. You may need to accept fewer bites. You may need to fish quieter, wait longer, choose the less comfortable swim, or stick with a plan even when others are catching elsewhere.
That is not easy.
But big carp fishing is rarely about constant action. Often, it is about one opportunity. One bite. One mistake from the fish you have been trying to understand.
That is why the preparation matters. When that opportunity finally comes, you want everything to make sense: the area, the timing, the rig, the bait and the reason for being there.
That is when you are no longer simply fishing for carp.
You are targeting properly.
Catching big carp is not about finding one secret tactic.
It is about understanding the fish.
Not all big carp are hard. Not all big carp are cautious. Not all big carp behave differently. But many develop habits that can be studied.
Some avoid pressure. Some become predictable. Some follow seasonal routines. Some respond to bait. Some prefer quiet areas. Some reveal themselves through repeated captures, sightings and small details that most anglers ignore.
Your job is to notice those details.
Study the previous captures. Find the fish before fishing. Watch how it uses the lake. Adapt your rig and bait to the way it feeds. Then fish with purpose.
Sometimes that will mean a Hinged Stiff Rig over light debris. Sometimes it will mean a simple bottom bait on a clean spot. Sometimes it will mean a spread of boilies. Sometimes it will mean maggots. Sometimes it will mean doing very little, very quietly, in exactly the right place.
The biggest change is often not in your tackle box.
It is in the way you approach the target.
Because the best big carp anglers are not just waiting for luck.
They are building the trap.
16 June, 2026
And next day, Ricky caught a 27lbs on a night fishing
16 June, 2026
Ricky caught a beautiful 26lbs mirror carp
15 June, 2026
Mark’s fishing session came to an end on Friday as other commitments called, and he had to get everything ready for anglers Chris and Steve, who were due to arrive the following day. Mark signed off in style with a stunning mirror. This beauty put up a tremendous fight, testing Mark every step of the way.
15 June, 2026
Mark has managed to get his rods out for a couple of days this week as Lisa is visiting the UK! Burt aka security has joined him for the first time in his bivvy 🐶🎣 and is gradually getting used to the bite alarm noise!
Mark landed 6 fish including the formidable Steve, our sturgeon. Couple of losses too for Mark.
13 June, 2026
Excellent location, peaceful and very tranquil. Plenty to see in area. The Weather was above 30 degrees all week not the best for fishing during day. Me and my lad only fishing late evenings till mid morning. Managed 25 lost 5. Biggest going 35.8
The stamp of fish we had was brillant,5 30s, mostly 20s and a couple of high doubles. They put up a good scrap. My lad beat his on 4 times in the week.
This was a family week with my missis, my parents and inlaws , the house was clean and tidy, outside areas and hot tub was lovely being right next to lake. The new bridge to the island was perfectly done. Made fishing from island the best spot with only 2 of us fishing.
I would definitely recommend this place and would return.
Lee was very helpful with everything.
Many thanks
13 June, 2026
Hayden, Charlotte, Pete and Sarah were here with their children from 13 June. The temperatures climbed steadily during the week and were in the upper 30s for most of the time.
Hayden and Pete had 5 carp in really difficult fishing conditions, with the water temperature around 30C! Pete had a new PB of 40lb 8oz and was well happy, and got very wet too. Quite a few managed to slip the hook but Hayden was determined to catch and had a 20lb mirror which took the pressure off! All caught on the house bait.
Nights were fished but only some daytime sessions, due to the high temperatures, when family time happened. Again the pool and the garden were in high demand, especially with the new pool fountain, and hopefully we can sort a date to see you all again next year.
12 June, 2026
Some anglers came to discover Lake La Loubière and chose swim number 6. They had a truly enjoyable week, catching multiple carp, most of them ranging between about 31 to 37 pounds. To top it all off, they had the joy of landing a stunning koi carp with linear scaling in striking yellow and black colors.
11 June, 2026
Gav vinny and ian returned last week and after all banking fish on the 1st night it went a bit quite for gav and vinny until.they moved on Tuesday.
Ian was catching consistently all week landing 13 fish from peg 1 and 2 upto 38lb with a lovely leather carp.
Vin moved to 4 which I advised him when he arrived then bagged a brace of 30s then had a lovely little linear that had come through in the lake which he named the vinear. Gav started with a 34lb mirror in 3 then had a few more mid 30s and a couple of mid twentys but the big girls were not coming out. Vinnie managed a pb 39lb .6 oz fish on Thursday that would normally go forty but there all empty now after spawning but theyll soon be packing it back on with the bollies going in. No one on next week then Ashley joins us through dream carp holidays on there 1st trip to foxpool.
The weather is not helping with a 15 degree drop from highs of 35 degrees to high teens and some light rain last week. Low twenty high teenscthis week but next week 30 degrees plus again . Not ideal.
11 June, 2026
Had a great time. Only thing was they started spawning so we stopped fishing. Luckily the lake opposite had stopped spawning and the people who had booked the lake offered us the chance to fish it. We really appreciated it as it was very hot , and we managed to catch 5 fish in 2 days.
Would love to come back if time allows.
But thanks to Kelvin who helped us with everything and to Jay who had just started but was really nice.
The fish were
34lb / 20/21/23 1/2 /24 lb.
Cheers Nigel Hughes & Simon Tolley.
09 June, 2026
New customers Paul and Collette had a challenging week with weather conditions changing daily and the fish not playing ball. Patience paid off and Paul landed a beautiful common. Not deterred he’s already planned new tactics for next year’s visit.
09 June, 2026
A selection of Belters for last weeks guests to just under 47lb here @levasion_lacs from John and the gang. We hope you had a great time with us 👍🏻👍🏻
09 June, 2026
So last week Lake owner Ben Lofting, On site Bailiff Malcolm and friends Gary and Spencer had a weeks fishing on the lake. With many of the carp having spawned a couple of weeks ago and the remaining with it on their minds, the fishing was tricky. The boys though worked hard and managed some great angling. The weeks total was….. Gary with a 28, 31, 36, and 40lb. Spencer with a 42, Weasley the ghost at 18lb, 22 , 22 , 30 , 34, 29lb and another he cannot remember (!) Malc with a 29, 45 and a 50 to top it off, and Ben with fish of 21.8, 22, 23.8, 31.8, 39.12, and two more on the last morning at 31 and 34lb
A great time despite challenging conditions where more bait generally meant more carp! Video to follow soon. Good luck to the four anglers on this week.
09 June, 2026
Great days fishing for Pete last catching 9 fish 2 lost inc 2 x 40’s to 44
Smashing his p.b with every fish he caught 🎣🎣🎣💯
09 June, 2026
The Stuart family 🎣🎣
A few weeks back had good weather and good fishing at the lake catching 35 carp for there week
Some lovely photos off the whole family getting involved with the fishing
which is great to see 🎣🎣💯
Well done all
09 June, 2026
Big well done to Wilf and Jack fishing beginning March with the weather up & down on there week but both getting new P.b’s 🎣🎣
Well done to mum Libby for bringing the boys out on there 1st French adventure 💯🎣🎣
06 June, 2026
Gary Moore landed two beautiful mirrors from the often neglected post 10. They weighed in at 47lb 8oz and 52lb. Well in Gary.
06 June, 2026
With the weather cooling down when Alex and Katie arrived, they had a much better week. Alex had 11 carp and a new PB of 38lb 12oz with a lovely common, which slapped him about. Alex fished days and nights and fish came both during the day and at night, with Katie bravely going out to take the night-time photos. See you next year.
05 June, 2026
Week 23.05.26-30.05.26 we had the Welsh lads back but only 4 of them this time. With the temperatures increasing very quickly it was a tough week for them. But they worked hard for the bites and managed 19 fish to 39lb well done lads. And some lovely photos as always 👍
05 June, 2026
Week 02.05.26-09.05.26 was a slower week with the fish spawning previous week and a big change in weather. But the lads still managed around 25 fish catching a lot of the smaller ones but had them up to 46.12lb well done in tough conditions
05 June, 2026
Catch report for the first group this year.
week 11.04.26-18.04.26
32 fish caught in the week. Well done lads 👏
3 x 50’s
5 x 40’s
11 x 30’s
Tony Vary peg 11
38lb mirror
28lb mirror
28lb mirror
43lb common
31lb common
36lb grass carp
41lb mirror
34lb mirror
44lb common
51lb mirror
35lb common
28lb mirror
30 plus grass didn’t weigh
Lee Curtis peg 3
41lb common
31lb mirror
29lb mirror
28lb mirror
Graham Harris peg one
54lb mirror
54lb plus common
Graham vary peg 12
27lb common
Moved into peg 10 had the below
29lb common
21lb grass carp
23lb common
27lb mirror
23lb common
Jimmy peg 6
34lb mirror
36lb mirror
49lb mirror
38lb Common
23lb mirror
Jack peg 7
31lb common
05 June, 2026
23-30th may 2026
Another fantastic week at Lac Du Cygne, my first visit since 2014 did not disappoint. A week of glorious weather in beautiful peaceful surroundings, landing 26 carp to 32lb+ most fish taken on mainline cell boilies/popups. Had no issues at all with crayfish or Poisson chat. Fished at either end of the lake and had similar amounts of fish at both. Highly recommend this venue for anyone looking for an “off grid” weeks carp fishing with the security and freedom of a whole lake booking. Thanks Steve for keeping this great venue going, hopefully we will be booking for next year although my wife wants to book again for august this year!!
03 June, 2026
16 Fish to 57lb
03 June, 2026
A look back at last week’s session.
With a total of 35 fish, including carp weighing 44 lb, 37 lb and 30 lb, which rewarded our anglers’ patience and passion. Some great fights and, once again, proof that our pond holds some wonderful surprises.
Congratulations to the anglers on these superb catches.
Come and enjoy the peace and quiet, the natural surroundings, and try your luck by the water’s edge.
03 June, 2026
Hard fighting 20+ Mirror beautiful carp with a golden set of fins PVA with octopus and squid baits. Just the job for a short session . With a 30+ common which nearly took the rod of the rest. perfect Sunday
03 June, 2026
You could not wish for better hoists Antony and Joelle made us welcome from time we arrived to the day we left.
The accommodation was of a high standard with everything you need.
For those who don’t fish 24//7 you need to go a long way to better Domaine de Puyrégonde north, not a great deal of attractions near by but we booked for a relaxing break, so perfect.
The weather was 30s all week so early morning evening were our call, I fished with my brother which is always eventful. We landed some fine specimens the best being 47lb+ a new pb never mind Bill, spawning interrupted the north lake but the option to fish the middle lake with smaller fish proved fun with a 27lb mirror landed however after 2 days back to north and a couple 30,s one each..
Just a word on the south lake for the more dedicated amongst us carp addicts the boys were landing some really nice specimens a couple over 60lb.
Sorry Bill you never sent me your photos.
03 June, 2026
Had a good time, the fish started to spawn on the Wednesday but we all had some fish.
Food could be better but a good time was had by all
03 June, 2026
The venue and facilities where wonderful, the Lodge was clean and tidy and the fishing was really good ,landed 24 fish upto mid 30 ,average weight of fish low 20s ,highly recommended this lake if you are after a relaxing holiday and catching a few carp
01 June, 2026
Jon and Abi had a tough week with weather hitting the 40’s. They didn’t give up and managed a few nice fish and enjoyed some leisurely days out in the hot sun. Dynamite’s Source boilies still working well in the extreme heat.
01 June, 2026
PB for Barry what an absolute stunning common
01 June, 2026
Beautiful 12lb Mirror carp one of the new stock fish we put in late last year caught on PVA bags with a mixture of hemp and our boilies.
01 June, 2026
Another + 40 for Matt what a day !
01 June, 2026
Another Mirror for Matt on day one of the trip
01 June, 2026
Lovely looking common Matt on a role with fish number 5 of the day
01 June, 2026
Matt with a whopper of a common 45lbs.
01 June, 2026
We had an absolutely fantastic stay at this fishing lake in France. The lake itself was beautiful, peaceful, and very well maintained, with excellent fishing throughout our trip. What really made the experience special, though, was the owner. He was incredibly helpful from start to finish — always available with advice, local knowledge, and happy to go the extra mile to make sure we had everything we needed.
You can tell a lot of care and passion goes into the place, and it created such a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. We’ll definitely be returning and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great fishing holiday in France.
01 June, 2026
48.9 Common caught on our squid and octopus baits with a PVA bag and mix of micro pellet and a dab of goo. This fish went from one end of the lake to the other and took over 30 mins to get in. This has the frame of a 60+ fish and can’t wait to see how it does over the next few years.
31 May, 2026
First time caught and new lake record.Know 3X 60+ in the lakes
31 May, 2026
25 Carp for David and Julian! Well done!
30 May, 2026
Gary & Doug arrived with the “Heat Bomb” with temperatures hitting the mid 30’s daytime & lows of 20 by daybreak. Not the best weather for carp fishing, however Doug decided on “clothes lining” his baits out in swim 2, which resulted in double figure fish for the week and a PB common of 46lb.
5 x 40’s
2 x 30’s
2 x 20’s
1 x double
Well angled Doug!
30 May, 2026
Beautiful lake, well kept and maintained by Paul and Terri. Food package was excellent and shower/ toilet room was ideal. Power, fridge and freezer on site.
Good head of carp to target ranging from 20lb up to 60lb+ and in fantastic condition too.
Highly recommended but you do need to book a year or so ahead of time as it is a very popular venue….
Peaceful and relaxing location to spend a week at with plenty of wildlife passing through.
Dave n Rob
30 May, 2026
Big drop in temperatures at the start of the week made the fishibg tricky for Jamie, Graham & Charlie. The lads stuck at it though and landed some cracking fish for all 3 anglers, including new PB’s for Jamie with a chunk of a mirror just shy of 56lb amd a lumpy 47lb mirror for Charlie. In total 10 fish including 2 x 50’s, 2 x 40’s, 4 x 30’s & 2 x 20’s
30 May, 2026
Mark Weedon landed this superb mirror (the fish named Joanne). Mark was fishing post 15, and on his last day caught the beautiful mirror which weighed in at 68lb 6oz.
30 May, 2026
Colin, Sheila, Mark and Sarah were here at the beginning of June. Colin and Mark had 11 carp, the biggest being 45lb, ranging through 31lb to 37lb, 27lb, and some in the 20s, and up to 20.
Mark was catching more, and Colin struggled some, even though they were fishing the same, but he still caught and was happy with what he caught. All caught on the house bait. No nights were fished, only daytimes, and Sarah and Sheila had a good time in the pool and the garden, and we’ll see you all again next year.
29 May, 2026
A week of very hard fishing. Only 8 fish out all week between 4 all small fish only two fish of any size 36,38lbs rest all 10lbs and below.
This isn’t to say there aren’t big fish in the lake but we was yet to see them. There is very restricted access to be able to cast so unless you have a bait boat or row out into the lake. You will find it hard.
The lake is beautiful, amenities are very basic, but manageable, the bailiff has some particle and baits to sell at a premium but he was helpful, and acccomodating. Regardless of what your told the lake is full of weed. Finding spots it tough but can be done if you put the work in. Nice place but I think a bit of work needs to be done to make it a top carp fishing venue.
28 May, 2026
Congratulations to Michelle with this impressive 37lbs Common carp smashing her PB. Caught on our squid and octopus baits
28 May, 2026
Dutch family Erik and his wife and two children this week and in a week of much warmer weather all the family caught fish and dad Eric smashing his pbs. The family enjoying the cottage and all it offers our guests and families from the 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms to the pool table , table tennis , table football , Xbox , Netflix and hot tub to the local area and great markets and local restaurants they had a great week.
28 May, 2026
We had an outstanding week at La Loubière, where the carp had clearly gathered around the area of Peg 5 in preparation for the spawning season. The fish were extremely active, providing some unforgettable action throughout the stay.
In total, more than 40 carp were landed, including 15 fish over 33lbs, with the biggest reaching an impressive 51lbs . The variety and quality of the catches made this session truly special.
Our loyal angler enjoyed the experience so much that he has already booked his return for next year. He especially appreciated the peace and quiet of the venue, along with the incredible diversity of fish the lake has to offer.
28 May, 2026
We had an outstanding week at Étang Camalo, where our angler, who came all the way from Romania, managed to catch some incredible fish in the deep waters. Even though most carp were gathered at the far end of the lake preparing for spawning, he still landed some fantastic catches in the depths. He specifically caught a stunning carp over 40 pounds, along with three fish over 45 pounds, reaching up to 50 pounds. He really appreciated the fact that the peg had been reshaped, making it easier to land the fish with the net. The new rock structure and fresh gravel allowed him to keep his gear dry and in a clean, tidy space. He also told us that the accommodation was perfectly set up and fully functional.
27 May, 2026
15 carp
biggest 45 lb
27 May, 2026
19 carp
biggest 58 lb
4 over 50LB
7 over 40LB
26 May, 2026
We were delighted to welcome back Sylvain and Max, our French anglers for the bank holiday weekend.
Patience certainly does pay off. …. Sylvain came during extremely high temperatures but being the experienced angler that he is, he knew his patience would pay off. This morning this beauty graced us with her presence. Last on our bank by our Mark in November.
24 May, 2026
Well after a slow start the lake finally kicked in we welcomed 3 irish lads back on that were last here 4 years ago when anthony bagged a 62lb common. He was going to be lucky to beat that again but he did have hatrick of forties the fish are spawned out now and at there bottom weights and was unlucky not to have 5 as he had some high 30s too and got into double figures . Sean wasnt so lucky and his inexperiance and not listing cost him fish when he went into peg 2 rather than 1 where old anthony had a few . The guys swapped swims 3 times sean did bag a forty and 39lb fish though all be it on old anthonys rods .
Over 30 fish out and a over 20 fish lost unfortunatly with young anthony losing 12 fish 3 on the bounce on wednesday night. Not good but the carp fishin in ireland isnt brilliant and there not used to catching big carp or holding them as you see in the pictures.
24 May, 2026
Despite the carp spawning at the end of the previous week and not expecting many bites, the lads had a very successful session on Baleine.
We welcomed a full house of 14 anglers to the lake, and they certainly made the most of their time here. With temperatures soaring and even taking a day off to enjoy some French kayaking, they still managed to put together an impressive catch report.
By the end of the session they had landed 23 carp, including:
The biggest carp of the week tipped the scales at an impressive 64lb.
Most importantly, the lads had a fantastic time, fished hard, and created plenty of memories. We have no doubt we’ll be seeing them back again in the future.
The lakes are now closed for fishing for the next 2–3 weeks while we carry out maintenance and improvement work. The carp deserve a well-earned rest after the spawning period, and we’ll be back soon with a work report and updates from around the fishery.
Thank you to everyone who visited us this spring, and we’ll see you all again soon.
23 May, 2026
Review from our angler Wayne:
What can I say. I had such a great time away fishing on my own. mark and Lisa are such lovely people. Very welcoming and have such a great fishery. I had 3 lovely fish in my time there and landed the monster sturgeon steve. I lost plenty more unfortunately. They are both there if you need anything just on the end of the phone. I enjoyed it so much that I have booked again for september. The best bit about the venue is the unknown whats in the lake as its a new establishment. The work they have done on the shower block is great to. I cant wait to come back again soon. thankyou both for everything while I was there. See you again soon.
23 May, 2026
Our angler Wayne had a visit from “Steve” last night at midnight!! Steve gave a very good account of himself and Wayne battled with him for one hour.
Wayne’s smile says it all!
23 May, 2026
Phil and Matt had a great week landing lots of carp. Matt smashing his old PB and joining the 40 club. Dynamite’s peppered squid 🦑 ,source boilies mixed with house pellet and hemp fished over with yellow and orange pop ups done the job. Well done, see you next year.
23 May, 2026
It was a hot one this week on Saussaie.
With the carp having finally finished spawning, they were clearly in recovery mode and proving very difficult to catch. To be honest, everyone was feeling it. Temperatures climbed to an incredible 36°C during the week, making it more about surviving the heat than chasing bites at times.
Nevertheless, the lads thoroughly enjoyed their time on the lake and kept working hard despite the challenging conditions.
In the end, 6 carp found their way onto the bank, with the biggest weighing in at 50lb 4oz. More importantly, a number of personal bests were broken, leaving a few of the lads absolutely over the moon with their results.
The fishing may have been tough, but great company, new PBs, and time on the bank made it another memorable week at Saussaie.
23 May, 2026
A lovely brace of commons for Jack Hood – a beautiful 50lb common followed up with the Scar common (Laura) just under the 60lb weight.
And a lovely 52lb mirror for Jamie completes the highlights of the week.
23 May, 2026
The carp spawned this year at the end of May and beginning of June, which made the fishing tricky. Jim had a new PB of 34lb 12oz, and got very wet for that one. It was a very hot week for Jim which made the fishing very hard, especially as only days were fished. But everyone had a great holiday nonetheless, making full use of the pool, and days out to explore and eat.
22 May, 2026
Outstanding venue, and an exceptional welcome from Craig and Isabel,in fact the whole family went out of their way to ensure we were comfortable and had all that we needed. The food package was from a local restaurant most of the week with a couple of nights Isabel cooked for us, which was just as delicious. Could not fault our week in any way. Came home with 3 pb’s and a new species (Zander on a boilie!). Would love to return with our partners to try out the on site Gite.
21 May, 2026
What can we say, what a place, Ant the owner was perfect, he is creating something special and his hard work shows.
There was a party of 6 of us.We had over 82 fish between us, when we booked this place it was well out of our league, none of us had fished a lake this size, when we arrived we picked pegs and was on our way. Some really lovely fish, 5 out of the 6 of us all had new PB’s to take home with us, we had a couple of 50lbs + fish.
As you can see from some of the pics above the fish are lovely.
We didnt have the food package but we all ate together on the Friday which Ant cooked for us and put a table out so could all have a talk about the great week we have had, the food was amazing and plenty of it.
Can not fault this place.
20 May, 2026
Justin and his wife and daughter this week and another great week with less fish to the net but much bigger fish with an average weight for his 9 carp of over 40lbs the biggest going 51lb. 8oz and Justin loving our new cabins with fridge , lights , UK charging points and kettles, and his wife and daughter enjoying all the cottage has to offer using the hot tub , and watching Netflix and playing the Xbox in what was a wet week weather wise and also getting out to visit local attractions, markets and restaurants.
20 May, 2026
Bernard and Darren with 30 plus fish for the week in a week of changeable weather but they got their spots rocking and caught steadily all week especially Bernard who smashed his pbs with new , carp , grass carp and sturgeon to the net with the biggest fish at 47lb.12oz. Cabins again proving a big hit and our great breakfast and diner food package also hitting the spot.
20 May, 2026
Alex Matt and Mark returning for yet another visit and the fish didn’t disappoint the boys yet again over 39 fish to net and few lost with Alex the standout angler of the group with 27 fish. The lads doing 2 days in each of the 3 main swims but the fish seemingly following Alex from swim to swim. Matt and Mark chipping in with 11 fish to the total with Alex and Matt both smashing their pbs. New cabins making for a great week keeping the lads comfortable, warm and dry and no need for bivvys.
20 May, 2026
Week 2 may-16th may
Returning angler Gary and his wife Jo who last fished it in 2017 and were absolutely amazed on how we have transformed the venue. Fishing only days Gary managed to bag 44 carp in total biggest going just under 49lb
20 May, 2026
25 carp landed between 4 anglers with the biggest 57lbs.
19 May, 2026
Friends Stephen , Caroline , Henry and Charlie back with us and another great week for the family with all the boys smashing their pbs again.A cold wet week weather wise but the new lakeside cabins keeping everyone warm and comfortable and Caroline enjoying the hot tub and Netflix while the boys fished with over 35 carp to the net.
19 May, 2026
31 lbs on the first day at St Brice
19 May, 2026
Great venue, facilities were great, owner was very helpful, 98 fish caught 12lb to 62lb,
3 commons 48-49lb
62lb grass carp
Plenty of 30-40lb
Will definitely be going back
Thanks for a great week🎣🇫🇷
19 May, 2026
A good start fir the boys with all 3 getting off the mark in the 1st 24 hours Anthony was straight out ofvthevblocks with a 44lb mirror within 15 minutes of casting out them followed that up with a 33lb fish the had a 41lb mirror sunday night . His dad’s had 3 30s fish upto 28lb and Sean had 3 from peg 3 they’ll swapped swims last night and Anthony had a nice common from peg 3.now a few been lost too unfortunately. There already into double figures after 2 nights though weather has been cool with only 11 degrees today. But set to rise to.30 by weekend.
We had a few cancellations come in for August due to medical matters and one in july caused by a couple splitting up. So the 11th of july and 15th and 22ndvof August are free now. Thanks Graham foxpool
19 May, 2026
Our anglers; Mike, Martyn, Hugh and Martin. It was a very difficult week for them, they experienced the four seasons in one week!! Warm, bright and sunny days, torrential rain (months worth of rain in less than 24 hours), cold northerly winds, hail stones and frosty nights!! All that was missing was snow!!
They made the best of a difficult week with lots of laughs and smiles.
They managed a total of 17 fish including 3 x 40s, 5 x 30s, 6 x 20s and a few doubles and lost a few fish as well. A few PB’s along the way.
19 May, 2026
All the fish we had were stunning examples of well looked after carp and what you’d expect from a quality venue.
The whole venue is amazing and peaceful.
From the moment we booked contact was great with help and information and we got the impression nothing would be an issue to rectify if required, but no problems were experienced and our trip was the best ever.
I cannot recommend this venue enough for the whole experience and the hosts and neighbours are exceptional.
If you want to come to France to fish a runs water then this isn’t for you but if you’re willing to put in a bit of work the results are perfect and you get rewarded by stunning looking, hard fighting carp in beautiful surroundings.
Catch report.
50’s:
51lb 10oz
40’s:
44lb, 42lb, 43lb 8oz, 48lb 4oz, 44lb 5oz, 42lb
3oz, 45lb 6oz, 47lb 4oz, 42lb 8oz
30’s:
38lb 5oz, 35lb 5oz, 35lb, 37lb 3oz, 35lb, 39lb
80z, 30lb
20’s:
20lb, 23lb 5oz, 28lb 2oz, 21lb, 29lb 8oz, 23lb
7oz, 28lb 8oz
Teens:
19lb, 19lb 8oz
19 May, 2026
8 fish in 4 nights ,7 fish between 35lb and 45lb and then last night 70lb 2oz Mirror.Great lake to fish if you want simple no frills fishing.David the owner is very helpful.
18 May, 2026
Tough week due to the big drop in temperature and rain meant Dave & Vince had to work hard for their fish, which included a new PB for Dave with the 51lb mirror. 1 x 50, 4 x 40’s, 1 x 30 & 4 20’s and the boys left with their heads up🤝😎👌
17 May, 2026
What a good week of fishing it was on Baleine.
With temperatures rising above 30 degrees during the week, the carp were clearly getting ready to finally finish spawning. Charley’s group had done really well last year, so they arrived buzzing and ready to get started again.
There were only 6 anglers fishing, but every single one of them was a quality angler with plenty of big fish experience from both the UK and Europe. I was really curious to see how they would get on this time around.
And fair play to the lads… they absolutely worked hard for them.
By the end of the week they managed an incredible:
* 39 carp landed
* 7 fish over 40lb
* 8 fish over 50lb
* Including a remarkable new 70lb 8oz mirror — another new 70 for Baleine
The lads absolutely smashed it once again.
The carp actually started spawning as the group were leaving, so hopefully it doesn’t cause too many problems for the new anglers arriving this week.
A top group of respectful people as always, and we’d love to welcome them back onto the lake again in the future.
17 May, 2026
Apsolutly loved the place from the miniute we opened the gates to the time we closed them behind us.booked the whole lake for me and my partner .its tucked away in beautiful surroundings packed with wild life and just got that feel about it.we fished all 3 pegs over the week all resulting in fish 15 bites 11 landed biggest 49 .40.38.37.30.rest upper 20s all immaculate and really good looking fish .will def be back next year thanks simon and savana
16 May, 2026
Hi got back from domaine de la Barrone last week good weeks fishing 31 carp in total biggest was 43 pounds but bigger fish are in there We booked the island swim in the middle of the lake it has a lodge with charging points for your phones and a big pontoon to fish of You can also fish of the back of the island with stalking rods would recommend this to anybody the owner of the lake is very helpful and friendly only three hours from Calais will be going back next year Dream carp holidays are a very good company to book through and do everything to make your weeks fishing go smoothly
16 May, 2026
37 Carp for Gary and Party! Well done!
16 May, 2026
The lads had a really tough week of fishing on Saussaie this week. The fish just really weren’t having it.
There were loads of naturals and hatches coming through, with fry filling the lake and the carp clearly still looking towards spawning themselves. With so much natural food available, the carp had plenty to eat instead of our bait and hooks.
Despite the difficult conditions, 4 fish still found their way onto the bank:
On top of everything, the temperatures suddenly climbed to over 30 degrees, meaning both the anglers and the fish needed time to adjust to the conditions.
For the health of the carp, we’re hoping they properly finish spawning soon so we can finally leave this tricky stage of nature behind and look forward to more consistent fishing again.
Massive respect to the lads for sticking it out through a very challenging week and keeping spirits high throughout.
16 May, 2026
38 Carp upto 42.04, for Mitch and Paul! Well done boys!
16 May, 2026
A good week for Gary and Shaun with around 40 carp upto 42lb.
Well done Boys
16 May, 2026
This is my second visit but first time staying in the house. Yan and Christiane are the perfect hosts, very accommodating and helpful when needed.
The house has everything you could possibly need and is of a very high standard throughout.
The fishing has been excellent on both occasions. Fish are in pristine condition and the setting is peaceful and tranquil.
I highly recommend and have booked again for next year.
15 May, 2026
Regular guests Ben and Stacey joined us this week.
Warm days but cold nights made it an interesting week for fishing and it wasn’t their most productive visit ever, but working hard to the conditions they managed to bank 19 carp up to 43lb 8oz.
15 May, 2026
This week we had regular guest Richard visit us for his 9th trip.
With bright sunny days, high pressure and cold nights forecast, it seemed like it might be a tough week.
Richard caught around 16 fish, the biggest of which were a common at 43lb 14oz and mirror going well over 40lb on the scales. Half a dozen 30’s were also landed by our guest, so I couldn’t turn down the invite to join him for a few evenings/nights.
I managed to get 5 carp on the bank, up to 38lb, so it turned out to be a very good week with some of the bigger residents showing they are ‘on the munch’.
15 May, 2026
Lovely place
Lovely people
Great fishing !
Would love to go again !!
Thanks Doreen & David 👍👍👍
13 May, 2026
Had a great week at Windmill. Dave and Sue were great hosts, the food package was incredible, proper home cooked food. The shower was excellent and all other facilities spot on. Had 45 fish over the week to 43+
13 May, 2026
Had a great week at Etang de Janine. The lake fished hard on our week but a few carp did make an appearance, a couple of mid 40s a 52 and the best being 61.08 . The food package was great, the shower was hot, plenty of boats available and Dave the owner was happy to help out with anything we needed.
A great venue with some lovely big carp ! 👌🎣
13 May, 2026
The fish really got on the feed this week with action coming from all around the lake. A total of 45 carp were landed up to 46lbs.
Great angling guys!
13 May, 2026
Arrived near to Francis’s house a lot earlier than the time stated, but he was more than happy to take us to the lake and get us settled in.
And what a lake, just the 2 of us so plenty of water to go at.
The main cabin was awesome, all the facilities you would need, I could have left most of my luggage behind!! The other cabin was perfect too, with electric and wifi
The weather was mainly hot and sunny with a north easterly wind, sometimes quite strong, and we had a horrendous thunderstorm on the last evening.
As for the fishing, we had 29 in total between us, best ones being 33.8 mirror, 29.8 common, 2 x 31 sturgeon and a single 11.4 cat
Total of 10 sturgeon, 6 common, 4 mirror,and the one cat.
Photos of a few of the fish, but struggled to get some from phone to laptop!!
Ensure you have a good length of tubing above the lead clip, but even so, a few sturgeon spun on the line and cut through due to the sharp dorsal fins
Francis visited several days, and was always very chatty and informative.
I would suggest taking your own landing net, always good to have a spare at the ready!!
I would definitely book this lake again.
12 May, 2026
Wow just returned from lac du cygne, what can I say the lake is beautiful . Steve told us best spots to fish and bait and these are some of the photos
12 May, 2026
Congratulations to Rob Smith with a Common PB of 57lb12oz fishing 2 weeks from 18th April – Some cracking fish Rob – Awesome! See you next year!
12 May, 2026
Absolutely awesome week with well over 20 carp between 2 anglers. The guys all smashed their common and mirror PBs with top fish at 59lb8oz. Congratulations!
12 May, 2026
Well done to Stuart who burst his PB twice with two 50’s best at 58lb7oz
12 May, 2026
Etang 13/Xlll Review.
First time trying this lake as it has recently been added to Dream carp holidays
This is more of a wild lake which suites the angler who loves a challenge, full of snags and over hangs which make it even more exciting but you definitely have to earn your bites.
Biggest going was 57.6lb with 13 fish caught over the week.
Live out of your bivvy with a lodge which has a new shower, kitchen & seating area about 10metres from the swims which is also a plus.
Highly recommended if your looking for a challenge.
The owner even came and had a beer with me to congratulate on the fish.
12 May, 2026
Had a great week at three islands,very nice lake.we caught 20 carp 1 grassy and 5 Sturgeon up to 46lb.
The lake has no mains power so their is no big fridge for bait only a small gas fridge.So I’d recommended you air dry your bait and fully charge all your batteries before you go.
We took our own cook station as their is no cooker,their is a microwave and airfryer which run off a generator.If the weather is good their is a nice size barbecue with seating area and fire pit.
This is definitely not a runs water and due to the clarity of water a lot of bites were at night,but everybody caught,swim 1 did the best managing 12 carp up to 44lb and I must say these are some of the hardest fighting carp we’ve caught.Nice like in beautiful countryside a great place to get away from it all.
11 May, 2026
Jamie and Alex arrived to a week of southerly winds, temperatures in the middle teens and rain. Undeterred and up fir it, the lads managed 13 fish between them, including 2 PB’s over the week for Alex, the biggest of which was 54lb 4oz.
3 x 50’s
2 x 40’s
4 x 30’s
4 x 20’s
11 May, 2026
Roy & Rus continued the good run of results with an even better week than the previous one, with 21 fish and Roy upping his PB 3 times over the course of the week. Crab & Maple house boilies with house feed pellet and glug did the business for the lads and they werent shy in putting it in either as the fish showed they wanted it. Biggest fish was Roy’s 56lb 8oz mirror and the lads recorded 5 x 50’s, 6 x 40’s, 4 x 30’s & 6 x 20’s with an average weight of fish being over 39lb for the week
11 May, 2026
Best week of the season so far for Mark & Jake. Temperatures where high teens/low twenties daytime and mid single figures before daybreak, which coupled with a mainly southerly based wind got the fish feeding. Mark started off with a PB common of 44lb 8oz, which he upped a further 3 times during the week with mirrors of 48lb, 50lb and 53lb 10oz, Not to be outdone on the PB front, Jake upped his PB twice with mirrors of 42lb and 46lb 8oz. Mark also had rhe privilege of landing one of the lakes A Team fiah, The Big Zip mirror at just shy of 47lb – what a fish! 16 fish between the lads involving 3 x 50’s, 6 x 40’s, 3 x 30’s & 4 x 20’s
11 May, 2026
First week of the year with no frosts and daytime temperatures getting well into the mid and then upper twenties. Jordan and Dave took full advantage of this and the caro starting to show themselves with the first sunny week of the season, with a new PB for Dave following his 51lb mirror & top rod for Jordan on number of fish. 1 x 50, 5 x 40’s, 2 x 30’s 4 x 20’s
11 May, 2026
Sharp drop in temperatures amd a northerly wind made it hard for Paul & Liam’s week. They fished hard for their bites though on the house Pineapple boilies and did well to record a new PB for Liam with a 51lb common, a beautiful mid 40 grey mirror for Paul, 2 x 30’s and 4 x 20’s
11 May, 2026
A week of northerlies and highs of single figures/lows in the minuses meant the fish where only just starting to come out of the winter. Baz had a brace of commons for over 104lb, the biggest being a cracking bar of gold tipping the scales at 63lb. The 51lb 8oz “small” common was a cracker too. Barney did well for a few 30’s but the lads lived the venue, hospitality and the craic and have vowed to return when time allows
11 May, 2026
Marv did a 3 day pre-season warm up session after the lake hadnt seen a line since October. Temperatures ranged from high single figures day through to -4 pre day break and a strong northerly wind. Marv fished for a bite using the house boilies Pineapple Butric Acid fished snowman style and the 3 fish banked where a new PB Mirror of 58lb, along witg 2 other mirrors 44lb & 40lb. Not a bad session at this time of the year with 3 chunks like these
11 May, 2026
Heavy rain all week brought the season to a close after one of the weirdest seasons weather wise. It seemwd to be either in the 40’s with pressure of 1030+ or wet as hell and Wayne did well.to avoid the blank with a chunky 40lber
11 May, 2026
Quiet week fish wise for Peter, Callum & Rich which was very frustrating for the lads due to the continued shows, bubbling and boshing going on around the lake. Everyone put this down to an abundance of naturals as the fish where very definitely feeding. All said, Peter & Callum managed PB’s with 50lb & 39lb mirrors
11 May, 2026
A drop in temperature with colder nights in low single figures heralded the first signs of autumn. Scott, Luke and Mart enjoyed their week together with lots of laughs and banter, coupled with a few nice fish including a PB common of 42lb 12oz. 2 x 40’s, 6 x 30’s & 2 x 20’s
11 May, 2026
A cold, wet week for Stu & Ed. Ed what the biggest fish with a chunky 40+ mirror & Stu top rod with 2 x 39’s and 2 x 20’s for the week
11 May, 2026
Carp starting to get on the autumnal munch this week. Rob was top rod out of him, Frank and Colin, with Rob doing his PB 3 times over the week and Colin managing a new PB too. Biggest fish of rhe week was Rob’s common at 2 oz off being a 50 along witg 2 other 40’s. 6 x 30’s and 3 x 20’s
11 May, 2026
Glyn, Craig and Damo’s week started with south easterlies and then experienced literally every possible wind direction possible as it changed every day. The lads managed a few fish with the highlight of the week being Hlyn breaking his PB 3 times over the week, with the biggest being his 40 a few hours before they had to leave for the airport
11 May, 2026
The weather finally started playing ball with the start of September. Temperatures returned to the 20’s and Andy amd Sean managed 13 fish including 1 x 50, 2 x 40, 7 x 30 & 2 x 20 including a PB for Andy with the big mirror
11 May, 2026
August fishing continued to suffer due to the extreme heat and unseasonal wind direction. Jamie didnt give up and was rewarded with a 43lb mirror for his efforts
11 May, 2026
Weather continued to have a negative effect on the fishing, due to the wind swinging between northerly and easterly. James’ 34lb mirror saved what could have wel been a blank week
11 May, 2026
Very changeable weather with high pressure all week made for challenging fishing. Henry still managed a PB with a 46lb mirror and a 20lber
11 May, 2026
Weather made for tough going with days in the 30’s at the start and the end of the week. Chris still managed to bag 5 fish for the week to 37lb
11 May, 2026
Ash & Alan’s week involved a new PB for Ash with a 46lb mirror and a total of 4 x 40’s to 47lb, 3 x 30’s to 36lb and 2 x 20’s to 28lb
11 May, 2026
What a week, Shaun & Rich came with their wife’s Sarah & Louise for company and the boys managed 1000kg of carp for the week, including 2 x 60’s to 66lb, 5 x 50’s to 58lb, 6 x 40’s to 48lb, 5 x 30’s to 38lb & 3 x 20’s to 26lb. Top angling fellas!
10 May, 2026
Had a great week with over 30 carp between 2 of us , didn’t get among the biggest fish but had 6 over 20 ! Great facilities & a very serene lake, Liam the bailiff was very helpful. Looking forward to next year.
10 May, 2026
What a week it was on Baleine.
After the difficult fishing over the previous weeks and the temperatures dropping hard again at night — back down to 2 degrees — the week started off a little rusty. But consistency, strong angling skills, good listening, and a lot of respect between the anglers and towards the fishery turned this into one of the best catch reports of the year.
There was loads of movement from the anglers throughout the week, with plenty of stalking and moving swims during the day to stay on the fish. Fair play to everyone involved because all the effort truly paid off.
I even managed to get the rods out myself and we all went full focus hunting for carp.
And the result? PBs absolutely smashed everywhere.
Huge congratulations to:
* Carol with a stunning 50lb common and a new PB
* Alex’s dad for banking “The Dinosaur” again at 62lb 13oz — another PB smashed
* Ryan with a new PB common of 50lb 8oz
* Ryan again with another new PB at 53lb 4oz
* Jordan who first smashed his PB with a 51lb 4oz mirror and then, only 2 hours later, landed the 27th 60 from the lake at 60lb 2oz — absolutely obliterating his PB again
And right after that I managed to bank the massive 74lb 9oz common myself, breaking all records:
* Biggest fish in Baleine
* Biggest fish across both lakes
Apologies if I missed anyone, but I believe Liam and Alex may also have beaten PBs during the week too.
Massive shout out to every single angler this week. It truly shows what effort, teamwork, respect, and proper angling can achieve on Baleine 🫵🏻
09 May, 2026
We had an amazing group on Saussaie this week. Although the fishing was hard after a heavy pre-spawning week beforehand, the lads kept spirits high from start to finish.
John was catering all week, and as respectful as the group were towards us and the fishery, they certainly enjoyed taking the mick out of each other with plenty of laughs along the way.
In the end, the group landed 7 fish, apart from one unlucky angler who unfortunately blanked this time around. They also lost 5 bites during the week, proving just how tricky the fishing really was.
Despite the conditions, some incredible fish were banked:
• 1 mirror over 40lb
• 1 stunning 57lb 4oz mirror
• And the fish of the week — an incredible 64lb 3oz mirror
The guys even gave the big girl a name: “The Quine”, thanks to a distinctive scale on the top of her head.
Even though the lake fished hard, the lads had an unforgettable week and told us they will definitely be back for a rematch. We’d love to welcome them back onto the lake.
09 May, 2026
A really good week for the lads on the lake.
We start with the party leader Tyler Deny, who landed 24 fish from post 6, including seven beautiful 50lb+ mirrors, several of them upper 50s. Well done Tyler.
Some nice fish were landed by Ben, Liam and Rob – a 60lb common, several 50lb+ carp and lots of 30s and 40s.
Darren Hall landed some superb fish, including two beautiful mirrors, the biggest being 59lb.
Two lovely mirrors for Ben Sharp fishing post 14, the biggest being 59lb.
09 May, 2026
This week, the Furet lake delivered plenty of fish across all swims that had anglers, notably Swim 9, the Loft swim, and the Lodge swim. Swim 9 recorded a lot of bites, but the fish were of average size, due to its proximity to the carp spawning area. It’s a swim well-suited for spawning. Meanwhile, swims fishing open water, like the Loft and the Lodge, had fewer bites, but the fish were heavier, with some surpassing 45 pounds and even 50 pounds. Anglers also appreciated our meal services, our shop stocked with all necessary tackle and bait, and the fact that we are available at any time of day to help them or offer personalized services.
09 May, 2026
A client made a last-minute booking to fish at our La Loubière lake. First, he fished the tail end of the lake, then, noticing the wind had shifted, he had the excellent idea to move to Swim 1 near the dam. That decision paid off, as he caught several fish, including three big ones weighing 42, 51, and 60 pounds. He truly appreciated the calm of the lake, nestled in the countryside, as well as the spacious swims. On top of that, he found our facilities very convenient, with toilets, a shower, refrigerators, and an electric point for charging—everything he needed. By the end of his stay, he noted how well the site met his expectations. By the way, we have excellent swims available for June, as well as for July, August, September, October, and November—so don’t miss out!
09 May, 2026
Our anglers had an exceptional experience this week with the exclusive rental of Lake Kamalo. They fully took advantage of our three swims, each equipped with a lodge: the swim “The Heaven” and the VIP swim “The Cube” provided steady catches by targeting submerged branches and obstacles. However, at full water level, the VIP swim area proved to be the most interesting and productive, yielding two massive fish over 50 pounds, one of which nearly hit 55 pounds! We still have availability for the 2026 season, and bookings are already open for 2027. Don’t wait too long!
09 May, 2026
The Fisher family returned for their annual trip to Oakview lake last week. They used their experience of the lake to bank a very impressive 23 carp! including 2 x 43lbers the biggest being 43lb 8oz lots of 30’s and not a single carp under 20lb. It was lovely to see you all can’t wait to have you back in 2027!
09 May, 2026
We had Baz and Dawn for their first trip of 2026 at Oakview lake. As per usual they had a fantastic week landing 12 carp including a 43lb 04oz common and a 40lb 09oz mirror, which is another new 40 for the lake and one that is putting on weight incredibly quickly it won’t be long before it’s a real giant. Lots of immaculate back up fish also caught we can’t wait to have you both back in August!
09 May, 2026
Another great week of fishing with some of the new stock showing nice weight gain, already a new 40lber! On average they have gained 4lb each over winter so we’re excited to see what they will put on throughout the season.
These are just a few of the fish caught.
09 May, 2026
The Slacks had the first week of 2026 and managed ten carp up to 39lb. They only fished in day light hours and had difficult weather conditions to deal with. All of the fish we have seen so far have been putting on weight nicely.
09 May, 2026
At Cottage Lake, our exclusive lake with a furnished safari tent, our guests enjoyed modern comforts: access to a refrigerator, toilets, a shower, and electricity. They really appreciated the site’s tranquility, nestled on the edge of a forest, far from any civilization. They had an amazing stay, with over 40 fish caught: a variety of carp, including koi, uniquely scaled carp, and some large fish approaching 40 pounds. Our anglers’ results reaffirm that Cottage Lake is an accessible venue: whether with friends or family, the fish are always there, making for unforgettable fishing experiences.
09 May, 2026
A week of fishing that yielded a total of over 30 fish, caught in conditions that were sometimes challenging but particularly productive. The fishing sessions came one after another with impressive consistency, offering plenty of bites and several memorable fights.
08 May, 2026
Robs twelfth visit to Oakview but first time back since we took over in 2024. He is an experienced angler and knows the lake well. Rob only fished during the day but was able to land an impressive total of 25 carp. This includes: 4 40lbs (up to 44lb) and 13 carp over 34lbs.
We look forward to seeing Rob again the same time next year! It’s been great having you fish here at Oakview lake again and we really appreciate your kind words: “One of the best, if not the best weeks holiday with fishing I’ve had in France in over 20 years!”
08 May, 2026
Had a fantastic week at lake Bundy mark and Lisa where so helpful and made us so welcome, shops where 5 min away,
I was fishing with my friend Mark he had some lovely fish 2 x 40 lb + carp and a 38 lb grass carp plus a few more 20 & 30s, I was trying to fish for catfish I had 8 in total biggest 38 lb 3 0z but I do believe there’s much bigger to be had. I also had 3 carp 22lb 26lb and 29lb. We like it so much we have already booked for next year.
08 May, 2026
Understanding how carp really feed underwater — and what most anglers still get wrong.
Most carp anglers obsess over rigs, bait flavours and the latest tackle trends.
But underwater observations, fishery studies and decades of angling experience all point toward a far more important truth:
Carp are driven by confidence, natural feeding behaviour and environmental conditions far more than by expensive bait alone.
The anglers who consistently catch big carp are rarely the ones with the most complicated setups. They are usually the ones who best understand:
To truly understand carp fishing, you first need to understand carp themselves.
This article breaks down the science and behaviour behind carp feeding — from bloodworm beds and natural food signals to pressure changes, patrol routes and underwater feeding psychology.
Carp are remarkably efficient food-finding machines.
Scientific studies into cyprinid sensory biology show that carp rely heavily on chemical detection and environmental sensing while feeding, particularly in low-visibility environments.
While many anglers assume carp mainly use sight to locate bait, their feeding system is actually built around scent, vibration and touch.
Carp detect dissolved amino acids, natural oils and food leakage moving through the water.
The sensitive whisker-like barbels around the mouth help identify edible particles hidden within soft sediment.
This sensory system detects vibration, movement and nearby feeding activity.
In clearer water, carp visually inspect feeding areas and presentations before fully committing.
Carp use several biological systems simultaneously:
Carp can detect tiny concentrations of amino acids and food compounds in the water.
Research into fish chemoreception has repeatedly demonstrated that amino acids and soluble food compounds trigger strong feeding responses in cyprinid species.
A 2024 study by Kasumyan et al., published in the Journal of Ichthyology, found that wild common carp responded strongly to specific food-derived chemical attractants and dissolved feeding signals. This helps explain why quality food baits often continue producing over long periods while purely visual hookbaits can lose effectiveness on pressured waters.
This is one reason quality food baits often outperform highly flavoured hookbaits over longer periods.
Natural food sources release subtle but highly attractive nutritional signals into the water.
Boilies that mimic these signals — especially fishmeal, liver, yeast and soluble protein profiles — can trigger feeding even in heavily pressured fish.
The barbels around a carp’s mouth are packed with sensory receptors.
These sensory organs help carp investigate soft sediment and identify edible particles hidden within lakebeds.
Fish biologist Ferdinand Sibbing’s research into common carp feeding mechanics showed that carp are highly adapted for suction feeding and sediment sorting, allowing them to separate edible material from silt and debris with remarkable efficiency.
They allow carp to:
This is why carp can feed effectively even in poor visibility or darkness.
Carp also detect vibration and pressure changes through their lateral line.
The lateral line system allows fish to sense movement, pressure waves and nearby disturbance — a critical survival and feeding adaptation in low-visibility water.
They can sense:
This helps explain why carp are often drawn toward:
Carp absolutely use sight, especially in clear water.
However, visual feeding often works alongside scent and confidence rather than replacing them.
In pressured waters, visual suspicion can actually work against anglers.
Bright hookbaits may attract attention — but attention is not always the same thing as confidence.
Understanding natural food is one of the biggest edges in carp fishing. Most successful feeding areas are not random. They are usually areas where carp already expect to find food.
One of the most revealing underwater observations in carp fishing is how strongly carp relate to natural food-rich areas.
Carp feed hardest when they feel safe.
Once one fish starts feeding confidently, others often follow.
This creates:
This is why lightly baited areas can suddenly explode into activity.
In pressured waters, carp often behave very differently.
Underwater footage regularly shows carp:
This is one reason subtle presentations often outperform aggressive tactics on difficult venues.
Big carp learn.
Behavioural studies into fish learning and social adaptation — including work by researcher Culum Brown — suggest that fish are capable of developing learned responses to repeated threats and environmental pressure.
In carp fishing terms, this may help explain why heavily pressured carp become increasingly cautious around obvious danger signals such as tight lines, repetitive baiting patterns and unnatural presentations.
Heavily pressured fish can associate danger with:
This is why some lakes become increasingly difficult over time.
The fish adapt.
Carp feeding activity changes massively depending on environmental conditions.
Understanding these shifts can dramatically improve location decisions.
Temperature directly affects carp metabolism.
As ectothermic fish, carp metabolism and digestion are strongly controlled by water temperature, which directly influences feeding frequency and movement behaviour.
Many anglers believe pressure alone controls feeding.
Reality is usually more complicated.
Rapid environmental change often matters more than a single pressure reading.
Carp frequently respond to:
Stable conditions often produce more predictable feeding.
Carp commonly feed hardest during:
Lower light levels help carp feel secure.
This is especially true in clear pressured waters.
Large carp often become significantly more cautious during bright daytime conditions.
Research into carp feeding rhythms has repeatedly shown increased feeding activity during low-light periods, particularly around dawn, dusk and nighttime windows when carp feel less exposed to predators and disturbance.
The best baits usually trigger one of two responses:
The very best baits achieve both.
High-attraction baits work by creating:
These baits can produce quick bites.
However, highly pressured carp sometimes become suspicious of extreme flavours and overused attractor profiles.
Food baits work differently.
Studies into carp feeding preference suggest that carp can develop positive associations with nutritionally valuable food sources over time, particularly when those foods are repeatedly encountered without negative consequences.
Over time, carp learn that certain food sources provide nutritional value.
This can create repeat feeding behaviour.
Quality food baits often become stronger over longer campaigns because carp actively seek them out.
One of the most overlooked concepts in carp fishing is matching natural feeding behaviour.
If carp are feeding heavily on:
then subtle natural presentations often outperform loud unnatural tactics.
This is particularly true on old pressured venues.
Many anglers still focus too heavily on:
Meanwhile, the biggest factors are usually:
A simple rig placed where carp genuinely want to feed will often outperform a complex setup in the wrong area.
The best carp anglers think like hunters and observers.
They look for:
Instead of asking:
“What bait should I use?”
They often ask:
“Why would carp want to feed here in the first place?”
That single mindset shift changes everything.
For readers interested in exploring the science and behavioural research behind carp feeding in greater depth, the following sources provide useful background information and supporting studies:
Carp are not random creatures.
Their feeding behaviour is driven by biology, confidence, natural food availability and environmental conditions.
The anglers who consistently catch big carp are usually the ones who best understand these patterns.
Because in modern carp fishing, success rarely comes from simply having the newest rig or brightest bait.
It comes from understanding how carp actually behave underwater.
And once you start thinking like the fish instead of the angler, the entire lake begins to make more sense.
07 May, 2026
Great Lake great fishing great time had by all. Would definitely come back
07 May, 2026
26 carp
biggest 63 lb
4 fish 60lb+
5 fish 55lb+
7 fish up 44lb
07 May, 2026
Thanks for fitting me in at short notice for a short (albeit productive),fishing trip.
What a few days, with some great battles, not much sleep, hence not many tench photos( just wanted to return it and get some kip at 3am).
Thanks for all the advice, your knowledge of the lake is impressive.
See you in September and next spring. Can’t wait!
All round great place to fish. 👌
06 May, 2026
Had a really pleasant week at Jimmys. So quiet with no noise pollution and a mega clear sky at night just lying back and watching the stars. Fishing was good with 3 or 4 fish a day between the two of us all of which were perfect as well as nice and dark.
The host was great and wanted us to catch.
06 May, 2026
Camalo lake is a lovely venue with great facilities and with a good future.
Fishing was tough going due to fish spawning the week before and the Saturday morning of the start of the trip. Biggest fell to me in the VIP swim at 47lb. Swim 1 had a flow of fish later in the week from 10lb to low 40’s.
My friend and his son in swim 3 didn’t have much luck with any big fish. 17 fish in low single weight, then 6 above 10lb to 24lb. Not really what they went for, but the fish have to start somewhere. Probably best progressed to better weights in a stock pond.
Swim 3 is extremely shallow, swim 1 has the better depths and seems more productive. Regulars were in swim 1 and highlighted this too.
The Donkey is very friendly. Done a great job of fencing out the horses and donkey so can’t roam around any swims or main track.
05 May, 2026
We had a fabulous week at New Mill Carp Fishery, Dave and Mariea are the most wonderful hosts. The Farmhouse accommodation was superb and the meals just excellent. The lake is beautiful and well presented, the swims easily accessible and easy to fish from. The fishing was a little tough but that is carp fishing we all caught and it did not in anyway detract from our visit. We highly recommend this fishery.
05 May, 2026
Fishing Trip Report – Etang Du St Brice, Brittany, France
Dates: 25 April – 1 May 2026
After booking this trip a full nine months in advance, expectations were naturally high—and it’s fair to say they were more than met upon arrival at Etang Du St Brice.
From the outset, the venue made a great impression. The site was extremely well maintained-clean, tidy, and clearly well organised. The new owners, Jay and Patricia (only three months into running the fishery), were fantastic hosts throughout the week. Nothing was too much trouble for them; they were attentive, welcoming, and genuinely invested in making sure guests had a good experience.
On arrival, Jay gave us a full orientation of the site, including a walkthrough of the caravan setup and the shower/toilet facilities. Everything was straightforward and well explained. The facilities themselves were excellent-electric hook-up from an onsite caravan, and a spacious, very clean shower block that had everything we needed for the duration of the stay.
We set up on pegs 1 and 3 (a double peg), both of which were well kept and offered plenty of space for a comfortable session. The fishing got off to a flying start-we were into fish within the first hour of casting out.
The lake itself was in pristine condition. The fish were clearly very well looked after-strong, healthy, and full of fight. Even the smaller doubles gave a great account of themselves.
While we didn’t quite reach the upper weights of some of the lake’s bigger residents, we still had a very successful week overall. Across the session, we landed a total of 66 fish, with 21 of those falling into the mid-to-high 20lb bracket – so certainly nothing to complain about.
Weather-wise, we were lucky, with average temperatures around 26°C, which was a welcome change from the weather in the U.K. the week before.
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable week at a fantastic venue. Great fishing, excellent facilities, and top-notch hosts. We’ll definitely be coming back.
05 May, 2026
we have a lovely relaxing week
fishing was a bit slow
Harry and izzy made us very welcome
04 May, 2026
10 fish
biggest 41 lb
04 May, 2026
Lovely Facebook review from last week’s guests
03 May, 2026
This week we had the pleasure of returning guests paul and his wife Ange fishing only days managed to land an impressive 15 fish this included 5*40’s biggest going 47lb 5*30’s and 3*20’s including a grassy at 26lb and also broke his pb with the 47.08 mirror
03 May, 2026
Father and Son team Terry & David had a fabulous week. Terry leaving with a new PB at 47.7lbs excellent angling for this young man at 86 years of age. David also landing a 41.1lbs Mirror. All fish were caught using Dynamites Crab & Krill and house pellet. Well done Terry and David
03 May, 2026
Our two anglers, Mark and Mark, departed yesterday. They had such a great experience that after just 4 days at Lac Bundy, they’ve already rebooked for May 2027!
They booked the lake exclusive and set themselves up in swim 1 and 2.
Mark in swim 2 beat his PB twice.
Mark in swim 1 was all about the cats, catching 8 in total up to 38lbs. Also catching a few carp as well.
03 May, 2026
We had a hard week of fishing on Baleine last week. The guys really struggled to get bites, but still managed to land 15 carp in total.
The carp in Baleine seemed to be having a bit of a go at pre-spawning, which made the fishing difficult. Hopefully they finish soon, as it’s been a very unusual year so far.
Despite the tough conditions, there were still some incredible fish caught:
* 2 carp over 50lb, up to 59lb 12oz
* 3 carp over 40lb, with the biggest at 46lb 6oz
A challenging week, but some very rewarding results for the anglers who stayed patient.
02 May, 2026
Mat, Tracey and Yvette had a lovely week with Mat doing the fishing and catching 13 carp up to 41lb 8oz. The food package was really welcomed and enjoyed too. It was lovely to see you all again, and see you next year.
01 May, 2026
Our two anglers, Mark and Mark (!!) arrived Saturday. They have had a steady run of fish carp to just over 40lb, cat fish to 35lb. The weather is still fresh at night but warm and sunny during the day, fish so far are not showing signs of spawning. Pictures shortly.
28 April, 2026
We had a family holiday to Domaine De Grand Felin and what a holiday it was. We were welcomed warmly by our hosts who were very helpful and given a tour around the place. The accommodation is nice, clean and spacious with everything you need. With the place being so beautiful it will make you want to fish the 2 lakes and the river all at the same time. Local area has lots to do, great for exploring. The fishing was very productive and managed 26 carp on the main lake over the week. What impressed me was how immaculate and stunning the fish were which is important for me. It was that good we already booked up for next year so if that isn’t a good sign I don’t know what is. See you soon.
27 April, 2026
We had a slow start to our session, 2 fish by Thursday then they started to wake up. Biggest 43.4lb mirror 33.4lb common 33.4lb grass carp 32.2lb mirror. The rest were low to high doubles. Lovely place to fish,everything you need is available. I would definitely book again. Thanks
26 April, 2026
We had the privilege of having the Dynamite bait Team for the week. They were filming our lake and catching some stunning carp. Film should be out in approx 3 weeks from now.
26 April, 2026
This was our first time visiting France.
Myself,husband,2 sons and partners. We stayed at st martins lakes,the accommodation was everything we could have wished for. Stunning property with amazing views,the lake very large and private. Plenty of places to visit with a short 10 minute drive. The owners Craig and Isabelle,they made us very welcome,nothing was too much trouble…..very accommodating.
Already looking to go back😊
26 April, 2026
Baleine Catch Report – 26/4 to 3/5
It’s been a tough week on Baleine. After several strong weeks producing a great number of big fish, the fishing slowed down as the carp found plenty of natural food to feed on.
Nevertheless, things picked up toward the end of the week, and in total 18 carp were landed. The highlight was *Shoulders* at an impressive 57 lb, along with four 40 lb+ fish. As almost every week, several PBs were broken, which is always great to see.
However, we’ve noticed an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed. Many anglers tell us they’ve read the rules, but in practice, it’s clear they haven’t. We are now six weeks into the season and still having to repeat the same instructions—rules that are in place primarily to protect the health of the carp and the fishery.
So to be absolutely clear:
* No plastic bait may be used
* No leaders of any kind
* No seeds or nuts from outside the fishery
* Keep the lakes clean—no rubbish left anywhere
* All fish over 40 lb must be handled and photographed in the water at all times
We have been repeating these rules for years, and consistently again over the past six weeks. This report is to make our position clear: we are done repeating ourselves.
From now on, anyone found not adhering to the rules will be asked to leave the lake immediately, without further warning.
Let’s see what the coming weeks bring—and hopefully we won’t have to send anyone home.
25 April, 2026
Saussaie Catch Report | 25/4 – 2/5
What a turnaround session for Bob. After blanking on his last visit, the lads came back firing—and Saussaie delivered in style.
A total of 20 carp landed with every angler getting on the scoresheet and plenty of PBs smashed.
Bob led the charge with an incredible 13 fish, including a 59lb 10oz common before going even bigger with the “scared common” at 65lb 11oz—his new PB.
Ollie also had a session to remember, beating his PB twice with a 54lb 7oz mirror and backing it up with a stunning 56lb 12oz common.
Mega effort all round and a top group as always—love having these lads back on the bank.
25 April, 2026
A week of changeable weather, with sunshine, rain and the wind changing direction over the lake constantly, which made for some difficult fishing at times.
Johan, Rien, Ellen, Fransisca and the kids enjoyed the week around the lake during the day, with float and pike fishing too. A difficult week carp wise, but Rien was very happy with his 44lb.
24 April, 2026
Ruby 2 a fantastic venue with excellent facilities, about 12 minutes from the supermarket.
We landed 41 carp between four angler’s sadly we didn’t get amongst the big ones. The biggest of the trip waa 23lb. I would highly recommend the venue and would like to one day return as I believe we have unfinished business.
23 April, 2026
First catch report of the year from Étang de Janine
Jack got things started in style with a 61lb common. While opening up the cabin, he put his rods out and within half an hour was locked into a proper battle.
The following two weeks were very quiet, with only three anglers visiting and fishing proving slow. High air pressure and cold nights certainly didn’t help conditions.
Last week saw three anglers on a lake exclusive, including a son on his first French fishing trip under the watchful eye of his dad. It was another slow week overall, but with some cracking rewards for the effort.
The highlight was a huge 72lb grass carp, backed up by three different 57lb fish from the road bank, with a rod tucked tight down the right-hand side. A couple of 40s and some 30s followed to round things off nicely.
we have not seen them spawn as yet, will keep you posted on that one!
22 April, 2026
Yves had a great start on peg one the Haven.
Some good fish with good average between 30 to 44lbs was caught. Including a beautiful ghost carp !
His wife was happy about the work done on the swim, new cabin, wide swim, deeper zone for netting the fish, gravel and Rock on bottom. Mud is an old memories now.
22 April, 2026
Last week, Ivan and his friend had an absolutely unforgettable fishing session at Étang Furet. Positioned at spots 9, 10, and 11, they had the entire bank to themselves—and they were rewarded with a series of astonishing catches. Over 40 carp were landed in one week, with around ten weighing over 44 pounds, and mirror and common carp ranging between 50 and 57 pounds. Ivan, a loyal regular for over 14 years, has already booked the same week next year—ready for more thrills and aiming to catch even bigger and heavier carp!
22 April, 2026
During their session at camalo, on peg 3 “The Cabin” and peg 2 VIP “The Cube,” the mother-and-son duo was especially impressed by the site improvements. They appreciated the extensive work done over the winter, including the gravel and rock redesign of the pegs. They also noted the additional digging in front of the pegs to provide sufficient depth, making netting the fish easier. Additionally, they were delighted with the surrounding amenities: toilets, washrooms, showers, and refrigerators, all impeccably clean and in perfect condition. They caught around fifteen carp, with their top fish weighing over 63.5 lbs. The experience was so positive that they have already booked an exclusive for 2027!
22 April, 2026
Our latest anglers fully enjoyed their experience on Cottage Lake. With a total of 30 bites, they landed 4 superb fish weighing between about 35 and 40 pounds, colorful koi carp, and some lovely young fish with unique scaling. Between catches, they loved the comfort of the safari tent and the exclusivity of the 10-acre lake—a perfect setting for unforgettable memories.
22 April, 2026
21 Fish this week
21 April, 2026
Sylvain & Maxence, local anglers, came for a short session catching 3 fish up to 34lb and then the northern winds came and all was quiet until “Steve”, our transmontanus sturgeon, graced them with his presence giving Sylvain a 45 minute fight and weighed in at 78lbs.
20 April, 2026
34 Carp upto 40.04 for Keith! Good fishing mate! Well done!
20 April, 2026
Its was dark by the time lads set up Saturday, so they only put a couple of rods out on pub chuck .
Liam had a 43.8lb mirror and dennis in peg 2 had a pristine common that looked 40lb but came in at 37.8lb and Richie in peg 4 had a spawnound 33.8lb mirror after tea so 3 fish out in the first 24 hours just need to get jay in 4 off the mark.
20 April, 2026
Willow Lake France
We have just returned from a fantastic fishing trip with Stu and Maxine as our hosts. What can I say – Accommodation was spot on, comfortable, clean, and exactly what we needed after a long day on the bank. Although the fishing was challenging at times, perseverance paid off, and everyone in the group managed to land a few fish. A couple of PB Catfish and PB Carp made the trip even more memorable. Stu’s tips on the spots and where to fish were really helpful. Overall, a great weeks fishing at a great lake with top hosts!
We managed to get 34 fish across the week, with Catfish to 94lb and Carp to 46lb.
Thanks for a great week! 🎣
20 April, 2026
Had a really good few days fishing was good food excellent Fraser really looked after us shame we had to leave early because of illness look forward to seeing you again soon thanks again
19 April, 2026
Catch report Baleine (19–26 April)
After a tough start to the week same as on Saussaie, with cold nights slowing things down, the fishing gradually picked up as conditions improved. A solid effort from a great group of anglers resulted in 27 carp landed, with fish up to 57.13 lb.
The catch included:
• 7 fish over 40 lb
• 3 fish over 50 lb
The lads put in the work and earned every bite—well done to everyone. It was great having such a committed group on the lake, and we’re looking forward to welcoming them back in September on the other lake.
Congratulations to those who smashed their PBs this week. Let’s hope the good fishing continues in the coming days.
We’re not seeing signs of spawning on the lakes just yet, although there are some reports coming in from other lakes. With temperatures set to drop again next week, we’re hoping this will lead to a healthy spawn in June.
19 April, 2026
Lots of nice fish caught including double takes.
18 April, 2026
A GREAT WEEK FOR FRIENDS GORDON AND ZOE. GORDON LANDING 14 CARP INCLUDING A NEW PB, LILY AT 52.5 LBS. HE ALSO CAUGHT A UNKNOWN WHICH HE NAMED THE OWL. GORDON USED OLD SCHOOL TACTICS WITH DYNAMITE’S THE SOURCE 18mm BOILIES, HEMP & PELLET. LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AGAIN IN AUGUST.
18 April, 2026
Catch Report – La Saussaie (18/4 – 24/4)
It was a challenging week at La Saussaie, with a north-easterly wind picking up towards Sunday. Night temperatures dropped as low as 1°C, while daytime temperatures reached around 18°C.
Despite the tough conditions and heavy angling pressure on the lake, the guys still managed to catch a few carp and even smashed a couple of personal bests.
The well-known Two Tone Common was landed on the first morning at an impressive 59lb 12oz. Then, just one night before the end of the week, the Slate Grey made an appearance at 55lb.
In total, only five carp were landed throughout the week, with a few unfortunately lost. However, with another common weighing in at 53lb, the average weight remained very high.
All in all, despite the slower action, the group had a great week. The weather improved towards the end, and everyone left keen to return.
18 April, 2026
One of the fish that stood out was the beautiful Koi carp known as Tango, that had not been caught for nearly 5 years. Matt Balls was the successful angler, and it was great to see Tango again in such beautiful condition, with a good weight gain since she was last caught, weighing in at 29lb. Well done Matt.
From the same fishing party, Danny Fenton snr and jnr, Jesse Connellan and John Berry showed off some of their catches, a nice mix of 30 and 40lb mirrors and commons.
John Smith landed a lovely 59lb mirror while fishing post 8.
Sam Bullimore caught two beautiful mirrors from post 5 at 57lb and 56lb, two lovely commons and several other good catches.
A lovely conditioned 40lb common was caught by Simon Nunn, Ben Skinner had a lovely 53lb mirror, and Callum Fletcher caught one of several big grass carp.
18 April, 2026
A week of many changes in the weather, with lovely sunshine, rain, and the wind changing direction over the lake constantly, which made for some difficult fishing at times.
Erik, Maaike and the kids had some nice carp, fishing just days, with at least one lost, and there was a new PB carp of 46lb for Erik, and a new PB for Maaike of 28lb.
18 April, 2026
Good week for the lads The new range of DGF Baits are doing the job
18 April, 2026
We stayed here as a family of four (two adults and two children) and had a really lovely time.
The house is excellent — comfortable, clean, and well-equipped with everything you might need. It felt warm and cozy throughout our stay, which made it especially relaxing.
The lake is beautiful and a great spot for fishing. The fish weren’t very active during our visit, but we still managed to catch some nice specimens, and even landed a pike, which was a great highlight!
Overall, a wonderful place for a peaceful family getaway, especially if you enjoy fishing.
18 April, 2026
Week 18th-25th April
41 fish landed to 56lb
3 50’s for the week, well done lads looking forward to seeing you guys next time.
17 April, 2026
We have now started our third season here and for the most part our guests have all come from the United Kingdom, so we were thrilled to receive a booking from Germany last year. Peter, Stefan, Marco and Mathias drove for over 12 hours and more than 1000km (over 600 miles) from the Bavaria region to get here. With a van and a car both packed to the brim with tackle, bait, plenty of food and equipment to make them totally self sufficient for the week they also managed to squeeze in a few gifts for us, including Maisie who was thrilled with her first new ball of the season.
The four have been fishing together for some time and Stefan and Peter also hunt together and Marco and Mathias are cousins. They decided to set up around the social area, bringing with them a gazebo to provide shelter if needed, with Stefan and Peter on swim 2 and Marco and Mathias sharing a bivvy on swim 3. This meant that they could use the entire lake and catch up with each other whilst also being close enough to the rods.
They were all unpacked and set up by early evening and just waiting for the first fish and at 7pm Mathias struck in with what they described as a ‘super healthy, in great condition’ common weighing 17kg+ (around 38lb). But Mathias was really here for the catfish so was pleased when he landed one a few hours later measuring 1.31m (around 50lb). He said that it had put up a great fight.
Mathias was totally focused on the catfish and spent most of the week hunting them down and catching some of the smaller non-carp to use as bait. He rarely sat still, always trying to come up with a new plan and spent Thursday night on the dam wall with just his bedchair hoping to catch one from there as they did seem to be lurking underneath the trees near to the metal bridge. But unfortunately it was not to be; it is maybe still a little cold for them yet.
Sunday morning was very cold and the lads woke up to frost on their bivvies. Our weather station said the temperature had dropped to 0.6°C overnight. Stefan had been up in the night at around 4am landing this 18kg+ (around 40lb) common which he said felt very powerful. This not only turned out to be the biggest carp of the week for the group but also Stefan’s only one over 10kg.
Stefan went on to have 4 more commons through the week, 2 at 5kg+ (around 11lb 8oz) and 2 at 6kg+ (around 13lb 8oz). It is amazing how big you can make a fish look if you stretch your arms out and get the camera angle right!
On Sunday afternoon we were called over to the lake as the guys had some concerns about a sore on the mouth of one of the fish that Peter had caught. The common weighed about 16kg+ (around 35lb 8oz) and funnily enough was caught again during the week by Marco on the Tuesday. The sore was treated with some propolis and the fish appeared to be very healthy apart from the sore. Peter was the only angler to catch a mirror, in fact apart from this common he had three other carp which were all mirrors, weighing 17kg+ (around 38lb), 7kg+ (around 15lb 8oz) and 15kg (around) 33lb 8oz)
Peter and Stefan managed to have a triple run in the early hours of Tuesday morning during the rain and gusty winds. The other two managed to sleep through the drama and unfortunately they managed to lose one.
Marco was the last to catch but did not have to wait too long after the others and by Sunday evening they had all landed something. Marco had 4 commons in total weighing 13kg+ (around 29lb), 16kg+ (around 35lb 8oz), 8.5kg+ (around 19lb) and 17kg+ (around 38lb). He also successfully managed to tangle up two other rods when he was landing the smallest of his fish, one of his own and one of Peter’s. All the lines were successfully bought in though with the end tackle intact so there was no risk to any other fish in the lake.
Final totals 6 less than 10kg and 8 over 10-20kg or in imperial weights 0 babies, 6 at 10lb+, 1 at 20lb+, 6 at 30lb+ and 1 at 40lb+ and 1 catfish measuring 1.51m weighing approximately 50lb.
The weather was variable over the week with temperatures up to just over 20 degrees during the day and dropping to 0.6 degrees at night, wind speeds were up to 23km/h with gusts of 35km/h and the pressure was between 975hPa and 994hPa.
We have thoroughly enjoyed our first week of the season, these lovely people came bearing gifts for us all and cooked for us a few times, introducing us to a variety of German cuisine. Anyone who knows Nigel will be aware that he is not always great at trying new things but everything was superb and so tasty. A big thank you to you all and thank you for a great week’s fishing and we hope to see you all again one day.
Until then bonne journée et à bientôt
15 April, 2026
I am not a great one too submit reviews, but this trip certainly requires me to wrote one! We brooked Chef de ville as it was a bit of an unknown water, which attracted us, thinking there could still be uncaught chunks here, was part of the draw, also the use of boats, and boat fishing, bait boats etc meant the group could fish however they would like too, and felt confident to do so as we are a range of carp fishing abilities.
From the initial booking Anthony was superb with his communications, and booking, and forthcoming with any information we required, giving us the information on bait availability, food, and tackle shop facilities on site. He checked in with us before the week, to finalise our additional requirements. We all decided to have the food package Anthony and Jennifer provide, and I can 100% say I am glad we did. A lovely curry on the Saturday afternoon after we arrived to help take the stress out of setting up and also needing to cook, right up until a superb final meal on the Friday evening, the food was spectacular. breakfast was different every day, from a fry up, to quiche, sausage, omelette, etc, just perfect, and evening meals such as lasagne, curry, chilli, BBQ, burger and chips (we requested this for our last night) all was 10/10, all cooked from scratch and fresh. I would definitely have this when we attend again. nothing was to much trouble, and all of the group enjoyed each and every meal!
The drive to the lake is simple enough, 20 euro on tolls, and just under 3hrs from the eurotunnel, a simple drive, that takes you past 2 supermarkets and a couple of fuel stations no the way in, so you can grab any snacks etc and fill up before the drive home. the fishery was easy to find, and a call to Anthony at the gates and he provided us with the codes to access the lakes and meet him. The whole area was clean, tidy and well presented, the swims were all doubles, with plenty of space, and most can accommodate 2, 2 man bivvies. gravel floors, and pretty level for setting up. Vehicle access and parking to all swims, for convenience in the week, storing bait, and spare equipment, or as one of our group did, enjoying his camper van and facilities in his swim, such s TV etc. Phone signal was mostly ok, I struggled on EE but most everyone else had good mobile coverage, in the swims.
The fishing…its not an easy lake by any standard, you need to think and apply some logic, and skills, its not a pub chuck venue, but every swim had some features, or something to fish too, we had fish from the near margins, open water, far bank, snags, bars etc, so there was something for everyone, and Anthony will give you as much advise as you need, he will help you with spots and features, all you need to do is ask, and he will assist, if you want to figure it out yourself, again he will leave you to it to do it your way. The rules are sensible, and simple, and the tackle shop on site was a real help with some essentials you may need in the week. I was using my boat and casting, some guys were on bait boats and others were casting and spodding, all caught fish, so different methods worked. Bait was all prepared fresh and delivered to the swims, and Anthony was more than accommodating when asking for more bait in the week.
We had some lovely fish, and they really do fight in the deep water, some of the boat battles we had were superb, a nice mix of young and old fish, with a real mix of sizes too, and a sturgeon as well which put up a good 20 minute fight!
In summary, a superbly run lake, amazing hosts in Anthony and Jennifer, and a real credit to the effort he is putting in to build the lake into something amazing, the facilities were spotless, the shower was really good, and all the essentials you need were provided, don’t forget your towel like I did thou!
That you Chef de Ville, and we will be back for another go soon!!! Merci, nous reviendrons!!
14 April, 2026
Domaine De La Baronne what a beautiful place. The owner Rafal is a great guy and excellent host he really knows his stuff as a host and fishing wise. Listen to what he says he’s a great Angler and knows the lake like the back of his hand and knows the spots. He and Marcin couldn’t do enough to help, offer advice and make sure my visit was amazing. The lake is fantastic a really lovely lake. Lots of features to check out.
Scores on the doors at the end of the week for me:-
17 runs 17 fish landed.
1 x 50 Pounder 51lb 2 oz
6x 30 Pounders up to 39lb 2oz
6x 20 Pounders up to 29lb 7oz
4 x Doubles up to 19lb
My best ever session.
Although it seems quite a lot of fish this place can sometimes be a tricky water and this is why I picked it as I love a challenge fishing wise. Through the week I had a spell of nothing for around 48 hours. Everything totally switched off, even though I tried everything. I can see why some people turn up do a pub chuck anywhere in the middle and then have trouble catching. The key is with this place spend as much time that is needed finding decent spots at the start of your trip. Even if it takes hours or a couple of days finding them. Once you’ve done that just bait the spots maybe twice a day with boilies and particle and stick to your spots, the fish will come. Most bites were coming from just as it starts getting dark to 9am. I Only had 2 day time bites. I will be back and next time with my young son Jude and mate Craig.
Domaine De La Baronne until next time.
😎👌😎👌😎👌😎
14 April, 2026
Just returned from here , even though the weather spoiled the fishing (far too Hot), it didn’t spoil the trip, I had 3 mirrors 38.4lb, 34lb, 27lb , the venue was spot on with cooking , showers , toilet , fridge , electric hook ups, and the bailiff helps u out with anything u need , there’s a big supermarket and McDonalds within 10 minutes from fishery , with the local town a further 5 minute away, would recommend this place for 3 anglers but could accommodate 5 , definitely will b returning
14 April, 2026
First impressions its a lovely venue and very peaceful, owner was helpful with some spots and baiting tactics. Its not a easy place to fish with disturbance kept to a minimum would help. The fish are very wary of your presents. There could be a little more done with the up keep of the place over all but depends on the individual. Fish in order of photos
54lb, 40lb8oz, 39lb8oz, 47lb and 47lb
13 April, 2026
A great week including double takes and plenty of personal bests.
13 April, 2026
Dave and his eleven year old daughter Alice staying with us this week and what a week with numerous pbs for dad and Alice with some stunning carp to 45lb and enjoying the delights of the cottage with the hot tub , pool table and Xbox making for a great week for the father and daughter duo.
13 April, 2026
Great start to our opening week of 2026 with returning young angler Charlie having a great week with plenty of fish to the net and two new pbs with Carp to 44lb 10oz and some sunning scaley and fully scaled mirrors on house boilie over house pellet and hemp and particle mix.spinner rigs with pineapple pop ups and double fake corn accounting for most of the fish.
13 April, 2026
Great week for a lovely family. 32 fish in total caught. Customers review in photos 😊
12 April, 2026
32 fish
18 fish over 40 lb
biggest 55 lb
12 April, 2026
Baleine Catch Report (12–19 April)
What a week it’s been on Baleine! With the changeover on Sunday it’s been full on, but the results are speaking for themselves.
Adam and his Boatman UK group (8 anglers) joined us last week, right as we completed weed treatments. Baleine is now fishing with very little weed, completely changing how the lake is performing—and it’s already showing in the catches.
Numbers aren’t massive yet, but the quality has been incredible…
🔥 NEW LAKE RECORD 🔥
*3 Scale* hits 72.4lb – huge congratulations to Adam!
James also smashed his PB with an incredible 69.8lb, and even had *Goldy* in the net—a fish we haven’t seen for a while.
Weekly stats:
• 24 carp landed
• 1 x 70+
• 1 x 60+
• 2 x 50+
• 7 x 40+
• A few sadly lost
The lake is evolving for the better, and it’s great to see anglers listening to the advice and getting rewarded. Big things ahead for Baleine 👊
12 April, 2026
Regular customers Paul and Alan had a fantastic time here at Blue Dart Carp Fishery.
Paul landing a new PB and new lake record the German at 56.9lb. They had two 50+,five 40+, three Grass carp to 48lb and lots of high 30’s. Dynamite’s Source boilies, particle and yellow pop ups done the job along with great angling.
11 April, 2026
Our official opening was last Saturday and we welcomed Steve, our first UK angler staying for a week. Steve’s trip has come to an end today as he leaves Lac Bundy. Much to Steve’s surprise the first catch on his first evening was our rare black sturgeon tipping the scales at 70 lb. After that a couple of quiet days until a change in the weather on Tuesday and an increase in temperature started the carp moving and feeding. Steve managed multiple catches every day with carp to 51.12 lb.
11 April, 2026
Catch Report – Saussaie (11/04 – 18/04)
What a great group of lads we had on this week—an absolute pleasure to host. Everything ran smoothly, the rules were respected, and it was brilliant to see everyone helping each other to get among the carp.
Saussaie made them work for it as always… no easy week! Every bite had to be earned, but the rewards were serious. Only 9 carp landed, but the quality was unreal with a very high average weight.
Highlights included the stunning Ghosty Common at 41 lb.
Massive congratulations to Kevin, smashing his PB twice with the Zig Lin at 59 lb and then the incredible Rogue Common at 71.4 lb!
Big well done to Steve as well, landing the Ghosty and then breaking his PB with The Scar at 67.4 lb.
Top angling all round—love having these guys here. Let’s see what the new week brings… it’s already looking promising!
11 April, 2026
It was like the season truly switched on.
We start with Bryan Murray who fished post 15 and landed a great haul of quality carp. Included in the catches was the new lake record common at 68lb 8oz. To add to this Bryan also landed two more 60lb plus commons at 60lb 2oz and 60lb 8oz, and three cracking mirrors all 50lb plus, the biggest being a lovely 58lb mirror. Well done Bryan on a great session.
Gavin Conellan landed two superb mirrors at 59lb and 56lb, along with several 20s, 30s and 40s including a lovely mid forty.
Steve Mann enjoyed his week fishing post 8, mixed with a couple of daytime sessions on post 6. Steve landed some nice fish, the best being a 49lb common and two nice mirrors at 47lb 2oz and 47lb 4oz.
11 April, 2026
A good week for Scot, Jake, Phil, Melanie and Jade. The boys fished and had 22 carp between them ranging from the 20s to upper 40s, with at least seven 30s in there. And there was also a new PB for Scot of 47lb.
Mel and Jade had a lovely relaxing week with the jacuzzi, and they all had lunches out too.
09 April, 2026
Catch report
09 April, 2026
List of catches for the week
09 April, 2026
11 carp
biggest 40LB
8 fish over 35LB
09 April, 2026
15 fish
biggest 68LB
5 fish up 50LB
6 fish up 40LB
08 April, 2026
Hi Guys,
Great place, great owner very friendly and helpful, far from ideal weather conditions, managed 8 takes, lost 4 , 1 large sturgeon ,estimated 150lb, 1 mirror 38.12oz,
2 grass carp at 32.8oz and 44. 8oz, would definitely return,
Kind regards,
Phil
07 April, 2026
We fished Etang 13 between the 27th March and the 4th April 2026. During this trip we caught 21 carp between the two of us fishing to the far Marginal shelf in the shallower water. A slow start to the week with a few bites Monday and Tuesday mainly in the low to mid doubles. The middle of the week saw x2 30s and a 42 for my brother. As the week went on it was again a lot of upper doubles until I also caught a 40lb and another low 30lb. The lake itself is absolutely gorgeous and its stand out feature was by far how SILENT it is at all times of day and night with the only sound being the birds! The facilities are basic but well thought out being really close to the swims meaning you can cook and shower whilst still being able to react to bites. The only thing I would say is that the average weight definitely isn’t 40lb or at least from our experience but that being said there are definitely a good head of lumps in the lake and all of the fish regardless of weight are real lookers and all put up a good fight when hooked. I would recommend this venue but would fish the edges of your spots to single out the bigger carp.
07 April, 2026
We officially opened yesterday for our first-ever season 🎣
We welcomed our first one week stay UK angler, Steve. Much to Steve’s surprise the first catch on his first evening was our rare black Sturgeon. Our Sturgeon put up a good fight and Steve finally managed to get him in the net tipping the scales at 70lbs.
Our Sturgeon who we have now called “Steve” in honour of our first-ever UK angler. We introduced “Steve” to Lac Bundy in mid-January at 68lbs so are delighted that he is settling in and gained some weight.
07 April, 2026
Within our first year, we placed great importance on offering as many facilities as possible and within budget for our anglers. A significant amount of effort went into building the shower block—it was a challenging and intricate task, but after eight days of hard work, it was completed and ready for the installation of the shower cubicle. The cubicle itself was fairly straightforward to assemble, with Mark carefully following the instructions. Once a sink was installed, the shower facility was fully finished and ready for our anglers to enjoy.
07 April, 2026
We were pleasantly surprised to discover a compost toilet tucked away among the trees at Lac Bundy. Inspired by the idea of recycling, we decided to bring it back to life. After a thorough clean, a fresh coat of paint, and installing a new toilet seat, our toilet was reborn.
07 April, 2026
Starting a car park project in the middle of winter? Not exactly our best-timed idea—but sometimes you don’t get a choice!
After getting our car completely stuck during an especially wet spell, we realised something had to change… and just like that, the car park project was born.
We brought in an excavator to dig out the area, which quickly turned into less of a worksite and more of a mud pool (calling it a mud bath would be generous!). Once the ground was prepared, we laid down Type 1 hardcore and compacted it as best we could with a wacker plate.
At that point, the only sensible option was to let nature take its course and give the ground time to dry—assuming the rain would ever stop. Around five weeks later, we finally had our window. With the help of the excavator once again, we spread the decorative gravel into place.
And just like that, Lac Bundy’s car park was complete—much to our surprise and relief!
06 April, 2026
A few people have been asking.
We went to Willow Lake France. The hosts Stuart and Maxine are brilliant. Welcomed with beer and wine in the fridge. Quick tour round.
Oh and a few times brought us fresh eggs over from the onsite chickens. 🔥 10/10
The lodge! Wow, well I’ve never seen a more equipped place. Every pot, pan utensil you need. Cleaning supplies, clothes rail. Pellet fire, heated towel rail. WiFi, uk sky, fire stick. Pool table under the dining table. They also had an honesty fridge. Filled with chocolates, cans of pop, capri suns, beer and wine.
Also has a pool, too cold for us! (This time)
Then there’s the lake.
There’s 4 swims. All walkable.
Nets, weigh slings, mats, weigh bar, scales for cat fish all there. Ones still a bit wild which suited Garry, 2 had built up surroundings and Gats was open. They have a boat to use BUT you MUST wear a life jacket and only 2 people on at a time. You’re allowed to use bait boats and Stuart has one you can hire.
The bait.
Stuart has his own boillies he sells. 2 flavours I want to say. Use his particle and pellet.
Suitable for families, lads, ladies.
Local shops are 6 minutes away!
Would I go back? I am
Would I recommend? 10000%
04 April, 2026
A lovely week for Adam and his family. Every carp broke his original PB and he left with a new one of 46lb. Four mirrors in total at 30lb, 31lb,34lb and the 46lb. Also lots of roach fishing with the kids and visits to local parks and a big local lake with a beach and things to do.
04 April, 2026
Catch Report – Saussaie (4/4 – 11/4) 🎣
This week we had a new group on Saussaie—a father and his three sons fishing the lake for the first time. After 5 fish out the previous week and with conditions looking spot on, it was always going to be interesting…
They didn’t have to wait long for their first bite, and from there the action kept coming! By the end of the session they finished on 19 bites with 16 fish landed 👊
A trip to remember with 3 PBs smashed:
🔥 Dad – 55.13lb PB
🔥 Olie – 57.7lb PB
🔥 Grand – 51.8lb PB
The lads were absolutely buzzing!
Catch tally:
🐟 4 × 20lb+
🐟 5 × 30lb+
🐟 3 × 40lb+
🐟 4 × 50lb+ (up to 57.7lb!)
An absolute pleasure to have this family on the bank. Great to see how well they worked together, looked after each other, and showed real respect for the fishery and the rules.
They took excellent care of the fish using the new Carp Care UK kits—exactly what we want to see every week 🙌
Top angling, top attitude, and a session they won’t forget anytime soon!
04 April, 2026
Before the weather turned, Garry Ball enjoyed his week despite the cold and wet weather. Garry landed some nice fish from post 14; the stand-out fish were a lovely common at 42lb 8oz and a mirror of 44lb. The lads are looking to rebook next year in a warmer month.
Bill Benford enjoyed his week on post 1. Bill caught some lovely fish, the best of them being lovely mirrors at 53lb 12oz and 52lb 7oz. Well done mate.
03 April, 2026
A super opening week for Karl who had the lake to himself. No less than 4 x 50lbs plus so far!
31 March, 2026
Another big girl today 56-2
30 March, 2026
Off with a bang!
1st customer 1st day. With a handful of fish to 54-12
30 March, 2026
Mark & Dougie had a great week only fishing days with a total of 9 carp. Dynamite’s Source boilies, crushed mixed with Krill 3mm pellets with pink & yellow 12mm pop ups over the top done the job. Mark landed his new PB at 50.9lb. Well done lads.
(Client review says 8 but they managed to snatch another before leaving)
29 March, 2026
What an opening week of the season with 22 carp landed and BPs for Steve and Tom. Tom landed a beatiful common of 50lbs on the nose, but not be outdone, Steve then landed the lake’s big common at a massive 60lb8oz! Great angling guys.
28 March, 2026
We had a French fishing party on the lake. Despite chilly cold weather they still landed some nice fish from 25lb to 60lb. Here is a selection of the fish that were caught.
Polish angler Wojciech Matuszczak caught some nice fish from post 15 – two mid forties and a 51lb mirror were the stand-out catches.
27 March, 2026
Fishing 14th – 21st March 2026.
It was a tough week fishing for us on Cheshire Lake. It seemed as if the Carp were just not active yet from the winter slumber, not helped by the depth of the water (depths between 14 – 18ft in open water). The weather was up and down during the week, experiencing hail, hot sunshine and sharp frosty mornings. The Sturgeon were active and gave quite a show during the early morning and evening, with both the Diamondbacks being banked during the week.
David the lake owner was very attentive, helpful and friendly. I genuinely felt his disappointment in the absence of us catching carp. The venue was clean with basic facilities and the only downside was the short drive to the shower block (located at the neighboring lake).
I would definitly recommend and look forward to going back again
25 March, 2026
A great start to the new season both Nick and Jamie smashing their PBs
24 March, 2026
Absolutely cracking venue. Lake is pristine. Fish are spotless. Owner very nice and friendly. Will definitely be going back.
23 March, 2026
We had Wendy, Andy and the impeccably behaved Juno (put our hound to shame!) in our shepherds hut last week, as a lake owner having an angler with total respect for our fish makes the week a pleasure, 12 fish in a cold March is superb angling, there kind review is below, look forward to seeing you guys soon, absolute pleasure to meet you
‘Hideaway lakes is absolutely fantastic. I couldn’t fault a thing. The Shepherds cabin was clean and warm and certainly spacious enough for two and our Boxer dog Juno. The food was spot on and certainly recommended, I highly recommend taking the food package. All home cooked with a desert too. Nothing was a problem for Steve and Elaine, and the boys Jake and Harry were incredibly helpful too, even sorting out the vet visit to get the dog home. Will I be back? Absolutely i will. On top of the that, the fishing was great too considering how cold the evenings were. Highly recommended 10/10. Thanks for having us guys.’
21 March, 2026
Two lake regulars fished the lake in what was a cold and difficult week. However Matt Hughes still landed a couple of nice fish, with the big Scar common (Laura) at 61lb as well as a nice 35lb mirror.
20 March, 2026
Now you can driving close to the swim the cabin.
20 March, 2026
Cottage lake is perfect for group of friends or family.
Carps are often active and you will have action every day. The average is higher than last years, the last young fish grow very well.
Some week are available, contact us for more informations.
17 March, 2026
The lake was in a good location with supermarkets in close proximity.
Fishing was great with a top fish of 53lbs and others at 32lb +
A must fish
14 March, 2026
Just before the season started in full, local angler Christophe Boulonge did a four day session on the lake. He landed three lovely mirrors at 61lb, 55lb and 49lb.
12 March, 2026
You loved Kamalo Lake before, and this year, you’ll love it even more! After some customer feedback last year, we’ve done an incredible transformation. Post 1 is now the luxurious “Heaven Suite,” and the VIP Cube remains a gem. We’ve also created an access path to reach Post 3 from the cabin. Now, Kamalo Lake boasts three accommodations—one on each of Posts 1, 2, and 3. We’ve restructured the banks, dug the perfect fishing spots, and stocked over 80 young, high-potential fish, including ghosts, big commons, and hefty mirrors. We can’t wait for you to experience these improvements—reserve now and make your next fishing trip unforgettable!
12 March, 2026
At La Loubière, swims 5 and 3 delivered an impressive short fishing session. The lake’s stock has significantly increased in terms of average size, and several new fish have surpassed the 55-pound mark. In under a week, our anglers landed over six different fish above 55 pounds, with a large number ranging between around 29 and just under 44 pounds—an excellent average of over 35 pounds. Plus, we’ve made upgrades to our accommodations: now featuring dishware and gas cooking for our guests’ comfort.
12 March, 2026
We had an absolutely fantastic fishing session at Étang Furet, at the Loft swim, during our recent stay with Dream Carp Holidays. After a completely quiet first 24 hours, the action suddenly kicked off, and our clients started averaging about seven runs a day! The highlight was a streak of five carp between 53 and almost 57 pounds. To top it all off, we made some major improvements at the Furet over the winter: we repainted all the accommodations inside and out, redid some flooring, and enhanced the welcome area with our little carp shop. A brilliant experience all around!
12 March, 2026
CARL BRADLEY PARTY
CARP: 50lb 7oz, 42lb 1oz, 44lb 4oz, 44lb 1oz, 35lb 7oz, 34lb 7oz, 31lb 1oz, 38lb 8oz, 35lb 6oz plus 8 twenties.
Yet again a perfect week with 3 PBs and some of the best food around. Thanks Dave & Sue for making the week special.
12 March, 2026
ANDY TYTHERLEIGH PARTY
CARP: 53lb 4oz, 43lb 2oz, 32lb 6oz, 32lb 15oz plus 2 twenties and 3 doubles
Had a fantastic week on my first venue and what a venue it is, beautiful place. Caught my PB at 43lb 2oz. I will definitely be back in the future. Dave & Sue are fantastic hosts and Sue’s cooking is as good as everyone says. Thank you for making us feel so welcome.
12 March, 2026
CHRIS LARSON PARTY
CARP: 52lb 11oz, 44lb 7oz, 32lb, 33lb, 36lb 6oz, 37lb 5oz, 31lb 2oz, 30lb, 30lb 1oz, 32lb 3oz plus 14 twenties and 9 doubles.
CATS: 9 fish to 75lb 8oz
Great venue run by great people. Carp lake was amazing to us with all of my PBs smashed.
Had the best day fishing in my life on the Cat lake.
Thank you Dave & Sue for you hospitality. See you again soon.
TEAMBROOK FISHING – had an amazing week, load of fish and great food. Kell Brook got the big Grass carp on the last day. Xxx
12 March, 2026
STAINES MASSIVE – Both Lakes
CARP: 44lb 10oz, 44lb 2oz, 40lb 5oz, 32lb, 32lb 3oz, 31lb 1oz, 31lb 7oz, 36lb 8oz, 30lb, 30lb, 37lb 1oz, 33lb 9oz, 30lb 1oz, 37lb 8oz, 38lb 2oz, 37lb 11oz plus 3 twenties.
CATS: 18 fish inc. 83lb, 82lb & 85lb
Another fantastic week at Windmill! Well looked after and great fishing. Thank You! See you next year x
12 March, 2026
CRAIG MCBERNAY
CARP: 52lb, 48lb, 42lb, 40lb 6oz, 30lb, 30lb, 35lb 8oz, 39lb plus 5 twenties and 9 doubles.
CATS: 111lb, 91lb, 98lb plus 17 others up to 64lbs
Brilliant weeks fishing!!!
4 PBs broken 😊😊 Young Jack 42 Carp & Cat to 45lb! First ever! Food package – amazing! Thanks for everything.
12 March, 2026
JAMES RUTLEDGE PARTY
CARP: 47lb, 41lb, 42lb, 43lb 5oz, 30lb, 32lb 5oz, 31lb 2oz, 31lb, 35lb 2oz, 35lb, 38lb 2oz, 33lb 5oz, 30lb 5oz, 33lb 5oz plus 2 twenties.
Fantastic weeks fishing. Both caught P.B.s awesome carp, amazing food. All the fish were in great condition. Thanks Sue & Dave.
12 March, 2026
CLYDE ELLIS HALL PARTY
CARP: 43lb, 45lb, 33lb, 30lb, 30lb, 39lb, 39lb, 32lb plus 7 twenties and 2 doubles.
2nd time here, def come back again. Food was great, fishing excellent in both lakes. Great hosts in Dave & Sue. Brill, keep up the good work.
12 March, 2026
BEN MARSHALL PARTY
CARP: 54lb, 44lb, 46lb, 34lb, 30lb, 32lb, 27lb
Hard week fishing. Defo be back again. Food was 5*, thanks again Sue & Dave.
12 March, 2026
JON C & SEAN
CARP: 56lb, 46lb, 44lb, 45lb 8oz, 36lb, 35lb, 36lb, 38lb, 34lb 8oz, 32lb, 32lb Plus 9 twenties and 3 doubles.
Had a fantastic week as always. Sue & Dave were the best of hosts with a winning food package. The fishing was cracking, the carp are in awesome condition. Booked again for next spring.
12 March, 2026
LEROY HARRIS PARTY
CARP: 45lb, 42lb 5oz, 43lb, 42lb 5oz, 33lb, 37lb, 36lb 5oz, 36lb 2oz, 33lb 5oz, 37lb 5oz, 38lb, 36lb, 36lb 4oz, 30lb, 20 twenties and 13 doubles.
09 March, 2026
Catch Report – Stéphanie’s Successful Carp Session
It was a fantastic session on the lake for Stéphanie, who enjoyed some great action and landed several beautiful mirror carp during her stay.
Fishing tight to the trees in a quiet, natural area of the lake, Stéphanie managed to locate the fish quickly. Her efforts paid off with a series of powerful takes that resulted in a number of stunning mirror carp hitting the net.
One after another, the fish kept coming, each carp showing incredible colours and perfect condition. The golden bellies and deep bronze backs of these mirrors made for some truly memorable captures and some great photos on the bank.
Despite the calm conditions and misty mornings, the lake once again proved its quality, producing strong fighting carp and consistent action throughout the session.
All fish were handled with great care and safely returned to the water after the photos.
Congratulations to Stéphanie for a brilliant session and some lovely carp!
06 March, 2026
For many anglers, fishing in France for carp is the ultimate escape. Quiet countryside, well-stocked lakes and the chance of landing truly impressive carp make France one of the most popular destinations in Europe for fishing holidays.
In recent years, however, a particular type of venue has become increasingly popular — carp lakes in France with accommodation.
Rather than spending an entire week living under a bivvy, many anglers now choose venues that offer comfortable places to stay such as lakeside houses, lodges or cabins. These lakes allow anglers to enjoy serious carp fishing while also benefiting from proper accommodation, making longer trips far more comfortable and relaxed.
If you’re planning a fishing trip abroad, exploring carp lakes in France with accommodation listed on DreamCarp Holidays is a great way to combine excellent fishing with the comforts of a holiday.
Traditional carp fishing holidays often involve spending several days in a bivvy, cooking on a stove and dealing with whatever the weather throws at you. For many anglers that’s still part of the appeal.
However, others now prefer the added comfort that accommodation provides. If you are getting plenty of action in the daytime, you may prefer to get a really good night’s sleep in the accommodation and be re-energised for the morning. Or, even if you are bivvied up for the night, being able to grab a few hours of sleep in a proper bed can make a huge difference to the overall experience.
Accommodation also makes trips more appealing during colder months. Early spring or late autumn fishing can still be enjoyable when you have somewhere warm to return to after a session.
For anglers travelling with partners, friends or even family members, carp lakes in France with accommodation offer a far more comfortable and social fishing holiday.
When searching for carp lakes in France with accommodation, the facilities available can vary from simple lakeside housing to fully equipped holiday properties.
In many cases, the accommodation is located right beside the lake or only a short walk from the swims. In some cases, the accommodation is positioned right on the water’s edge, allowing anglers to fish directly from the property itself. As long as you use a sounder box to relay your bite alarms, you can remain inside while still keeping track of any takes.
Many anglers appreciate this level of comfort, particularly during longer sessions where rest and good food can make a big difference to the enjoyment of the trip.
Most carp lakes offering accommodation provide a house, lodge or cabin where anglers can stay during their visit. These buildings usually include bedrooms, a kitchen and a living area, giving anglers somewhere comfortable to relax between fishing sessions.
For groups of friends travelling together, this type of accommodation can create a very relaxed and social atmosphere. Even when rods are out and alarms are set, anglers have a place to cook meals, share stories and unwind after a long day on the bank.
Some venues offer additional features such as swimming pools or hot tubs alongside the accommodation. These carp lakes with accommodation and swimming pools are particularly attractive for anglers who want to combine fishing with a more traditional holiday atmosphere.
Facilities like this can make a big difference if you are travelling with a partner or family members who may not be fishing themselves. During warmer months especially, a pool or hot tub provides something extra to enjoy away from the rods.
Because of this, many anglers specifically look for carp lakes in France with accommodation that provide these extra comforts.
It is worth noting that many carp lakes in France without overnight accommodation still provide excellent facilities for anglers.
Some venues have well-equipped lodges with kitchens, seating areas and cooking facilities where anglers can prepare food and relax during their trip. At these lakes anglers usually sleep in bivvies at their swims, while still benefiting from access to proper facilities nearby.
For anglers who enjoy the traditional carp fishing experience, these lakes offer a good balance between comfort and bivvy fishing.
However, for those who prefer the convenience of staying in a house or lodge beside the lake, carp lakes in France with accommodation remain one of the most appealing options.
When choosing between different carp lakes in France with accommodation, there are several factors worth considering.
Every group of anglers will be looking for something slightly different. Some may prefer a small intimate lake where everyone fishes close together, while others might prefer a larger venue offering more water to explore.
Browsing a selection of carp lakes in France with accommodation is a great way to compare venues and find a lake that suits your trip.
For anglers planning a fishing trip abroad, lakes with accommodation offer an excellent balance between comfort and serious carp fishing.
Whether you prefer a simple lakeside lodge or a fully equipped house with additional facilities, these venues allow you to enjoy long fishing sessions while still benefiting from proper accommodation.
If you’re planning your next trip, you can explore a range of carp lakes in France with accommodation and start planning the perfect carp fishing holiday.
02 March, 2026
Lots of fish being caught at the moment; the year is off to a good start for fishing.
26 February, 2026
72 hr fishing very good résultat for this Time of year.Looks like the S Nuts and the Fruit Tella are doing the job 🎣
25 February, 2026
This is my fourth time coming to this lake in four years. It’s a great place to come fishing. The lake owner mark is very helpful and nothing is too much trouble. I’ve fished on four different swims and every time I’ve had 20’s / 30’s and 40’s still haven’t got any 50’s + yet. If you want a challenge this is the place for you. I recommend you hire the boat with a motor as you will be going out a long distance from the swim.
I know this lake is a long way. This part may help you on how much it will cost you. The tolls each way is £47 euros each way.
It’s about 10 hours drive with a few stops on your way down.
I leave on Friday evening driving half way and stop to sleep for 3 / 4 hours then drive the last few hours to the lake.
When leaving to come home I leave at 6am and I get to the port for about 4pm. I hope this helps you plan your trip.
24 February, 2026
Autumn angling at its best!
24 February, 2026
Successful week as temperatures drop… 15 fish this week!
24 February, 2026
Well played, father-son team…
24 February, 2026
Cooler temperatures this week saw the fish feeding well with a single angler landing 20 carp.
24 February, 2026
Lake Special Boilies delivers again .
A great week for Andy , Stewart , Spencer , Jeff and Andy F.
30 carp landed .
3×50 lb carp , 9 x 40 lb carp to 49 lb .
Andy landing the biggest of the week a common at 58 lb a new pb.
Andy French also landing a new pb another common at 54 lb
Spencer landing his first 50lb carp a mirror at
53 lb .
Good angling guys .
24 February, 2026
Mark , Martin and Darren had a few good carp out .
22 carp landed .
Martin landing s 50lb mirror and a 56lb Common
24 February, 2026
One of the first questions serious buyers ask is whether the lake is DDTC compliant.
DDTC (Déclaration de Détention et de Transport de Carpes) relates to the legal framework surrounding carp ownership and movement in France.
A lake that’s already compliant reduces uncertainty and signals professional, well-documented management.
For a deeper dive into costs, regulations, and common pitfalls, see
Buying a Carp Lake in France: The Ultimate Guide to Costs, Regulations & Red Flags.
Big fish headlines are attractive, but buyers should look beyond “top weight” claims. What matters is the overall health and balance of the stock,
and whether the lake can sustain good fishing long term.
If the seller can support stock claims with documented history (or an independent survey), it improves buyer confidence and helps justify valuation.
Lakes with a house, gîte, lodge, or on-site accommodation usually appeal to a wider range of buyers. They can offer immediate lifestyle value,
stronger security, and clearer income potential.
If there’s no residential property, assess what could realistically be added. The ability to erect a wooden lodge/chalet or an event-style wooden structure
(such as a social area, shelter, or simple reception building) can significantly increase appeal—subject to local planning rules.
For a broader perspective on location considerations and what different regions can offer, see
Buying a French Carp Lake? Here’s What You Must Know.
If the lake operates commercially, forward bookings are a strong indicator of market demand and can materially reduce buyer risk.
A lake with healthy future bookings demonstrates that the venue is desirable, priced correctly, and marketed effectively.
Even if you plan to reposition the fishery, forward bookings can provide breathing room during the first season of ownership.
If you’re buying a trading venue, clean and credible accounts matter. You’ll want to understand not only turnover, but realistic operating costs,
maintenance, and any recurring expenses that impact profitability.
A lake that’s well run on paper is often well run on the bank. Weak documentation increases perceived risk and can affect valuation.
Walk the venue with a practical eye. Deferred maintenance can be expensive, and water-related issues can be particularly disruptive.
Think beyond the map pin. Accessibility impacts bookings (especially for UK clients), ongoing management, and your ability to react to issues.
Consider local amenities, nearby land use, privacy, and the general ease of looking after the venue.
If you’re a UK buyer, it’s also important to understand post-Brexit stay rules and residency options if you plan to spend extended periods in France.
A good starting point is
Can UK Buyers Buy Fishing Lakes in France After Brexit? (FAQ Guide).
In a digital market, the lake’s reputation can carry real value. Check the venue’s online presence, reviews, and how accurately it has been presented historically.
Goodwill—repeat customers, strong photos, consistent catch records—can be as valuable as physical assets.
Even at purchase stage, consider your future exit. Clean compliance, strong documentation, sensible infrastructure, and accommodation potential
often make resale easier and protect long-term value.
Carp lakes are niche assets. Comparing multiple listings helps you understand what’s normal, what’s exceptional, and what’s risky.
Browse our lakes for sale in France to benchmark infrastructure, stock claims, and pricing in one place.
Buying a carp lake in France can be a genuine lifestyle upgrade and a strong investment—if you approach it with proper due diligence.
Prioritise DDTC compliance, verify stock and documentation, inspect infrastructure, assess accounts and forward bookings, and understand what’s possible
from a planning and development perspective.
If your motivation is as much lifestyle as business, you may also enjoy:
5 Reasons to Buy a Carp Lake in France and Live the Dream Life.
Note: This article is general guidance and not legal or financial advice. Regulations and requirements can vary by prefecture and individual circumstances.
20 February, 2026
Few of the fish we had from les saisons last week, we had a great week with a few pb’s along the way, great place
20 February, 2026
Some good angling from Dan and John from a few weeks ago.
See you next year.
20 February, 2026
A few pictures of some fish from last week.
Great pictures of the family holiday.
20 February, 2026
Some lovely fish caught from bob and Tracy a few weeks ago.
Fishing from the point swim
20 February, 2026
A few fish today after some work on the lake
20 February, 2026
What a great week 7-14 June.
All 3 of us had multiple fish at least 3 40’s each along with plenty of 30’s to back them up.
The lake was beautiful and Andy couldn’t help us enough.
Can’t wait to see what the place will look like after the weed removal and swim upgrades planned!!
We will defo be going back again and again.
Thank you again Andy we had a ball 👍🏻👍🏻
16 February, 2026
You may remember last August we had a young angler on Lac Lucie who had never done any carp fishing before and had come out with his family and Jo’s sister, who was a friend of his mums. This year, Oscar returned for another week on Lac Lucie with his dad, Gary who also enjoyed a bit of fishing, his mum, Nic who came to enjoy the peace and quiet and this year with his girlfriend, Chloe who also goes fishing with Oscar back home in North Wales. Chloe had also never really been carp fishing before but was definitely up for the challenge.
Arriving on the Manchester flight Saturday lunchtime Nigel took them to the supermarket and bought them back to the lake where they settled themselves into the chalet and looked at the rods that Nigel had set up for them. Again they had no real plans to fish nights and with rain and storms forecast for the week they were happy to just fish days. Luckily for us the weather had changed, with temperatures in the mid 20s rather than the high 30s as it had been for the preceding few weeks. It was still sunny enough for everyone to use the pool and the hot tub but not too hot for the fish and they had definitely been feeding the week before.
It did not take long for the first fish to be landed by Oscar, who was fishing to the left off the main bank. A lovely 27lb mirror on the first day and he was pleased that he was first off the mark and showing Chloe how it was done.
The guys all got a good night’s sleep in the chalet and the two teenagers were down by the lake again at about 9am on Sunday and Oscar caught a 26lb common at about 10am. Nic sent us a message an hour or so later to say that Chloe had a fish on and we went down to watch. There were clear signs that it was a big fish and we were pleased that these were also feeding again now. Unfortunately after playing it for a good 30 minutes it came off but Chloe was quick to get her rod back out.
On Sunday night Oscar and Chloe decided they would have a go at fishing the night and had only a few beeps overnight to disturb them until 4 in the morning when Oscar landed another 22lb mirror. It seemed only the 20s were going to be caught this week. They started to feel a bit chilly after this as they had not got any sleeping bags with them so went in the chalet and slept for a few hours before coming back out to fish through the day. Gary set his chair and rods up at the far end of the lake and fished for a few hours during the day but always made sure he was on hand to help them land any fish as needed.
There were no more fish out on Monday but they did enjoy the pool and the hot tub and made friends with the black and white cat that has been hanging around the lakes this summer. It was previously known as Humbug but Chloe and Oscar have renamed it Steve. It seems to have become tamer and tamer over the last few months but definitely knows it will get some food when near our guests.
On Tuesday Oscar decided to let Chloe have a turn at catching. Bearing in mind that Chloe’s PB previously was under 10lb she was thrilled with this 23lb mirror. But they did forget to give her the bucket of water treatment! As it was supposed to be the last sunny afternoon of their trip we dropped them off at the local lake for a few hours so that they could go paddleboarding, have a swim in the lake and grab a pizza from Le 16 Beach.
We had a few storms around us on Tuesday night so they decided to get indoors for the night and grab a good nights sleep. We were still desperate for rain though as up until this week there had been next to no rain. The temperatures were starting to fall though and there were signs that autumn was on its way, particularly at night when temperatures were dropping to around 10°C although day time temperatures were still over 25°C. Perfect for Nic to be lying in the sun and reading her book and for everyone to enjoy the last few days of summer in the pool.
On Wednesday Oscar managed to lose a fish that had got snagged up around the aerator. Luckily Nigel was at home and jumped in the lake to rescue the fish, and the line, losing his shoe in the process but luckily getting that back. A short time later the bait boat batteries died half way across the lake but this time Gary came to the rescue and swam across to it! He was rewarded though and had his first carp of the week, a 22lb mirror in the middle of the afternoon.
Oscar and Chloe slept out until the early hours, having borrowed a couple of sleeping bags from us with the nights turning colder, and lasted until Oscar had his fish at about 4.30am, a 26lb common.
On Thursday the air pressure started to drop dramatically and as Oscar had had the majority of the fish out so far he chivalrously offered to swap sides with Chloe so she could catch up a bit. Later in the day she managed to land two lovely mirrors, weighing 20lb 13oz and 25lb.
Finally overnight on Thursday we got what we have been waiting for for months, some rain! Not enough to get the stream running but enough to put some more water and oxygen in the lake. Chloe had a great night, catching 3 more carp, weighing 10lb, 27lb and 8lb. This little mirror is destined to be a stunning big fish in the future.
Oscar was beginning to regret his decision to swap swims with Chloe but he has been bought up to be a charming young man and him and Chloe are obviously a good team, supporting each other with each catch and calling Nic and Gary down to the lake to help and be photographers.
On Friday afternoon, having spent the morning catching up on some sleep, Chloe caught yet again, a 17lb 5oz mirror. It had a bit of a drama though as the line got tangled with her other rod and when they picked that up to untangle it they realised that there was a fish on that one too, but unfortunately by the time they got it to the bank it had come off. Oscar also landed another 18lb mirror at about 6pm and they thought that would be it for the week.
It has been a funny few weeks fishing on Lac Lucie with oxygen issues and not many fish over 30lb on the bank and we have all been desperate to see some of the bigger fish feeding and back out. We thought we would have to continue to be patient as this lovely family starting packing things away ready to go home.
We were sat out on our decking on Friday evening when we heard the alarms go at about 6pm so decided we would go and see what would probably be the last fish of the week. Again it was Chloe who was on and she was working hard to pull the fish in. As it was putting up quite a fight we assumed it was another one of mid 20s weight, as it would come close and then dart off again. Imagine everyone’s excitement when Gary got it in the net and realised it was bigger than we had thought. Everyone had a guess and we roughly estimated a high 30s so were even more pleased when it weighed in at 42lb and 14oz. A new PB for Chloe and the biggest fish we have had out for several weeks and a lovely photo to finish the week, when the fish had eventually calmed down enough to have it’s picture taken.
A lovely week for this lovely family and a new PB for Chloe. The final summary of the week is 1 baby, 3 at 10lb+, 9 at 20lb+, 0 at 30lb+ an 1 at 40lb+. We hope that you will all come back another day and until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
16 February, 2026
We first met Mick last April when he came with his nephew, Carl and mate, Steve on Kingfisher, https://carpfrance.com/13-04-2024-kingfisher-and-then-it-turned-cold/ but he had also previously fished Lac Lucie with Andy and bought his wife, Jeanette and Andy’s wife, Nicola that time (before we had bought the fishery). This year Mick, Jeanette, Andy and Nicola bought another friend, Ivor with them to see what they could catch from Kingfisher.
Andy, Ivor and Nicola arrived on the East Midlands flight on the Saturday and Jo took them to the supermarket on the way here. Mick had told them that he wanted to fish the shallow end as he had previously fished the dam wall swim when he had been before so Andy set up on the dam wall to fish in the corner and under the trees and Ivor on swim 1 to fish in the middle. Nicola got the food unpacked and the chalet sorted. Andy and Ivor were hoping that they would be off the mark before Mick and Jeanette arrived on Sunday but only Andy managed to land a 16lb common on Saturday evening.
They were all planning on sleeping out all night and during the night Andy heard loads of fish boshing out in the shallow end so quickly, before Mick arrived, he moved down to swim 4 and Ivor moved into swim 3. By the time Mick and Jeanette arrived after the supermarket trip they were settled in and a disgruntled Mick set himself up on the dam wall where Andy had been. Mick had rented one of our bait boats so he did have the advantage of being able to get right in under the trees. We were also aware that most of the fish had come out from the deeper part of the lake at the latter end of the previous week so we were quietly confident that Mick would still have a good week.
Sunday night saw another fish out for Andy, a 29lb 14oz mirror and a 20lb common for Mick. It was not until Monday night when Ivor got his first bite and it took ages for him to get it in, a 51lb catfish. He was not impressed by it, although it was his first ever catfish, and he did not want to hold it. Mick also had a 41lb common in the night as well as a couple of small cats.
Mick carried on where he was, sticking the bait into his preferred spots but not over feeding and his hard work paid off with a further 2 carp on the bank on Tuesday, a 30lb mirror and a 36lb common as well as 2 catfish weighing 25lb and 10lb
Jeanette and Nicola were enjoying their week too, especially as for the most part it was a nice sunny week, relaxing and reading and also doing the shopping when needed. Jo took them, along with the lady from Lac Lucie to the supermarket on Wednesday afternoon and enjoyed their company and lots of laughter. Nicola won’t mind us saying that she likes to talk and had lots of questions for us. She also had a bit of confusion at the supermarket, buying grapefruit instead of oranges and pork instead of chicken but they had a great time. Nicola also does a little bit of fishing, although prefers Andy to cast it out and help her to bring it in. She did successfully catch a roach and so her photo is worthy of showing too…..she did not however catch the common that she is holding here…that was definitely Mick’s 36lb one but good on her for holding it!
As dawn was breaking on Thursday Mick landed a new PB, only by a very small amount but every bit counts and this is a lovely 45lb 8oz common.
Ivor also caught a new PB carp on Thursday night at 1.30am – only 17lb but a new PB none the less and whilst he did not catch a lot of fish over the week he really enjoyed his first French carp fishing experience and also exploring our little hamlet.
Jeanette and Mick were on the Friday flight back to Leeds and left the others to finish off the week. Andy jumped back onto Mick’s swim on the dam wall but had no further fish out unfortunately and neither did Ivor. It rained most of the day on Friday and we were definitely pleased to see 35mm of water fall out of the sky but as all anglers will know it is never nice packing up in the rain. It has been long awaited though and as we have no control over the weather it is what it is!
Mick definitely ended up in the right swim, where all the fish were and was at an advantage having the bait boat to use and ended up with 14 of the 20 fish caught.
The final summary – zero babies, 3 at 10lb+, 5 at 20lb+, 4 at 30lb+, 2 at 40lb+ and 5 catfish to 51lb. We have had lots of fun and laughter with this lovely group of people and hope to see them again someday. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt…..
16 February, 2026
Lee and Lisa have previously owned land on the bank of the river Ebro for a number of years and used to organise fishing trips for people on there, frequently landing catfish over 200lb (ebroxperience). They returned to the UK to have their twins who are now 7 and wanted a family fishing holiday, away from city life and had been recommended Kingfisher lake by previous customers of theirs.
As you may have read from Lac Lucie’s catch report last week, the weather in France this summer has been very very hot and we have had no substantial rain since April. The dissolved oxygen levels had dropped suddenly in Lac Lucie and we sensed that Kingfisher was not far behind so had some new aerators on order to reduce the risk of losing fish in Kingfisher too. We managed to get the first one that arrived, some bottom diffusers, into Kingfisher on the Saturday that the family arrived and Lee set himself up on the 2nd swim, out of the direct heat.
The family love camping and regularly spend their weekends outside and love walking and picnicking so were happy to be here and Rio and Reeva were in the swimming pool before Lee had got his rods in the water, leaving Lisa to get the suitcases and food unpacked.
The lake was very still for the first part of the week, with algae blooms growing by the day. Nigel was testing the water regularly and the 2 aerators that we have had on 24/7 since June were working over time. With the new diffusers in the deep end as well we hoped that the algae would soon disperse but by Monday we were not seeing a great deal of difference. Lee managed one fish weighing 24lb from the 3rd swim on Monday morning but there were little signs of other fish feeding across the lake and all were swimming around the aerators at the deep end.
Nigel decided to move the bottom diffusers down to the shallower end after going out to get 100m of cable to power them and Jo went to see our lovely neighbouring farmers to see if they had any advice. Despite them also needing water for their crops and livestock, they kindly agreed to allow us to pump some water from the lake they own just above us. With another neighbour lending us a large pump we set it up on Tuesday morning, with the farmer’s help and finally got the water pumping into the stream so that some went off into Kingfisher and some into Lac Lucie too.
On Tuesday evening Lee caught a couple more smaller fish but nothing like what he had come for so was feeling very despondent. We did have storms forecast for Wednesday but as often happens here they pretty much passed us by, and despite seeing other people having huge downpours of rain, we had only 3.5mm. The pressure did drop quite a bit though as did the air temperatures and we were hopeful that the heatwave was over. The family enjoyed some walks around the lake and up into the woodland, hunting out little animals and enjoying the nature and peace and quiet, and of course the pool.
Having moved back to swim 1 a couple of days before, on Thursday morning Lee had some more bait as he was feeling hopeful and told us that he caught a 13lber almost as soon as he got his rods back out. We all had our fingers crossed for the night and Lee kept the bait going in with maize down under the willow tree and our maple syrup boilies under the trees on the far bank.
We went round to see them on Friday morning, just hoping that he had had a better night but didn’t believe him when he said that he had had 19 fish over night, but Lisa had the photos to prove it. He said that he had had no sleep and they were just coming out one after another. He also had lost a big one which he went out on the boat to try and net, just like he used to on the Ebro. We were all so pleased and relieved that the fish had started feeding again.
On Friday evening he called round for some more maple syrup boilies and wafters (and a few more beers) and said he had just landed a 48lb 6oz mirror and was hoping for another good night. With a lunchtime flight Lee made the most of his last night on the lake and ended up landing a further 7 fish and was then wishing they could stay another week!
Lee and his family had 35 fish in total zero babies, 11 at 10lb+, 15 at 20lb+, 6 at 30lb+ and 3 at 40lb+ and no catfish.
We hope to see you all again some day. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt…..
16 February, 2026
Steve has fished at Carp France many times before with weeks on both of our lakes but had never bought his family with him before. August is an ideal time to combine fishing with a family holiday and we are ideally located for a bit of sightseeing and fun during the day and some night fishing when the children are in bed. Julie, Steve’s wife, does not fish but was hoping for a bit of peace and quiet and relaxation. Their 3 daughters, Cassidy, age 9, Darcy, age 7 and Elodie, age 2 were looking forward to the pool and the space and meeting Maisie.
After a long drive to us on the Saturday the family arrived at about 7pm and got themselves unpacked and sorted in the chalet and a quick cool off in the pool. Everyone was too hot and tired to be bothered about fishing so Steve got himself sorted out on Sunday morning ready to fish that night.
If you have read our report from last week you will know that it had been a very difficult week with low dissolved oxygen levels but it had picked up again at the end of the week and the fish had started feeding again so we were hopeful that Steve would have a good week.
And so it started. Having set up on the main bank so that he could also be on hand for their children if needed, Steve had 3 fish on the bank on his first session weighing 37lb, 24lb and 10lb so he felt he could relax now he was off the mark. This is a photo of the baby with Darcy who certainly seemed very enthusiastic about her dad’s fishing. Unfortunately, what turned out to be the biggest of the week, the 37lb common, he only managed to get a photo of in the cradle.
Over the next couple of days, Steve had a further 3 fish out all weighing in the 20s and had great fun in the pool and playing boules on the grass with the girls. They had a few trips out to the supermarket, the street market at Piegut Pluviers where the girls got some pretty bracelets, and to the lake for everyone to go swimming
On Wednesday evening we heard Steve’s bite alarms go off at about 7.30pm so went down to join in the fun. It was only a small common weighing 15lb but put up quite a fight and again Darcy joined in on the action. She was desperate for her dad to catch a big fish so he could have his photo on the wall next year. A couple of hours later and his rods went again and he managed to land a 32lb common in the only bit of rain we have had all month.
Steve was concerned that he had been doing something wrong as he had lost a few fish, he would check that his hooks were sharp enough and look at his rigs but came to the conclusion that there was nothing else he could really do and as he had managed to net a fair few already he decided to stick with what he was doing.
We heard the alarms go again on Thursday morning at about 10.30am and were on hand to help Steve net this lovely scaled 27lb 8oz mirror.
On Friday evening Steve almost got a double take. He had just landed a 35lb common and given his phone to Julie to put on charge when his other rod went off and he caught a 25lb mirror – so unfortunately no photo of this one.
Final summary 12 fish caught and at least 7 further runs. zero babies, 2 at 10lb+, 7 at 20lb+ and 3 at 30lb+.
The girls did us a very lovely picture to go on our shop fridge and we hope that they had a good second weeks holiday at Eurocamp by the seaside. We hope to see this lovely family again someday and until then bonne journée et à bientôt…
16 February, 2026
All experienced anglers know that the summer is not great for fishing. Like humans, when they are too hot, the fish do not feel like eating and just want to lie around a do as little as possible. High temperatures also bring other difficulties for fishery owners, with algae blooms, low oxygen levels and little or no fresh water coming through the lake.
When we moved here in 2023 we always said we would not lie to people about our lakes and so feel that this catch report needed to outline our situation as it was before these people arrived. We are aware that other lakes in the vicinity are also experiencing similar problems and the advice and support we have received in the last two weeks from others has been really appreciated.
We have had no significant rainfall since April and the stream that feeds our lakes has now been completely dry for a couple of weeks. Water levels are down by a good foot and the daytime temperatures have not dropped below 25°C since the 24th July.
We regularly check the water temperature and oxygen levels in the lakes as this gives us a good warning of any issues and prepares us to take any action. We were not expecting, however, such a sudden drop in the oxygen levels last Friday morning when we tested it and we had real cause for concern as several fish were frequently seen on the surface gasping for air, despite our usual aerator running 24/7 since mid June. We knew that the fish needed our help and managed to contact another fishery owner close by who had a spare aerator he could lend us. Within a couple of hours this was in the lake and mixing up the water, adding much needed oxygen.
Sadly 3 of our carp did not make it through this critical spell and they surfaced over the next few days, but it could have been a lot lot worse if we had not acted so quickly.
Our next concern was for our anglers who arrived on the Saturday. Chris had fished Kingfisher as one of the Calendar Boys last spring and this year he was bringing his 16 year old son, Liam and his wife, Vikki for a week on Lac Lucie. Liam has not fished in France before and his PB was in single figures and we had sent him a video for his birthday last year when his dad had booked the holiday. On Kingfisher this week was another one of the Calendar Boys, Paul who was out with his family and this also proved to be beneficial that they all knew each other.
Arriving on the Saturday lunchtime we had a good chat with them about the stress the fish had been under in the last few days. As an experienced carp angler Chris was fully understanding and did not want to add to the problems by heavily fishing the lake so they agreed to just fish out to the deeper areas at night. They had planned to have some days out anyway so this was not an issue.
Chris and Liam set up on the main bank side by side and put a small amount of bait in to start off with just to see if any of the fish were feeding. There was very little activity in the first few days but the oxygen levels were improving slowly and by Monday the fish were no longer hanging around the aerators as much. We hit a record 40.8°C on Monday here and so we were pleased that the aerator was having such a positive effect.
By Tuesday there were still no fish on the bank so it was agreed with the guests on Kingfisher that Liam would go and fish with them on swim 4 to improve his chances of catching this week. Chris decided to give the lake a rest for a couple of nights to reduce the stress on them. We had a storm rumbling all around us on Tuesday night and we were all really hoping that there would be torrential rain all night but sadly we seem to have missed it bar a few drops, despite flooding being reported 10 miles away!
Vikki was enjoying some peace and quiet, doing her cross stitch and going to sit by the lake in the evenings and early mornings with Chris and Liam. She was in charge of delivering their breakfasts, sausage sandwiches and generally running round after them if needed.
The family had a few trips out over the week, spending a lovely afternoon by the big public lake with paddleboarding and kayaking. Nigel was very jealous that they could all stand up and paddle board, for more than the 10 seconds he could! They also visited the village of Oradour-sur-Glane as Liam is very into his military history and aims to join the marines in a couple of years.
With Liam over on Kingfisher, Chris spread his rods out into the deeper areas but was still very wary about stressing the fish too much. As he was on his own the Kingfisher crew gave him a radio so that he could call on the others if he needed any help But his care and attention paid off and Thursday at half past midnight he landed a 24lb mirror on a house maple syrup wafter with a Jaffa pop up
Thursday is commonly called ‘Big fish Thursday’ as it seems that the most fish are caught then and finally Liam got what he came here for and had caught a new PB mirror weighing 36lb 6oz, caught on a bounty hunter pop up and wafter with garlic ground bait from swim 4 on Kingfisher.
It was great for us to see that the fish on both lakes were feeding and Chris ended up catching again at 11pm on Thursday evening, another mirror weighing 24lb 8oz
We would really like to thank Chris, Liam and Vikki for being so understanding this week. The oxygen levels in Lac Lucie are now back to safer levels and the fish are showing all their usual behaviours. Water temperatures are still very high and we have still not had any rain but we are hopeful that the rain forecast next week will bring some fresh water into the lake. We have two new aerators on order so that we can be better prepared in the future
Final tally for this lovely family were 3 carp, zero babies, zero at 10lb+, 2 at 20lb+ and 1 at 30lb+ (from Kingfisher)
We hope that they will return to give us another chance one day and until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
16 February, 2026
Paul, a member of the Calendar Boys, visited Lac Lucie in the spring with his friend, Dave and his sons, Oliver and Thomas. He returned this week for his fourth go at Kingfisher and bought Michael, his nephew who fishes and Kiona, his wife with him for a summer break too. Michael and Kiona have been here before too so it was good to catch up with them all. They like to come in the summer as although they are aware the fishing is not great, they like the hot weather. And boy has it been hot.
If you have read our catch report for Lac Lucie this week you will know that we have had some real problems on there in the last 7 days and we were worried that Kingfisher could be heading in the same direction with low oxygen levels and fish in distress but we had seen no signs and in fact 13 fish had been caught the week before.
With temperatures forecast to be higher still this week we were not sure what was going to happen. We have had no significant rainfall since April so the stream that runs behind the lake has been dry and only the wild boar and deer have been in it. We trusted Paul implicitly to look after the lake and our fish as he is a very experienced angler and has his own lake in the UK so understands the pressures on the fish. Michael, Oliver and Thomas all live, breathe and eat fishing and unlike their friends on Lac Lucie did not want to leave the lake at all, barely pulling their rods in to go up to the chalet or to eat.
After having to change a tyre on their way down it was late in the day when they arrived on the Saturday but they soon unpacked their trailer and got set up with Paul on swim 1, Oliver on 2, Michael on 3 and Thomas and Dave on the dam wall, with Thomas closest to the metal overflow bridge. Oliver really wanted to get a catfish as he had tried, and failed, on Kingfisher for a couple of nights when they came in April so he did spend a couple of stalking sessions by Thomas on a few occasions.
It was Michael who caught first with a 20lb 9oz common, closely followed by a 20lb 5oz mirror.
On Sunday afternoon Thomas managed to land this 47lb 5oz mirror. Not a new PB as he had had one of the 50lb commons from Lac Lucie in April but still what turned out to be the biggest fish of the week. He was happy with that!
We were threatened with rainstorms on Tuesday evening and we were all praying for the rain, but apart from a few drops it came to nothing apart from the distant thunder and lightening. Dave said he sneezes more fluid. Flooding was reported in a town about 10 miles away but there was nothing here to help with the difficulties we were experiencing.
Wednesday saw a fish out for Paul, who always seems to be the last to catch usually. He had a 35lb mirror which turned out to be his only fish of the week and Michael had a 31lb common.
On Tuesday the family kindly let Liam come to join them on swim 4 so as to help rest the fish on Lac Lucie and he caught a 36lb 6oz mirror on Thursday morning which was a new PB for him.
Thomas also had another couple of carp out over the rest of the week, a 22lb mirror and a 27lb common (no photo).
Oliver and Dave had the worse fishing of the week with 8 small cats between them (and a tiny roach for Dave)
Michael finished the week off with this lovely 18lb 12oz mirror which performed beautifully for the camera
Kiona managed to enjoy sitting in the sun in between trying to sort out a new spare tyre for their journey home, not an easy thing to do in France in August as a lot of places close for a summer break but we hope it got them home safely.
Final summary of the week zero babies, 1 at 10lb+, 4 at 20lb+, 3 at 30lb+, 1 at 40lb+ and 8 small catfish.
We hope that you will all return for another visit to us and until then bonne journée et à bientôt…
16 February, 2026
This week was a last minute cancellation and was soon snapped up by Andy, his wife, Clare and daughter Freya who also bought along her boyfriend, Ruben. Andy has done a lot of French carp fishing before but had not bought his family along before so his plan was to fish most nights and go out with the family during the day, making it a great time for everyone. With temperatures in the high 20s/low 30s all week and there having been very little rain in the last three months we knew that fishing would be tricky which is often the problem in August.
After driving half the way here on Friday the family were with us mid afternoon and Andy got himself set up on the main bank with rods going out in all directions on the Saturday evening and used his bait boat to get his lines exactly where he wanted. As he had also seen some fish in the shallow area of the lake he put some bait in there and told Ruben they would try and get those ones later in the week.
It was Saturday evening when the first fish was landed a stunning looking 28lb mirror and Ruben got in on the photo with Andy.
They decided to enjoy a couple of days just chilling by the lake so once they had got some provisions in they set up down by the lake. Sunday evening saw another mirror on the bank weighing 20lb 14oz
On Monday afternoon Andy let Freya and then Ruben reel their own rods in which resulted in a 32lb common for Freya
and a 23lb mirror for Ruben plus a new little common for our nursery pond weighing just 4lb.
On Tuesday Andy took them out to have a look at the big public lake near to us where there is a manmade beach and some leisurely water sports. Freya was not so keen as she thought they would be just sat by yet another lake but once she arrived she did not want to leave and so they promised to visit the next day.
Unfortunately Wednesday saw the last fish of the session out on the bank in the morning which was a 27lb mirror.
The family went off to the lake in the afternoon, swam, ate pizza and had a go on the pedaloes and loved every minute of it. With temperatures over 30 degrees on Thursday and no more fish on the bank, they decided they would go back to the lake for the day then. It was probably getting too hot for the fish to want to be thinking about eating as the lake temperatures climb quite quickly over the course of the day when it is hot like this.
Ruben decided that he would sleep out for the night with Andy for their last night as they were starting the journey back north on Friday morning. We don’t believe he lasted very long though, but probably longer than Jo would do!
Final summary of the week was 6 fish in total including 1 baby, 0 at q0lb+, 4 at 20lb+ and 1 at 30lb +. None of the big fish but that was probably due to the temperatures. We hope to see you all again sometime but until then bonne journée et à bientôt…..
16 February, 2026
After a week on Lac Lucie with 31 carp out in total the 3 anglers moved, along with their lovely assistants, to Kingfisher, amidst the chaos that is Saturday mornings here at Carp France Fishing. With temperatures expected to soar to the mid 30s by the end of the week they were hoping that they would have as much luck during the second week of their holiday.. And Jamie was hoping to reel in his first ever catfish.
By lunchtime they were all set up again with Jamie on the house swim in the sunshine, Ronnie on swim 2 and Martin down on swim 3. The ladies and Charlie soon got themselves unpacked again in the chalet and said it felt like a completely different holiday! Kingfisher lake is more tree lined and is often described as looking like an old English estate lake. The chalet is also situated closer to the lake with the view out of the main bedroom window across the lake by the first swim. Everyone felt like they were much closer to the action…when it happened.
All three of the anglers this week were using our spicy fish boilies, parti-blend, pellets and a selection of our house hook-baits.
Jamie was first off the mark on Sunday morning with two fish out in fairly quick succession at first light. A 24lb 6oz mirror and a 26lb common.
This was followed at around 3pm when two of Ronnie’s rods went off at exactly the same time which sent everyone into a bit of a frenzy. Both fish were landed successfully and Jamie claimed one as his own
Jamie caught his fourth fish of the day around tea time and was happy he had had another 40lber
Martin was last to catch for this week but fishing in the shallower waters when it is hot never brings great rewards but at least he was off the mark with a 16lb 4oz common overnight on Sunday
Monday was a very quiet day in the lake with only a 19lb cat for Jamie – his first ever catfish though so worth a photo
Charlie decided he had had enough of the chalet (or the women?) on Monday night and slept out on a spare bed chair using his dad’s mosquito netting but still missed his dad catching a 25lb common
There were no fish on the bank at all on Tuesday as the temperatures began to rise into the 30s again and the ladies spent a few hours in the man cave playing darts although they did get in trouble for not telling the others where they had gone!
The family decided that they would have another day out on Wednesday but not to the market this week. Instead they went off down to the public lake, about 10 minutes away from us, had a pizza at le 16 Beach and a splash about.
They returned to the lake refreshed and revigorated and we had a few drinks with them on Wednesday evening when they got back, meaning that Martin didn’t get his rods out that night.
Jamie started the day well on Thursday and got another new PB 45lb 12oz mirror at about 9am. His fortnight really was going to plan. The mark you can see on the side of this mirror is a common issue with this strain of carp and is caused by the swim bladder popping a rib out. It only becomes sore if it rubs against something and our anglers always treat any sores with a recommended fish care product.
With Ronnie not having caught anything since his double take he was starting to get a bit twitchy so asked Nigel for some advice when we were there one morning. He still had to wait until Thursday afternoon before he had anything more though and finally caught another mirror weighing 22lb 6oz
Jamie then finished the day off by beating his PB for the 3rd time in 2 weeks with this 46lb 8oz mirror
Ronnie finished the week off with a 15lb long common first thing Friday morning and then we were there to see him play the last fish of the session which really put up a great fight and took ages for Martin to get it in the net for him but a lovely end to the week with a 32lb 6oz common.
The total caught in Kingfisher was 13 fish including zero babies, 3 at 10lb+, 4 at 20lb+, 3 at 30lb+, 3 at 40lb+ and 2 catfish up to 19lb and with 3 new PBs for Jamie over the fortnight he won the annual trophy for the biggest fish! But the three of them also took one of our new mugs home to remind them of us!
Kingfisher has proved more challenging for the three of them compared to Lac Lucie, probably due to the high temperatures and we hope they will all return to give this another go one day. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt…..
16 February, 2026
Frank, Tony and Matt fished Kingfisher in our first summer here https://carpfrance.com/19-08-2023-kingfisher-from-disaster-to-pbs/ and managed to catch 5 fish between them mainly due to the very high temperatures. They rebooked for this year and included their mates Dave and Wilbur and Wilbur’s son, George. What we didn’t know when they booked was that George is the keen carp angler and Wilbur was coming as the ‘responsible adult’.
There were no issues on their flight from Manchester and we picked them up at lunchtime and took some to the supermarket to stock up on supplies for the week, whilst the others went back to the lake to get the bivvies up and the tackle ready…..well with Nigel driving that was never going to happen and when Jo arrived back with the others everyone was enjoying a beer or two on the decking. And that was pretty much the theme of the week.
They did their own draw for the swims which led to Frank and Dave set up on swim 1, George on swim 2, Tony on the 3rd swim and Matt at the shallow end on swim 4. The plan was to have a change around during the week depending on how the lake was fishing.
The first couple of days saw all the action in the deep end with 8 catfish and carp coming out at a fairly regular rate, particularly at night time or early in the morning. Tony did manage a couple of cats but nothing to write home about. They drank several beers during the few days.
On Tuesday they all changed swims apart from George who had chosen to stay where he was and Frank took swim 3 and Dave swim 4 with Tony and Matt sharing the house swim nearest the chalet. George was the only person who caught on Tuesday but they did have several beers that day.
Wednesday saw another 6 on the bank and Thursday a further 3, although in the afternoon on Thursday we took them down to the local public lake and left them to have a few beers, whilst George chased the lizards. Obviously we had a quick drink with them when we picked them up! And overnight on Friday they had a further 4 carp out. In addition to the trip to the beach they did have several beers at the end of the week.
These are the catches person by person.
From swim 1 Frank caught a 56lb catfish in the early hours of Sunday morning, a new PB 43lb 4oz common overnight on Sunday, a 36lb 6oz common and a 44lb 6oz mirror on Monday evening. When he moved down to swim 3 he only managed to land a 37lb 8oz common overnight on Thursday. So 5 on the bank for Frank and he did manage to drink a few beers.
Dave had 4 catfish and a carp over the week as well as a little roach (the smallest catch of the week). He was first to catch from swim 1 with a 62lb catfish on Saturday evening closely followed by a 26lb 2oz catfish on Sunday morning and a new PB 34lb 8oz mirror on Monday morning. He lost a big one when he was on swim 4 but did manage to catch a little roach from there and he drank a few beers.
On swim 2 young George caught 3 carp and no catfish. He arrived with a PB in single figures and had caught nothing before Tuesday. When the others decided to change swims he stayed where he was determined to carry on fishing in his baited spots. On Tuesday he had a new PB 31lb 1oz mirror, followed by a 26lb 8oz common at 4.30am on Wednesday morning and then another new PB 45lb 10oz mirror at 9am on Thursday morning. What he thought would be the biggest fish of the week. He may or may not have had a few beers but what happens in France stays in France.
Tony started on swim 3 and only caught a couple of catfish there, despite also doing a bit of stalking in the trees during the day. The shallow end was definitely not the place where the fish were feeding this week. He also lost one on Wednesday morning when he moved to swim 1 but then had 3 overnight on Wednesday and early morning on Thursday. A new PB 29lb 8oz mirror, a 27lb 8oz mirror and a 24lb 6oz mirror. He drank a few beers over the week too.
Last but not least, Matt ended the session with the most fish on the bank and with 5 carp and a cat he also made a complete pack of new PBs for the group. Starting off on swim 4 he saw no action at all there and not for the first 24 hours on swim 1. He thought he would end up blanking and letting the side down and he wasn’t sulking much, but eventually, thanks to Tony, he caught his first mirror weighing 36lb 1oz at 10pm on Wednesday night, closely followed by a small catfish. The photo they sent us said it was 75lb but unless Matt is a lot bigger than he looks it was more like 7.5lbs! He then followed this up with a 21lb 6oz mirror overnight. On Thursday night he caught 2 more carp, a 26lb 13oz common and a 25lb 14oz mirror and then just as they thought it was all over he landed a new PB 46lb 12oz mirror, so not only the most caught but also just overtook George with the biggest carp of the trip. Oh and he had a few beers too.
We nearly forgot to mention Wilbur, who had never fished before he came over here and who still has never fished before. As George’s dad he was sent to make sure that George behaved himself and had everything he needed. He was in charge of making sure everyone had a beer when they needed one, generally kept the chalet clean and tidy and made sure that George was safe and happy. Apart from forgetting to pack any joggers or sleeping bag for George he did well at his other tasks and generally kept the group entertained. And being the provider of the beers he made sure he had a few too.
We have had another great week with these guys and will reminisce when we are at the tip next week emptying the bottle boxes.
Final summary was 23 carp and cats in total comprising of zero babies, zero at 10lb+, 7 at 20lb+, 5 at 30lb+ 4 at 40lb+ and 7 catfish up to 62lb. We hope we will see some of them again next year and we will get the supplies in ready. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt…
16 February, 2026
Our family of seven from Dover rejoined us again this year, choosing to spend two weeks with us to make the drive worth while. Having fished Lac Lucie for a week the last two years this time they decided to up their game and spend a week on each of our lakes. With Martin, Ronnie and Jamie fishing this left Wendy, Tracy, Charlie and Jess doing the running around, cooking and chilling with a bottle of Malibu or wine always at the ready.
These are their catch reports from the last 2 years with 9 fish on the bank in 2023 and 11 fish caught in 2024 from Lac Lucie (including new PBs for Jamie and Ronnie) and this year they were hoping for even more and bigger.
Arriving with roof boxes, trailers and the two cars packed to the hilt they soon made themselves at home and got their tackle all set up. We had a bit of a catch up and heard about Charlie’s and Jamie’s new jobs, Wendy’s retirement and Jess’ paramedic training and left them all to it for a couple of hours. Martin set up at the swim on the right hand bank and fished to the top end of the lake, with Ronnie and Jamie on the main bank with Ronnie fishing to the middle and left hand bank and Jamie to the middle and the right bank. We had spent a few hours clearing the fallen tree before they got here so that they had good access all around the lake. They all had chosen our maple syrup bait packages to use on Lac Lucie, believing that the carp prefer this to the spicy fish flavour.
Having had a bit of rain the week before and temperatures forecast to be in the mid 20s all week we were hopeful that they would have more fish out than the previous two years.
Ronnie was first off the mark at 5am Sunday morning with a 25lb 8oz mirror, followed Sunday afternoon with a 24lb 9oz mirror and a 28lb 8oz mirror at midnight. He then finished his one man streak with a 21lb mirror at teatime on Monday.
Martin was next off the mark with two carp on the bank straight after each other between midnight and 1am on Tuesday morning. Two mirrors of 22lb 8oz and 34lb 12oz.
Jamie wasn’t going to start messing about with the little ones like his dad and uncle though and he hit into his first fish around 4am on Tuesday morning and landed a new PB straight off with a 45lb 10oz common and a very happy face.
At around 8.30am Tuesday morning we looked out the window and saw both Ronnie and Jamie with fish on so we went down to watch, and help if needed. Maisie loves being part of the action, even if she doesn’t get her ball thrown for her! Jamie got top trumps again this time with a 35lb 5oz common, which took a good while to bring in, as Ronnie’s fish weighed around 3lb so has gone to join it’s mates in the nursery lake. Martin had another mirror later that morning and Ronnie landed a 37lb 8oz in the afternoon and had a double take in the evening with a 17lb mirror and an 18lb common.
On Wednesdays they traditionally have a family day with a visit to the market at Piegut Pluviers followed by lunch and a few goes round the track at Circuit du Perigord, a great go-karting track nearby. This is Charlie’s buzz but you can tell the two cousins are very competitive and all love it. Martin and Ronnie both managed a few fish before they packed up for the day out though with Martin having two commons at 21lb and 23lb and 2 mirrors at 26lb 8oz and 23lb 8oz in the early hours of Wednesday morning and Ronnie also having a 25lb mirror.
Thursday saw a further 8 fish on the bank with Ronnie catching 3, Martin 3, including a 23lb 6oz common which he caught off the top using some dog biscuits and 2 for Jamie including a 18lb mirror he had from stalking under the trees in the shallow end.
Their final day arrived on Lac Lucie and they had decided to go and visit the historic town of Oradour-sur-Glane for the day so they only fished first thing and that night before they packed up and moved to Kingfisher. They did well in their last 24 hours though with Jamie having a lovely 37lb 6oz common at first light, Martin a 24lb 8oz common just before they went out and Ronnie finishing their stint on Lac Lucie with a 34lb 10oz common and another tiddler for the nursery pond.
Over the week Martin had 12 carp on the bank from the top end, Ronnie 13 from the left hand of the main bank and Jamie 6 from the right (but he did have the biggest fish of the week) The total number of fish caught in Lac Lucie by the trio was 31 comprising of 3 babies, 5 at 10lb+, 15 at 20lb+, 6 at 30lb+ and 1 at 40lb+.
There will be more to follow in their Kingfisher report so watch this space…
16 February, 2026
Cookie, James and Callum had booked this week on Lac Lucie in 2023, just before we took over, and so had had a long time to get prepared and excited for it. Cookie has fished all over the world (except France) and had a amazing 68lb carp as his PB. James and his son, Callum, on the other hand were fairly new to carp fishing, going out with Cookie when they could, but had never fished in France before and in fact Callum had never been abroad before so there were lots of new experiences to be had.
Having flown into Limoges on the Friday they spent some time on Saturday morning looking at the sights before Nigel collected them from their hotel and bought them back to the lakes. They enjoyed walking around the lake with Nigel pointing out the key features and advising where the best places to fish were and then they set about getting their tackle set up before tea. James and Callum decided to fish on the main bank with Cookie on the right hand swim. He was planning to fish most nights whereas James and Callum were planning on playing it by ear and seeing how they felt.
After several weeks of really hot sun and high temperatures, the weather for the week was looking more hopeful with temperatures predicted to be mid twenties and some long awaited rain also in the forecast.
On Saturday night James and Callum caught up on some sleep in the chalet but Cookie landed a 28lb common (awaiting photo) during the night.
On Sunday there were fish spotted all over the lake as there had been a bit of rain. Cookie patiently helped Callum and James cast their rods out, or he would row their lines out to where they wanted them. He is an excellent teacher and very patient and helpful to them. It was the evening just after Cookie had just lost one that Callum landed his first carp, a new PB at 37lb 4oz and a lovely mirror.
On Monday there were some heavy downpours at times and both Callum and James hooked into a fish at the same time. Unfortunately their lines crossed and they both managed to lose them but later on in the day James landed his first fish of the session and a new PB for him as well, a 37lb 4oz common.
Cookie and Callum slept out all night and Cookie landed a small mirror, weighing just 5lb, which we have put in our nursery pond – destined to be a nice catch in the future.
On Tuesday, Cookie landed another baby mirror, slightly smaller than the above one but put it back in the lake and a 30lb common (awaiting photo) and Callum landed a 22lb mirror (awaiting photo). It was a warm day and James and Callum decided to spend the afternoon at the big lake, giving paddle boarding a go. They tried this for a bit and then swapped to kayaks which they found much easier. It was warm though and they both got a bit redder than they thought they would! When Nigel was leaving to pick them up he spotted that Cookie had a fish on and pulled over to go and have a look. It is always good to see our fish being netted and was pleased to see this 37lb 8oz mirror.
The three of them are big football fans and regularly go and watch Chelsea ladies play so with the Women’s Euros on the TV they had their tea and went down to the lake for a few hours before the match was on. Callum and Cookie had their rods in the water but James decided just to watch. They were just about to pull their rods out and go and watch the match when Callum hooked into one which led him a merry dance and it was half time before he got back to the chalet. But he was not disappointed as he had landed a 43lb common (awaiting photo), another new PB for Callum. And they were also happy that England had beaten Italy after extra time to go into the final.
On Wednesday it rained quite heavily and the lake was a hive of activity. Cookie landed a 45lb common (awaiting photo) and Callum a 28lb 8oz mirror (awaiting photo) and this small 5lb mirror which has also gone into the nursery pond
On Thursday and Friday Cookie had a few more (details to follow) and another nursery pond common. He said that the fish were jumping everywhere, possibly due to the frequent downpours we had through the day. James also stayed out all night for the first time with the other two but there were no signs for either James or Callum overnight. They then rested in the chalet for most of the day before going back out late afternoon. This paid off as at aroung 5pm James caught a 31lb mirror.
We don’t know the full final tally of fish but this is what we do know 4 babies, 0 at 10lb+, 3 at 20lb+, 5 at 30lb+ and 3 at 40lb+
The guys had a great week and James and Callum have learned loads from Cookie. We are sure that they will be back for a return trip one day. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt…
16 February, 2026
Nigel always reckons if you catch one fish a day when you’re carp fishing you’ve done well, especially if you are not using a bait boat. So for young angler, Billy, this was an amazing week.
Paulette, Keith and Billy have been to Normandy several times fishing and as they live near a canal back in the UK, they spend a lot of time near the water and Billy often takes himself off for a few nights fishing on his own. This was their first lake exclusive though and ours is the perfect location for everyone; to do a bit of fishing and a bit of exploring around the local area.
Arriving on the Saturday afternoon, after a couple of days in Normandy, Paulette and Keith went off to find the supermarket for supplies and left Billy setting his gear up by the lake on swim 1. The family told us that a lot of their tackle comes from The Tackle Company ( www.thetacklecompany.co.uk) owned by the person who runs the Facebook group Trusted Lakes France (https://www.facebook.com/groups/318990245970781/). Considering the temperatures were nearly 34°C we reckon that Billy had the harder task. The plan was for Billy to fish as much as possible, Keith to fish on swim 2 when he fancied it and for Paulette to throw a rod in occasionally from wherever she pleased.
By breakfast time on Sunday morning Billy and Keith had both caught two fish each and by the afternoon the temperatures had dropped by quite a bit and when we went round to see them Billy had had a further two carp. Billy has a great casting technique and was managing to find the far margins without too much trouble. With six fish on the bank within 24 hours and the water temperature high, the week was starting off really well and they were all loving the lake and the wildlife.
Using a combination of our spicy fish and maple syrup boilies with pellets and maize we had prepared for them they were keeping their spots baited up and waiting patiently for the next bite. The fish were obviously choosing to be in the deeper areas nearer to the dam wall and still feeding.
On Monday we took their breakfast round to them and were there in time to see Billy net a lovely 32lb mirror (with Maisie waiting patiently for the ball to be thrown for her). Having a day by the lake, Keith also did a bit of fishing and landed another common weighing 25lb 10oz.
Billy landed several more on Monday, taking his total up to 11 and this included a new PB for him, albeit only by 8oz.
Paulette and Keith decided to go to Oradour-sur-Glane on Tuesday to have a look around the village which on June 10 1944, just four days after the D-Day landings, was left in ruins after German Waffen-SS troops massacred 642 men, women, and children before burning most of the village to the ground. The village, only 40 minutes from us, remains as it was on that day as a memorial to those people and is worth a visit, particularly for those who have an interest in WWII.
When they returned Paulette decided she would put a rod in the water on swim 4, the furthest swim along the main bank, into the shallower waters. She had left her rod for only a few minutes to go and get a drink of water when it hooked into a 26lb 9oz mirror. Keith ended up netting and landing it so there then followed a big discussion as to whose fish it was but Billy had the final say logging it as his mums. Billy also had a further four fish on the bank on Tuesday including his first ever catfish that night weighing 40lb.
With temperatures starting to hit 30°C again on Wednesday Billy moved his bivvy underneath the oak tree where it was in the shade for most of the day. Despite rods being in the water for most of the day there were unfortunately no fish on the bank and the family were wondering if the rise in pressure and temperatures again meant that there was not going to be any more fish. They spent a couple of hours by the public lake nearby and had a pizza in Le 16 Beach before Billy put his rods out for the night again.
On Thursday at breakfast there had not been any more fish and they decided to go out to the château at Rochechouart to have a look round the contemporary art museum and in the evening they all fished again and all caught, Paulette a 31lb, Keith one at 17lb 6oz and Billy a 17lber.
We were lucky to be at the lake again on Friday morning when Billy had another catfish, even bigger than the last at 50lb and he was very happy with that, especially as with a bit of guidance from Nigel he managed to hold it with his dad.
And so Friday came around again and it was to be their last full day of fishing but with temperatures over 30°C during the day it was not until the evening and overnight that Billy had his last few fish, including this pretty, scaly 20lb mirror out, taking his total to 18 carp and 2 catfish.
To summarise their report, there were 27 fish caught in total (20 by Billy) comprising of zero babies, 7 at 10lb+, 8 at 20lb+, 5 at 30lb+, 5 at 40lb+ and 2 catfish up to 50lb
Thank you for a great week and some fine angling. We have enjoyed your company and hope you enjoyed your last few days in northern France on your way home. We will look forward to seeing you all again and until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
16 February, 2026
Generally speaking people are under the impression that French carp do not feed off the surface.
Or do they?
When this angler booked a week on Kingfisher and asked for some floating pellets to be sent to us we were interested to see how he would get on.
Chris first came to Carp France in 2016, having read about the famous carp angler, Chris Yates, who had fished here many years ago and written about his experience fishing here. He was interested to see if he could follow in his idol’s footsteps and catch some French carp off the surface. He told us that on his first visit here he had tried his luck in Lac Lucie but with no joy and was then shown Kingfisher by the previous owners and successfully caught a few carp in this manner on several successive years. Having not visited the lake since 2020 he returned this week with his girlfriend, Alyshia, who also enjoys a spot of fishing, with the intention of targeting one particular fish, a mirror known to him as the Baby Whale.
The weather for the week was looking hopeful with temperatures predicted to be mid twenties and some long awaited rain also in the forecast.
Chris appears to be highly organised and incredibly patient, throwing pellets in to spots where he had seen carp feeding, on an hourly basis and then every few hours during the daytime taking a stalking rod with him, baited with another pellet and dropping his rod into the margins. The week started at the deeper end of the lake, along the far bank, where our regular anglers usually fish to. As the couple did not arrive until late afternoon on the Saturday the rods did not go in the water until Sunday and it was during the evening when we received a message to say that he had caught a 45lb mirror earlier in the day but it had slipped the sling before he was able to get a photo. But he ended the day with this mid-20s mirror
It was Monday before Alyshia caught her first carp of the session, and a new PB for her at 21lb
On Tuesday Chris had a further two fish, at either end of the day. Firstly a nice upper 30lb mirror first thing in the morning and at the other end of the day a 50lb 6oz mirror, almost a new PB for him. This was caught from under the trees in front of the first swim. Chris said that he remembered catching this fish before in 2019 and it weighed 41lb then so it has shown some good weight gain over the years.
There was nothing to show on Wednesday apart from a trip to the supermarket for the couple to restock on provisions. It had rained quite heavily during the day so Chris was sure that there would be some more activity as the week went on and the couple were quite happy chilling in the chalet making the most of their time together without the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
With a change in the weather, Chris decided to move down to the shallow end and went through putting some bait in every hour or so and fishing a few times during the day as before. Most of our carp anglers cast their rods out and sit for a few hours, just waiting for those bite alarms to go off but Chris was on his feet all the time, hiding in the trees and bushes and watching the fish come up to the surface and eat his bait with the hope that one would take it from his line too.
Thursday afternoon we saw Chris stalking right near to where Chris Yates likes to stalk and he had just lost one but not long after we left Chris messaged to say he had just had this lovely mirror at just over 40lb which had come out from the shallower waters,
Followed by a 33lb common just before the rain hit again on Thursday evening.
When we dropped some shopping round to them on Friday morning, neither of the couple were to be seen so we assumed they were doing a bit of stalking or baiting up again. It was great to see this 38lb mirror come through on the messages just after we had been round.
With Friday evening looming and going home day ahead Chris thought that the one fish he had come for had evaded him. He knew it was still in there as he had seen photos of it recently but thought he would have to wait until another trip. He had one last stalk mid evening, using the very last of his pellets up and he saw it, feeding off his pellets, at the end of a tree that went into the water. He managed to get a video of it taking his pellets off of the surface and he tried to reach it with his rod, pushing it out gently into the water but it was too far off the end of the tree, so he climbed onto the tree and crept along the trunk, supporting himself against a branch. He knew that he would not be able to stay in the position for long but he hung in there and his patience bought him exactly what he had come for. A stunning 46lb 7oz mirror. His prize for the week.
This has been a fascinating week for us and a rewarding week for Chris who’s final tally was 2 at 20lb+, 3 at 30lb+, 3 at 40lb+ and 1 at 50lb+
We hope that him and Alyshia will return to have another go one day but until then bonne journée et à bientôt…
16 February, 2026
Douglas and his wife, Rita, visited us for the first time fishing in France this week and it was set to be very, very hot and like most of the lakes in the area, a tough one for catching fish. On their arrival at Limoges airport it was over 35°C and Nigel took them straight to the supermarket for supplies before bringing them back to the lake where they were shown around and left to settle in.
Despite the temperatures Doug chose to set himself up on the house swim so that he could fish in the deeper water. Rita loves the sun and came fully prepared with sun cream and a lovely hat so she could sit and watch the lake and enjoy the wildlife. But even for sun lovers swim 1 was scorching and very little shade to be found there during the day.
On Sunday morning we had to pop out to get a TV to replace the one in the chalet as the power supply board had blown and when we got back we were thrilled to hear that Doug had caught two catfish – one weighing 88lb and the other a little kitten. Never having caught a catfish before Doug was delighted with this and that he had managed to get it curled up in the net and onto the bank. And then later in the day he had a further catfish weighing 47lb. Unfortunately he only had a video of these so we have nothing to show you.
We knew that the temperatures were still set to be hot for the next few days so first thing on Monday Jo took them to the supermarket again to restock the supplies so that they could have a barbecue or two during the week and by this time they had a better idea what they needed. By the end of the day temperatures had nearly hit the record for this part of France and at 39.7°C the carp were just no where to be seen and were certainly not feeding. Doug had to make do with another two catfish on this day, weighing 24lb and 47lb.
As swim 2 is generally in the shade the couple decided to move their chairs to there as the heat was just too much, even for sun lovers, but the lake was very quiet and no fish were caught on Tuesday but then the pressure rose and the temperatures dropped and the carp were on the move again. Wednesday evening Doug saw his first carp of the trip, a 39lb 6oz mirror and he was thrilled to have smashed his PB.
Temperatures were still in the high 20s during the latter part of the week but Doug made sure he got up early and down to the lake by 6.30am most mornings and stayed there for most of the day and into the evening. On Thursday he moved back to swim 1 and managed to land another carp, this time a 30lb mirror but that was to be the final fish of the week as there were no catches on Friday.
A very difficult week for a single angler on Kingfisher as temperatures had just put the fish off of the food. Final summary 2 at 30lb+ and 4 catfish to 88lb.
We have loved having you here this week and hope to see you again some day. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt…
16 February, 2026
Graeme and his wife returned for their third visit to Lac Lucie and in the midst of a heatwave, with temperatures at 35.1°C, so they chose to set up camp on the main bank where there is more shade throughout the day. As on previous years, Graeme chooses to fish from early in the morning until lunchtime, on occasion getting up before 4am to make the most of the cooler air.
With more fish in the lake this year and a good catch report from the previous week, we were hopeful that Graeme would catch more fish this year than he has previously. He prefers to cast rather than use a bait boat and whilst this limits how much of the lake can be fished, he can still reach a fair distance along the margins.
He started out with two rods (one for his wife) to both the left and the right hand banks and by Monday morning he had his first fish out – a 40lb common and we all hoped that this would be first of many.
By Monday afternoon the temperatures had soared to a peak of 39.7°C (only 0.6°C below the department record) and there were very little signs of fish feeding on the lake.
There was a change in the weather on Wednesday and we saw a nice few cooler days where some mornings a jumper was needed, so we were hopeful. Graeme lost one when Nigel was down chatting with him on Thursday morning but it was not until the Saturday when another common was landed, a 47lb, slightly smaller than his biggest carp from the previous year which had weighed 49lb.
Sunday morning saw Graeme lose another fish when we were there but later in the morning he landed a 24lb mirror and a 36lb common.
We have had very little rain this spring and summer so far and we were hoping that the forecasted rain on Sunday and Monday would bring us a bit of a deluge to help the lakes as well as the ground. With the aerators on full time now we have to do what we can to keep the water as oxygenated as possible. This is one of the reasons that Graeme prefers not to photograph the fish but gets them back in the water as quickly as possible. The fish health is of paramount importance. After all our hopes we ended up with around 5mm of rain and there is still only a very small trickle of water going into Kingfisher and therefore into Lac Lucie.
We were hopeful that a change in the weather would bring more fish out but temperatures started rising again through the second week and there was no more rain. There was a nice breeze however which made sitting by the lake much more bearable. As Graeme had caught all of his fish from the right hand bank he decided he would fish all his rods to that side and just leave his wife’s to the left. But with no fish by the second Thursday of his trip he moved another to left. We saw a few fish jumping further down the lake but not in reach of his casting and only one more carp ended up on the bank, a small 10lb mirror.
Final summary zero babies, 1 at 10lb+, 1 at 20lb+, 1 at 30lb+ and 2 at 40lb+. More than last year so hopefully when they return in 2026 that number will go up even further for him. Until the next time bonne journée et à bientôt…..
16 February, 2026
Friends Jaden and Ricky joined us on Lac Lucie this week with their better halves, Eden and Beth, along with Ricky and Beth’s son Charlie. They had both fished in France before, Jaden comes over a couple of times a year and Ricky fished with him last year on a very large 17 acre lake with 10 other friends. Unfortunately he blanked then and with only a small PB before he came we were certain that he would beat it. Jaden on the other hand has a PB of 54lb.
Driving down from South Yorkshire in Ricky and Beth’s camper van, they crossed the channel overnight and were with us by late morning, just as we were finishing the Saturday jobs. It was an incredibly hot afternoon, with temperatures reaching 38°C by 4pm, so it was tough work setting their gear up on the main bank but they were soon sorted and got their rods in the water.
When we called down to see them Sunday morning Ricky had had the first fish out of the session, a nice 28lb 6oz common on Saturday evening. Beth reckons he is smiling more in this picture than he had on their wedding photos just 5 weeks ago. He was a happy man and Charlie was thrilled as well that his dad had caught a huge fish.
The pair also lost 2 in the night and Sunday morning caught a couple of small carp, probably last years fry, which we transferred into our nursery pond.
Our visit down to them on Monday saw some very tired faces. With the girls and Charlie all sleeping down by the lake every time an alarm went off they were all awake and overnight they had hooked several fish but ended up losing them. With temperatures over night barely dropping to below 20°C it was tough fishing but Jaden did manage to get a 24lb mirror in the net.
Monday saw another baby mirror caught which we quickly moved and the girls took Charlie to the public lake for a swim off the beach. Overnight Jaden landed his biggest fish of the week, a 45lb common.
Tuesday saw nothing on the bank all day but as the temperatures peaked again at 35°C it was not really surprising. Ricky enjoyed some time in the dip pool with Charlie who appears to be quite a water baby.
And the day we had been waiting for arrived and we all hoped that the forecasted storms would bring some cooler temperatures and some much needed rain as there was barely anything going into the lakes. But as is quite typical of Pouméroux they skirted around us and we listened to the thunder rolling and watched the lightening flashing but had very little rain, 1.3mm to be precise! But the temperatures dropped by nearly 10 degrees and that made a huge difference.
But the lake woke up…
When Nigel went to see them late on Thursday morning we were thrilled to hear that they had had over 10 fish on the bank. Another very tiring night but at least they had managed to land them. Here are a few we have been sent with weights.
And Ricky had another new PB that night – a 45lb common
On Friday the girls and Ricky went to Oradour-sur-Glane, a village decimated by the German soldiers in World War 2 as Beth had told us they were going to visit Auschwitz later in the year. They were very moved by it and felt that it had been a good place to visit.
The lads fished right through to them leaving on Saturday and did have a few more fish out before they headed back to Calais to get on the train. With a total of 22 fish out over the week it didn’t turn out too bad in the end.
In summary known fish were 4 babies, 0 at 10lb+, 5 at 20lb+, 2 at 30lb +, 3 at 40lb+ and a further 8 photos received with no weights recorded.
Thanks for a good weeks fishing and maybe see you again someday. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt…
16 February, 2026
Sean and Mike have been fishing together in the UK at least weekly for a number of years but have never been to France fishing before and never seen a catfish. They had PBs in the high teens and were coming to France to have a go at catching some big carp. The lake that they had booked on for this week was cancelled and as they had already got their flights booked they did a bit of internet searching and took advantage of our availability.
Arriving from Manchester Airport at lunchtime, Nigel took them to the supermarket to stock up on their way here and they arrived on a very hot afternoon. With temperatures forecast to be in the 30s all week, we were all a bit concerned that the fish would not be feeding and therefore not interested in the Carp France boilies that the lads had ordered. But they did not give up all week, maybe because there were bets on, both daily and over the whole week for who had caught the most weight and who caught the biggest fish.
The pair were not planning on fishing throughout the night, as Sean’s disabilities mean that he takes a lot of pain medication and needs his sleep. We advised the pair to fish on the middle two swims on the main bank and early in the morning and late into the evening if they could when the sun is not beating down quite so much and there is a lot of shade.
We were not expecting great things on Saturday night as the pair did not fish for very long after tea, so were pleasantly surprised when we got a phone call just after 9pm to say that Sean had landed a 53lb catfish.
On Sunday we had a little rain in the morning, only 7.5mm but every little helps as they say and the temperatures were a little cooler than the day before. Three fish were on the bank before the day was over, a 45lb 8oz mirror for Mike, a 53lb catfish which they shared as they both played a part in playing it, and a 33lb common for Sean at about 9.30pm, who was determined to get on the ground to have his photo taken with it, despite the pain it caused him.
Monday and Tuesday were quieter days in the lake, with temperatures slowly climbing up to 30 degrees again but they were not without some bites. Sean was very proud of himself when he managed to bring a 73lb catfish to the bank on Monday morning, whilst remaining sat in his chair. And he had now seen his first three every catfish. Not bad for just over 24 hours by the lake. He also finished the day with a 23lb 3oz common.
Thinking that swim 2 had cooled off a bit they decided to move to swim 3 for a change of scenery on Tuesday but apart from a 9lb catfish caught by Mike there were no further bites there so they moved back again on Wednesday.
The lads were up and down by the lake with their rods in the water by 7ish every morning and fished for a couple of hours before Nigel picked them up for their breakfast. They then fished until the tea was ready and for a few hours afterwards so a good 13/14 hours every day.
On Wednesday they had landed two fish before 8am so were very happy when they came round. Mike had another 53lb catfish and Sean had a 29lb mirror, a lovely fish.
It was Mike’s turn to win the daily bet on Wednesday with a further two fish out, a 43lb 3oz mirror and a 39lb 8oz catfish.
Thursday was even hotter and temperatures rose to 35.3°C and the best they could do was stay in the shade and for Mike to cool off in the pool and have a few beers.
And so their final day arrived, and they both lost a carp each before breakfast but later in the day Mike caught another catfish weighing 65lb 8oz. This meant that Mike had won four days out of the six they had fished for and one the most weight overall for the weeks prize. Considering Mike was fishing with 2 rods and Sean only 1 and temperatures were over 25°C every day, they managed to get 13 fish on the bank so we don’t think that either of them did badly at all.
The final summary of the week was 0 babies, 0 at 10lb+, 2 at 20lb+, 1 at 30lb+, 2 at 40lb+ and 8 catfish to 73lb
Thanks for a great week guys, we hope you got home safely and we hope to see you again some day. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt…
16 February, 2026
Dave and Sue returned for two weeks on Lac Lucie – their 16th visit to the fishery in total and how different the weather was this year compared to their previous trip. Last year we had had 108mm of rain during June and double that in the May. The ground was saturated and the lovely couple were just wet for the whole two weeks. This year the weather has been completely different with only 24mm of rain during May and 9 days of their trip with daytime temperatures over 25°C.
Dave’s previous catch reports with us can be read here https://carpfrance.com/25-05-2024-lac-lucie-the-gentleman-and-his-woman-servant/ and https://carpfrance.com/17-06-2023-kingfisher-gentlemans-hours/
Dave fancied the same swim as last year and after getting all the gear down the dam wall, Sue quickly got the bivvie up and all the tackle ready for him. She had already double wrapped a whole pot of hook bait in shrink wrap to keep ‘Ronnie and Reggie’ from being able to have a nibble and all the tackle boxes were lined up, clean and organised. Sue really is the best fishing gillie a man can have.
Dave chooses not to fish nights and prefers a good evening session generally although does also fish at various other points in the day. By early evening, after a few issues with the hob and oven, they had had their tea and headed down to the lakeside. It was not long before the first fish was landed, expertly assisted by Sue, a 29lb 8oz mirror and he was a happy man.
On Sunday they were down at the lake earlyish and by midday Dave had had two lovely mirrors out, a 25lb 6oz mirror which Dave described as a beautiful fish with a massive tail (photo to follow) and a 28lb 10oz mirror – a nice fish in great condition
Monday afternoon bought two commons into the cradle within an hour. A 31lber nicknamed Stumpy by Dave as it had a tiny dorsal fin (photo to follow) and a 32lb 10oz common in pristine condition (photo to follow)
On Tuesday Dave blanked and with temperatures rising Dave did not fish on Wednesday as it was just too hot. Sue normally drags Dave to the market in Piegut Pluviers but it was too hot even for that.
On Thursday despite the temperatures still climbing up to 28°C during the daytime, the couple fished in the evening and caught a 25lb 2oz mirror on a boilie with a hat on (photo to follow)
On Friday they were down by the lake early, knowing that the temperatures were still rising and it paid off as by 9.30am, Dave caught a 19lb 3oz common which Dave described as like a ‘wood carving’ on a snowman rig. By lunchtime temperatures had risen to over 30°C so they went out for lunch at the local pizza bar by the public lake just ten minutes from us.
Those people who have fished here this year will be aware that we seem to have a few cats hanging about. We do not deter these as they play an important part in our pest control but they do seem to hang about the anglers, not surprising when pellets are dropped or pilchards are bought for them. Sue and Dave have cats back home and so had a few treats for them as well and as they do they were given names. The black and white cat was originally called T-bone by Dave as she has a ‘T’ mark on her head but this got changed during the week to Humbug (maybe because Sue and Dave are big Everton fans). The white cat that we see around sometimes was christened Stumpy too as she has lost her tail at some stage. The only issue with a cat around the lakes is Maisie and one evening when we went down to see Sue and Dave, Humbug was chased up a tree where she stayed for the duration.
One week into their trip and Dave landed what was to be the biggest fish of this year’s trip a 34lb mirror caught on a wafter (photo to follow)
By Sunday the lake temperatures were over 25°C and the fish were nowhere to be seen so it was another blanking day but Monday saw another fish out, a 22lb 8oz mirror caught on a snowman rig.
Monday was the most eventful day of the trip where Dave managed to stab himself with his baiting needle, easily done when you have double wrapped your hookbaits. With two caring women by his side Dave was saved from a trip to hospital by Nigel who managed to save the day. Dave has written Nigel ‘the nocturnal legend’ a short poem to commemorate the occasion
The rest of the week was very non eventful and was very, very hot with temperatures up to 33°C. It was too hot for the fish to be eating and too hot to be moving around too much. The pool and the hot tub beckoned again instead with another trip out for lunch. Friday is always pack up day as the couple head off early on Saturday morning and all the tackle is packed away neatly by Sue, ready for another day.
Dave caught 9 fish in total 0 babies, 1 at 10lb+, 5 at 20lb+, 3 at 30lb+. Not a bad fortnight considering it has been exceedingly hot.
So why sponsored by Savlon, we hear you ask….. this is what Dave wrote on our feedback sheet
“Great fishery superbly maintained. To be fair made even better by the hosts Jo, Maisy and of course the man, the legend “Nocturnal Nigel”. Two other hosts this year “Stumpy” and “Humbug”, feral cats partial to Carp Pellets!! Loved every minute (well apart from impaling myself on a baiting needle and mistaking French Deep Heat for Savlon – “OUCH” Keep it off your boilies!”
The three of us will look forward to hopefully seeing Dave and Sue again in 2026 for more fun and laughter. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
16 February, 2026
Dave has given us our heading this week. He says ‘This week’s fishing trip was like a Netflix series, a slow start…good bits in the middle but after thinking it would be a dull finish, a few twists bought it to a great ending. And just like a Netflix series can’t wait for the next season’.
Dave and Steve returned to Carp France this week, having fished Kingfisher in September 2023. That had not been a great week for them, Steve had one carp out and Dave blanked, our only one since we took over here. https://carpfrance.com/02-09-2023-kingfisher-dumb-and-dumber/ It was lovely that they thought they would give us another chance, albeit in Lac Lucie this time.
Arriving on a very hot Saturday afternoon they unloaded their gear and headed off to the supermarket to stock up on supplies for a few days. The plan was to get everything set up by the lake and then head down first thing Sunday morning to get their rods out. They have both been fishing for years together and come to France at least once a year. They have PBs of over 60lb for the mirrors so the main thing for both of them is to get away, to somewhere quiet and relaxing and make the most of a week together.
Their rods were out by 11ish on Sunday morning although Steve had an issue with his bait boat and was struggling. He blamed himself for not checking it before he left and so ended up hiring one of ours instead, after Nigel was not able to sort the problem with some WD40. He had similar issues in 2023 when he forgot his remote control but bought a bag of his wife’s washing instead!
There were no fish out Sunday morning and they broke off to have some lunch and a beer and then headed back down at 4pm. It was early evening before the first fish was landed, a 28lb mirror for Steve. A nice start to his week and hopefully a good sign for things to come. When Dave caught his first on the Monday morning he was hoping that the only way was up after that. What must be one of last years fry was landed, weighing about 2.5lb but it was a fish and more than Dave had caught the last time he was here. This is going to be a lovely mirror when it grows up we can tell.
A couple of hours later and Steve landed a 25lb common, which looked like it was still possibly full of eggs, so maybe all the fish have not spawned yet…
Tuesday arrived and the temperatures were still up in the mid 20s and the lads ordered some more of their pellet and parti-blend to keep their spots baited and interesting. They had nothing all day until about 8pm when they were thinking of stopping for the night and Steve had a lovely 34lb mirror, an old looking fish but a great scale pattern.
So they reached the halfway point of their trip with only 4 fish out between them and the biggest at 34lb and they thought it was going to be another slow week. But on Wednesday the weather changed and daytime temperatures dropped by 15°C, we had a bit of rain and the lake suddenly switched on. A total of eight fish were caught between the two of them in a day, including a PB common for Steve weighing 51lb and a chunky 38lb mirror for Dave. Dave managed two of his three fish within minutes of each other and despite the rain they were thrilled that the lake was starting to produce something for their efforts. Steve decided to wait until Dave had cooked his tea before going up to the chalet and was sat tying some new rigs when his rod went off and caught the last fish of the day.
Thursday saw a bit of chaos at lunchtime as they both had a double take around the same time. Once everything was under control Dave went to take Steve’s photo and whilst he was gone his fish, a 37lb common, managed to slide out of the weigh sling into the water. Dave was gutted as it would have been a new PB common.
On Thursday evening Steve had another couple out, including a 33lb mirror but there was nothing more for Dave.
Friday was another quieter day and in between the rain showers the guys got their stuff packed up ready to finish fishing at about 6pm and get packed up ready for their early start Saturday morning. However they finished this fishing adventure well with a new PB common for Dave weighing 41lb and a 31lb mirror for Steve.
So a final summary for their week is 4 babies, 1 at 10lb+, 6 at 20lb+, 6 at 30lb+, 2 at 40lb+ and 1 at 50lb+. A great weeks’ fishing.
We have really enjoyed the company of these fine anglers and will look forward to seeing you again next September, ready for ‘Kingfisher II – The Revenge’.
So until next time bonne journée et à bientôt….
16 February, 2026
Dave and his son, Alex had visited us for the first time last year https://carpfrance.com/04-05-2024-lac-lucie-off-to-a-flyer/ and despite the weather then they had had a fantastic week with a 50lber in the first hour of fishing and 9 fish out in total over the week. They decided to bring Dave’s brother, Matt, with them this year. Matt has done a bit of carp fishing in the UK but with a PB of just under 20lb he was hoping to beat this.
As previously, Nigel picked them up from Limoges and went to the supermarket to stock up on supplies for the week on their way back to the lakes. They soon got settled into the chalet and setting the tackle up. As last year they had no intention of fishing all through the nights, preferring the comfort of the chalet, but as rain was forecast on and off through the week they still set the bivvies up to offer some shelter. After tea on Saturday they were ready to get the rods out for a few hours and they fished until about midnight.
They were all down by the lake by 7.30 the next morning ready to sit and enjoy the view and listen to the birds singing and the frogs. They had set themselves up on the main bank with Matt fishing to the left hand side and the shallows, Alex in the middle and Dave to the right hand bank and the deepest part of the lake by the aerator. With no bait boat, they relied on their casting skills. About ten minutes after their breakfast baguettes had been delivered, Alex landed the first fish of the week, a 36lb 10oz mirror, and they were off the mark. By the time they came back up for their tea on Sunday Alex had had three carp out in total. And this set the theme for the week or as we like to call it The Alex Show.
Monday was a chilly start with temperatures climbing up to 15 degrees during the day but with no rain so they were quite happy to sit with a few beers just waiting for the rods to go. And it was Alex who again stole the show on Monday with three more carp out the lake, a 23lb 15oz mirror at 10.15, a 38lb 14oz common at 14.50 and then fifteen minutes later a 9lb 3oz mirror which we didn’t even know was in there. Remember we had drained the lake completely during our first winter and the smallest known fish that went back in was a 3lb common so this was a lovely surprise and great scale patterns.
Dave and Matt were wondering what they were doing wrong at this point. Their bait was the same, their rigs were the same but the banks appeared to be closed. After much discussion over tea, they decided to all move along the dam wall so they all got a section of the middle of the lake to fish with the hope that . Dave set up at the far end, under the willow tree, with Matt in the middle and Alex at the main bank end. And before the night was out it seemed that it had been a good plan as Dave landed his first fish around 8.30pm
Tuesday was very quiet all over the lake. The temperatures were rising and we all wondered if the fish were thinking of a bit of jiggy jiggy rather than being interested in food. May is always an unpredictable month for fishing as, depending on the water temperatures the fish definitely have spawning on their minds once the lake water is at the optimum temperatures. Some of the fish had moved right into the shallows, where they often go to spawn, and there was not a lot happening in the rest of the lake. Alex lost a couple during the day but there were no fish seen on the bank.
Although the temperatures continued to rise throughout the week on Wednesday the fish seemed to be wanting to eat again and Alex caught a 41lb 12oz mirror at about 3pm and Matt had his first fish out half an hour later, a 33lb 2oz mirror – his first ever mirror and he was chuffed to bits. Alex had another mirror at about 5pm weighing 27lb 12oz and Matt had another baby mirror during the evening weighing just 7lb 1oz – another fish we didn’t know was there but another one to look out for in the future.
Thursday was another quiet day with a few fish lost but nothing on the bank. Alex commented that although he had had more fish out than last year the fishing was harder and he had lost a lot of fish despite fishing in the same way as he had done previously. It was beginning to look as if it was just Matt who would have a new PB for the week, until Friday when we were all pleasantly surprised. We were just dropping off their breakfast baguettes when Alex’s rod went screaming off. After a good twenty five minutes Matt netted it for him and they were all thrilled to see one of the biggest commons in the cradle. Possibly the same fish that Dave had caught last year which had been a new PB for him. A very healthy, spawning ready common weighing 51lb 9oz, up by 1lb 8oz from last year if it is the same fish. A very happy Alex.
But that wasn’t the end of The Alex Show. Having caught 9 of the 12 fish so far during the week, you would have thought he could have given the other two a chance for the final fish out but no, he went on to catch three more on Friday afternoon, a 37lb 9oz common, a 37lb 12oz mirror and a 35lb 10oz mirror and this finished their session.
The final summary was 15 fish on the bank with 2 babies, 0 at 10lb+, 2 at 20lb+, 8 at 30lb+, 2 at 40lb+ and 1 at 50lb+ with new PBs for both Alex and Matt
The forecast before they came was for sunshine and showers all week but we ended up with only the weather was not too bad in the end with only about 2mm of rain over the week. Temperatures were up to just over 21.5°C during the day and dropping to 5.3°C at night. Wind speeds were up to 21.9km/h with gusts of 27.7km/h and the pressure was higher than it had been the week before between 979hPa and 986hPa.
Thank you all for another great week, we have enjoyed your company again and all three of us will look forward to next May when you visit us again
Until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
16 February, 2026
We had five work colleagues from Manchester on Kingfisher this week who had travelled over the channel on the overnight ferry on Thursday night and stayed the night in Cognac on route to us. Whilst they were there they had their annual card game to decide who had first pick of the swims and Andy came out top with Paul having last pick, but apparently this was not unusual. After tasting the wine and brandy there on the Friday evening they arrived at Carp France just before lunch on Saturday.
With no one on the lake the week before we took them on a tour of the lake, after a beer and a quick chat and then left them to unload the two high vans they had bought with them, which were packed to the rafters with nearly everything but the kitchen sink. It was a very warm afternoon so we didn’t envy them! They all had one of our bait packages each, with a mixture of spicy fish and maple syrup boilies between them as well as a varied selection of matching hook baits and glug. They ordered extra pellets and parti-blend through the week as needed.
Andy decided he was going to fish from the dam wall, nearest to the over flow with Phil setting up on the other dam wall swim. This meant that no one was really able to use the first swim so Charley set himself up on swim 2, with his dad, Mick on 3 and Paul on the 4th swim along. All were experienced anglers and Paul goes on several trips each year but had blanked on their last couple of fishing holidays so we all had high hopes for him this year.
Before Saturday was over both Paul and Andy were off the mark and the wine was flowing. By Sunday morning when we walked round they had all caught apart from Charley and so were all happy. Paul had another lovely fish in the night but Mick only managed to get a photo of Paul, and his own shadow covering the fish! Andy had lost a big cat overnight but had had a baby one as well as a couple of carp.
By Monday evening Phil was getting desperate as he had only caught one fish whereas Andy, right next to him had been waking him up constantly to take his photo so he was getting a bit miffed and took Nigel aside when we walked round to try and find out what he was doing wrong. We know that the fish can predominantly be found along the far bank but with everyone else fishing to there, Phil was mainly fishing into the corner where the main bank meets the dam wall. Nigel suggested that Andy/Charley give Phil one of the tree bays on the far bank so Phil put his bait boat out to there as well as having one rod to the middle and in the corner where he was.
On our walk round on Tuesday morning Phil was a happier man with two fish out over night, including a new PB common around 40lb and a small catfish. By this point Andy had had 10 carp out already and was feeling a bit worse for wear with so many disturbances during the night, both from his own rods and now Phil’s also now that he was catching a few. Paul also had another mirror out during the day on Tuesday weighing 34lb – a lovely colour and then in the early hours of Wednesday morning Phil managed to land a 78lb 7oz catfish. It was Phil’s turn to be waking Andy up for the photos.
During the day the group rested their swims periodically to sit and enjoy the space and also had frequent trips out to the supermarket or local wine shops. They were intending to make the most of their van space on the return trip home and enjoying the fine wines of the region, they bought a few cases to take back for their nearest and dearest. Paul and Mick took charge of the cooking and they had bought with them a great fire pit and a gas pizza oven and had a little social area set up by swim 1 so that they could all enjoy the view of the lake during dinner.
And so the week went on, with most of the fish being caught at either end by Paul and Andy with Phil doing not too badly. Mick and Charley in the middle of the lake seemed to be missing the most as the fish went from one end to the other. On Thursday Andy and Phil moved to swim 1 to be closer to the others and overnight Phil smashed his PB again twice within and hour with a 45lb 2oz mirror and then a 47lb 7oz mirror.
By the end of the week Andy had definitely come out top reporting around 24 decent fish on the bank and a new PB. He also had about 7 small catfish and had lost a couple of big ones but he was a happy man. Phil beat his PB on 3 occasions and had 10 fish on the bank, with Paul catching 6 carp. Charley was next with 2 carp and 2 cats out and Mick bought up the rear with 2 carp landed, one on the very last night. We have yet to receive all of the photos for these guys so do not have a final catch summary but they did say that they had had about 50 fish on the bank over the course of the 7 days. Not a bad week at all and Andy and Phil have booked to come to Lac Lucie next summer with their better halves and children. Until then bonne journée et à bientôt…
These are some other photos taken throughout the week
16 February, 2026
This week saw the return of Paul, his son’s Oliver and Thomas and his friend Dave on their fourth visit to us and Paul decided that this spring they would give Lac Lucie a try. Generally we recommend only 3 anglers on Lac Lucie but with them all being very experienced anglers we were happy to make an exception but it was a bit of a squeeze for all of the lines in the water and they were lucky that over the week none of them had any tangles, especially with 35 fish ending up on the bank.
They arrived on Saturday afternoon in the rain which was disappointing for them after we had just had a week of glorious sunshine it was chilly and the forecast was for a cooler, rainy week. Oliver had just turned 16 the day before and bought with him some practice papers so he could revise for his GCSEs this summer and Thomas had had his 13th birthday the previous week. The boys all live for fishing and fish a lot on their lake in the UK. Rather than squeezing everything into and onto the roof of their truck, this time they came with a trailer, which was also packed to the brim, including a guitar and a ukulele, both firsts for us here. Paul has been experimenting with building some big power banks and had bought 4 of the 7 prototypes he had made to give them a test run.
Dave and Paul set up their superb bivvies on the main bank with Oliver and Thomas on the side swim. The two younger lads were set up and fishing by 8pm, with the others following a little later. They all had motion sensor floodlights on the outside of their bivvies so were completely set up for the nights fishing.
On Sunday morning we went down to the lake early as the chasse were very close, just to check that they were all ok. Dave was still asleep, even with all of the noise from the horn and the dogs and we were surprised to learn that Oliver and Thomas had had 6 (or was it 7, we will never know) fish out over night, including a new PB for Thomas, a 50lb common, our first 50lb of the season.
Thomas had a massive smile on his face all day, thinking he had thrashed his PB and had got the biggest fish of the week, but this was short lived as we spotted that Dave was landing a fish at lunchtime and went down to see him landing this 51lb common.
And so the challenge was on for Oliver and Paul to also get a 50lber and as soon as fish were landed the rods were straight back out. There was barely time for them to eat all of the goodies they had brought at the supermarket, or the baguettes, cakes and pain au chocolat we fetched for them from the bakery each morning.
By Monday teatime they had caught 12 carp between them and Dave was in the lead with five fish on the bank, including two 40lbers to add to his 50lb common with Paul just having the one 29lb 8oz mirror. It rained a bit on Monday night and when Nigel went down to see them on Tuesday Dave’s rod went screaming off so he woke up quickly and as a 26lb common was being landed, Thomas came over the walkie talkie saying he also had a fish which ended up being a 21lb mirror. Oliver had a few bites on Tuesday but nothing came of them and Paul managed to catch a swan mussel as well as a 25lb common.
They all had a good nights sleep on Tuesday as their alarms were all silent. The night was cold but they woke up to a day of sunshine and showers. Dave had 2 more fish on Wednesday morning and Thomas had a 34lb 10oz common just before teatime.
The group decided to have breakfast on Thursday and contemplate their strategies. Oliver loves a catfish and the one that was put back into Lac Lucie after we netted it in March 2024 had not been seen. With no one on Kingfisher this week Ollie decided he was going to move over onto the dam wall for the last 2 days. With the walkie talkies this meant that they could still keep in contact with him and he could shout for help if needs be. Paul spent the whole of breakfast analysing what he was doing wrong. All of the others had their opinions and felt he was changing his tactics too often. The fish were certainly being seen down the left hand side of the lake where he was fishing and well into the shallow corner where the stream enters the lake.
When we went to see him Thursday afternoon he had caught three carp up to 33lb 8oz and reckoned his new strategy was working. He had decided to shave a bit off of his hook baits so they looked more like the free bait he was putting out with his bait boat. Oliver had also had a 37lb 8oz common from Kingfisher.
With dinner done and tidied up we were settled in for the night when at about 9pm Paul came knocking on the door, out of breath and wanting to see Nigel. He had caught a 51lb common, funnily enough the same fish as Dave had caught on Monday. He was just desperate to tell us and we were as thrilled for him as he was.
Oliver ended up with another common from Kingfisher on Thursday night and Paul had three fish weighing over 30lbs. Dave had a 46lb 8oz common and Thomas a lovely mirror to finish.
Towards the end of the week they were contemplating staying for an extra few days as it was Easter weekend and we had no new guests arriving. However with work, exams and school as well as wives calling them they decided they would leave on Saturday morning as planned. They will be glad that they did as Sunday saw 85mm of rain fall in the day, flooding both of our lakes and the streams.
The final summary was 35 fish in total with 2 at 10lb+, 15 at 20lb+, 11 at 30lb+, 4 at 40lb+ and 3 at 50lb+. And if you count a tiny sun bass and the swan mussel there were 37!
Considering the forecast before they came the weather was not too bad in the end with only 15.5mm of rain over the week. Temperatures were up to just over 21.5°C during the day and dropping to 1.7°C at night with a bit of frost one morning. Wind speeds were up to 25.9km/h with gusts of 38.5km/h and the pressure was between 967hPa and 985hPa.
Thank you all for a great week, full of laughter and banter. We wish Oliver all the best in his GCSE’s and we will look forward to seeing you all again in August on Kingfisher with other friends on Lac Lucie on the same week.
Until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
16 February, 2026
The first (paying) guests on Lac Lucie arrived in the middle of the Saturday night having had to change their travel arrangements and having to have frequent stops on route for their 4 year old rottweiler, Opal. Nigel was still up to greet them and settled them in. By breakfast Sunday morning they were full of enthusiasm to get set up and get fishing.
Rob’s cousin had stayed with us last May and gone home and spread the word so Rob booked the week for him and his wife, Lisa, his son, Harry and his dad, Bob. Rob and Harry do a bit of fishing in the UK but their PBs were in the low 20s so they had high hopes of smashing these. Lisa and Bob came to enjoy the peace and quiet of our little piece of paradise and to offer support and encouragement to the anglers. Oh and we mustn’t forget Opal who came to find a new friend in Maisie as well as have a break from the busy life she leads.
Rob and Harry were fishing in the old fashioned way, no bait boats, no spod rods, just good casting and hitting the spots they could reach. By using the whole lake at different times of day they proved that you can still catch fish this way.
They both had one of our bait packages each. These include 5kg of our spicy fish or maple syrup boilies, 5kg pellets, 5kg of parti-blend and a pot of hookers, pop-ups, wafters or glugs. The lads chose a pot of pop-ups in each flavour to match their boilies.
By Sunday afternoon they were all set up, sharing a bivvy on the main bank and Harry fishing to the left and Rob to the right. The weather was gorgeous, with temperatures reaching 24.8°C by the afternoon so we reminded them that sun cream was essential. They managed to get a good night’s sleep until about 5am when the first fish appeared and Harry was off the mark with a new PB with this 32lb mirror.
In the afternoon Harry moved to the left hand bank near the bench for a bit of stalking and Rob to the side swim. We were just heading down with Maisie when we saw Lisa and Bob heading towards the bench with the new weighing tripod and the weigh sling and Harry had another fish, one of the new mirrors, we think, weighing 24lb 6oz and a great scale pattern.
On Tuesday morning they reported two more fish, a 34lb 6oz mirror for Rob and a 36lb 4oz common for Harry. The PBs were going up.
We popped down to see them on Tuesday evening as Harry had spent 30 minutes playing a fish and not had a sighting of it. We all wondered if it might be the sole catfish we had put back in the lake when we had drained it but after another 15 minutes Harry landed this mirror, weighing 26lb which we clearly identified as one of the new stock. Opal was very interested in it but was lovely and gentle and was fascinated when it just disappeared into the water again.
We had no guests on our Kingfisher lake as the people who had booked were unable to come so Lisa, Bob and Opal made the most of it by taking a daily walkaround the bigger of our two lakes. Bob also ventured a bit further afield walking the 5km around the road a couple of times with a bit of our bamboo as his walking stick. He showed us several photos he had taken of the coypu enjoying the little streams, and of the little calves in the neighbouring fields. With the weather being very warm, we have heard the cuckoo for the first time this week and the frogs on our neighbours lake have started their ribbiting.
Wednesday saw 5 fish out of the lake for our two anglers, the first one being a 38lb 2oz common for Harry in the very early hours followed by two more in the afternoon, at 30lb 2oz mirror and a 39lb 3oz common – the biggest fish of the week.
This put Harry at 7 carp on the bank with Rob only having caught 1 and he was beginning to wonder what he was doing wrong and thinking he might try and persuade Harry to swap sides. But determined to get some more out he decided to spend the afternoon up on the left hand bank by the new bench, enjoying the sunshine if nothing else. He had only been over there for about 20 minutes when his rod went and he landed a 36lb 6oz common, followed less than an hour later by a 30lb 3oz mirror. He was trying to catch up!
With the air temperatures rising every day, the temperature of the lake was also rising, suggesting that spawning might come around soon if the weather stayed this way and Thursday was a lot quieter in the lake. Both of the anglers managed another fish out on Thursday during the day, with Harry catching a 22lb 3oz mirror and Rob a 38lb 3oz common, his biggest of the week.
The lake certainly quietened off at the end of the week and there was only one more fish to come out, at 5.45am on Friday morning, Harry finished the week with a 30lb common. But with new PBs for both of them and still the 40s to come back and play for another day, the two of them felt like they had had a good week, relaxing in the sun and enjoying the lake and the fish they had caught. Bob and Lisa also had a great time and Opal and Maisie soon made friends with each other, chasing the balls thrown for them and generally mooching around.
The final (fish) count was 4 at 20lb+ and 10 at 30lb
The weather was dry for our guests this week with temperatures up to just over 24.6°C during the day and dropping to 2°C at night, wind speeds were up to 18.7km/h with gusts of 25.6km/h and the pressure was between 976hPa and 992hPa.
Thank you all for a great week, Maisie is already missing her new playmate and we hope to see you all again someday.
Until then bonne journée et à bientôt….
10 February, 2026
48 hr session gave two mid thirty’s and a lovely 42 lbs mirror called starburst not been seen for nearly two years.All three fish caught on DGF Baits S Nuts Boilies over particle mix
09 February, 2026
good week in france 🇫🇷landing a few lumps on the bank well done Yorkie Bushbaby beating you pb!! big thanks to Peter Smith Fraser Smith for great hospitality& the food package was 10/10
09 February, 2026
À 72 hr session gave these lads 9 carp with 2 upper 40s 4 mid 30s not bad fishing all on DGF big bite mix
09 February, 2026
Some new fish stocked from our stock pond and into the main lake, all between low to mid doubles, stunning and expected to get big quick. It will be exciting to see how they grow in the coming season.
02 February, 2026
Hook rotation is one of the most talked-about concepts in carp fishing — and one of the least understood. Most anglers can describe what they want a rig to do (“turn aggressively”, “flip fast”, “catch hold”), but far fewer can explain how or why that happens.
This article breaks hook rotation down into mechanics and forces. Not fashion. Not opinions. Just what is physically happening when a carp sucks in, tests, and ejects a hookbait.
A rig that catches carp is often assumed to be working optimally. In reality, many rigs catch fish despite inefficient mechanics — especially on high-stock waters or during competitive feeding.
Hook rotation is often described as:
These are outcomes, not explanations.
Rotation is not a single moment. It is a sequence of force transfers that begins the instant a hookbait moves and ends only when the hook either takes hold or is ejected.
In simple terms, hook rotation is the process by which:
For rotation to occur reliably, three things must happen:
A hook that moves but does not pivot is not rotating. A hook that pivots too late is not rotating effectively.
Understanding hook rotation means understanding the forces acting on the rig inside the carp’s mouth.
When a carp feeds, it creates a rapid inrush of water. This force pulls the hookbait inward, acts primarily on the bait rather than the hook, and is directional but rarely perfectly straight.
If the hookbait is very light or highly buoyant relative to the hook, suction can move the bait without moving the hook enough to initiate a clean pivot. That can delay rotation — or allow the hook to travel in without presenting the point.
This is one reason a spinner rig with a pop-up can be so effective: the buoyant hookbait moves instantly on suction, and the hook is free to rotate aggressively when tension is introduced. However, the same buoyancy can also reduce meaningful resistance early in the sequence, which is why very buoyant pop-ups sometimes produce rapid bites but occasionally shallow hook-holds if resistance is not encountered at the right moment.
Carp rarely eject baits straight back out. Many ejections are sideways, downward, or combined with subtle head movement. That means rigs must rotate under non-linear force, not just a neat straight pull.
Rigs that look superb in a simple straight-line pull test can fail when the bait is being pushed out at an angle.
This is where a D rig with a wafter or balanced bait often excels. The bait can be taken in and tested with a little more give, then when ejection occurs — often sideways — the controlled relationship between hook, hooklink and bait still allows the hook to pivot and take hold under off-axis force.
Gravity acts constantly, including before the take. It influences how the hook settles and determines whether the point hangs down, lies flat, or lifts.
If a hookbait is too buoyant, or a balance is misjudged, the hook can be held unnaturally, reducing the chance that the point is correctly oriented when suction occurs. Conversely, a heavy bait can deaden movement, allowing the carp to mouth and eject the bait without ever creating a decisive pivot.
Rotation does not happen in free movement. It requires resistance from the lead system, line angle, bottom friction, or the inherent stiffness of the hooklink.
Without resistance, the hook simply follows the bait. With too much resistance too early, the rig can behave unnaturally and be rejected.
Hook rotation begins with geometry.
The eye determines how force enters the hook. In-turned eyes typically encourage earlier downward rotation, straight eyes offer a more neutral force transfer, and out-turned eyes can delay rotation while improving hook-hold security.
The eye angle shifts the pivot point, which largely dictates whether a hook flips decisively or drags.
A wide gape does not automatically improve rotation. Wide gapes often require more force to turn, while narrower patterns can rotate faster but may be less forgiving once the hook takes hold.
Rotation speed and hook-hold security frequently work in opposition.
Shank length affects leverage. Longer shanks tend to rotate more aggressively, while shorter shanks offer more controlled, predictable movement.
Excessive leverage can cause over-rotation or awkward hook-holds, particularly when combined with very aggressive aligners or stiff hooklinks.
The hair is not passive. It is a force-transfer mechanism.
Where the hair leaves the hook determines how force is applied. Lower exit points encourage earlier pivot, higher exit points delay it, and sliding attachment systems alter when rotation begins.
The exit point is often more important than hair length because it controls the initial direction of pull.
A D rig effectively engineers this behaviour. The relationship between hook and bait is controlled so the hook is not forced to flip instantly. This can be advantageous with pressured carp that inspect baits carefully, as rotation still occurs but later in the sequence, often during the transition from inspection to ejection.
Short hairs transmit force quickly and promote early rotation. Longer hairs allow the bait to move more independently and delay pivot.
Delayed pivot is not automatically a disadvantage. The key question is whether the hook still pivots decisively before the bait is expelled.
This is where many rigs drift into fashion-driven design. Components do not create rotation by default — they alter angles, stiffness, friction and timing.
Shrink tube and kickers modify the angle of pull. They can help the hook flip sooner, stabilise presentation, or compensate for minor geometry issues.
On a bottom bait hair rig fitted with a line aligner, the aligner’s role is to encourage a controlled pivot once tension builds, rather than forcing instant rotation the moment the bait moves. This often leads to more consistent hook-holds on bottom baits, where the bait itself does not generate movement like a pop-up does.
Aligners can increase rotation speed by exaggerating the angle of pull. Used carelessly, they can also promote shallow hook-holds if the hook flips too early or too aggressively before meaningful resistance is introduced.
More aggression is not always better.
Rings and swivels reduce friction and allow movement. That can be beneficial, but too much freedom can allow the hook to follow the bait rather than pivoting independently, reducing the chance of a clean flip under off-axis force.
The spinner rig is essentially an exercise in managed freedom. The hook is allowed to rotate extremely freely, which is why it excels at grabbing hold quickly, but it relies on the system meeting resistance at the correct moment. If the entire setup is too buoyant or slack, the hook can rotate repeatedly without ever being driven in decisively.
The spinner rig prioritises fast, aggressive hook rotation. The hook is free to rotate independently of the hooklink, meaning rotation often occurs very early in the take sequence, sometimes under relatively light suction.
This makes it highly effective for converting cautious or tentative takes, but it also means that hook-hold quality depends heavily on resistance being introduced at the right moment. Without that resistance, rapid rotation does not always translate into deep penetration.
The D rig represents a more controlled approach. Rather than forcing immediate rotation, it allows the hookbait to enter the mouth freely and sit centrally during inspection.
Rotation often occurs later, frequently during ejection, when sideways or downward force is applied. This makes the D rig particularly effective when carp are testing baits rather than feeding confidently, and it highlights that effective hook rotation does not always happen during inhalation.
A bottom bait hair rig fitted with a line aligner encourages progressive, controlled rotation. The aligner adjusts the angle of pull so that the hook begins to pivot only once resistance builds.
This slower, more measured rotation often produces deeper, more secure hook-holds on the bottom, especially when carp are feeding confidently and resistance is applied steadily rather than abruptly.
The stiff hinge rig operates on a different mechanical principle to most other rigs discussed here. Rather than relying on the hook eye or hair exit point as the primary pivot, rotation is created at the hinge section between the stiff boom and the flexible hook section.
When a carp inhales the pop-up, the hook and bait are able to move freely because of the short, supple hinge. This allows the hook to drop and orient point-down before significant resistance is felt. The pivot, in mechanical terms, occurs at the hinge junction, not at the hook eye itself.
Once the carp moves or ejects the bait, the stiff boom straightens and introduces resistance. At that point, the hinge can no longer fold, and the hook is driven home.
This explains why stiff hinge rigs are particularly effective for pressured carp and pop-up fishing:
It also explains why incorrect hinge length or stiffness can kill the rig’s effectiveness — too stiff and the hook cannot orient, too soft and control is lost.
On firm bottoms such as gravel, clay or hard sand, resistance arrives earlier and rotation happens quickly. Over-aggressive rigs can over-rotate or take hold shallowly in these conditions.
On soft substrates such as silt, chod or debris, resistance is delayed and rotation often occurs later, sometimes during ejection. In these situations, hook weight, balance and hooklink behaviour become far more critical.
Many liners, missed takes and brief bleeps are mechanical failures rather than simply cautious carp.
Common causes include over-balanced hookbaits lifting the hook unnaturally, excessive separation between bait and hook, overly supple hooklinks that fail to transmit force, components that add movement but remove control, and insufficient resistance at the key moment.
A bite is not proof of good mechanics.
Poor rotation commonly produces lip-edge hook-holds, shallow penetration and hook-pulls close in. Consistent, central bottom-lip hook-holds are the clearest indicator that rotation is occurring at the correct time and under the right resistance.
Basic in-hand pull tests can highlight whether a hook wants to pivot at all and whether the hair or attachment interferes with rotation, but they cannot replicate water resistance, off-axis ejection or the behaviour of a bait in real feeding situations.
In water, movement slows, balance changes and delayed rotation failures become obvious. Many rigs that look perfect in the hand behave very differently once submerged.
In aggressive feeding situations and high competition, carp can be caught on almost anything. That is why poorly designed rigs still appear to work at times.
As pressure increases, mechanics matter more, not less. Subtle takes and angled ejections demand precise timing and control.
Rather than copying popular rigs, it is far more effective to design from first principles. Decide when rotation needs to occur, choose hook geometry to support that timing, match bait buoyancy and attachment mechanics accordingly, and only add components if they clearly improve control or presentation. Using quality fishing tackle components is essential for the rig to perform effectively.
This is the difference between rigs that look aggressive and rigs that consistently convert takes into secure hook-holds.
There is no best rig. There are only rigs that rotate correctly under specific forces, timing and conditions.
The spinner rig, D rig, bottom bait hair rig with a line aligner, and stiff hinge rig are useful examples because each illustrates a different mechanical approach to rotation — early aggression, delayed control, progressive pivot, and hinge-driven orientation.
Stop copying rigs. Start understanding what they are designed to do — and when.
02 February, 2026
Mission accomplished, this winter’s fishing season is already showing excellent results.
Fifteen fish caught in the last 48 hours at stations 1 and 4, weighing 20.35 and 40 Lbs👏💪👍.
The future looks promising.
What a pleasure to see the fish responding so well.
27 January, 2026
Millstone Pool. 27 September through to 18 October.
High pressure with clear nights and hot sunny days made for tough fishing.
End of the month Alan Harrison took 5 fish of 51.12, 49.9, 41, 34 and 29.12. James Bullen on the same week had 42, 36, 35, 25.
15 fish came out the following week. 51, 42.4, 42, 41.6, 41, 37, 35, 35, 34, 34, 31, 30 plus a couple of twenties.
11 to 18 October Neil and Gareth landed 8 fish with 2 forties to 49.06 and 6 thirties to 39.08.
27 January, 2026
Millstone Pool. John Ayres party landed 28 fish with 5 over forty to 49.06 plus 16 thirties to 39.12. John banking 12 fish from various swims and Gary Spackman in swim 11 taking 13 fish. Tony in swim 1 and then 4 left early due to a prior engagement but had 3 fish to 49.05.
The week previous Steve Milsom banked 11 fish from 13 takes with 9 thirties and 2 twenties.
Stuart Leese took 6 fish from swim 2 with 2 forties of 46.08 and 48.08, 2 thirties to 36.08 and 2 twenties.
Various baits working over the last few weeks.
27 January, 2026
Millstone Pool. A great week for Tony Harradines party with 46 fish to over sixty pounds.
Cooler weather had the fish feeding in most areas of the lake.
27 January, 2026
Millstone Pool. We’ve had some high temperatures over the past few weeks which has once again seen some fish spawning intermittently.
Despite this some good fishing has been had.
The last week in May produce 21 fish to 52.15lbs. Arthur in swim 12 landed 10 of these including the weeks biggest.
Jason down by the islands took 5 fish to 46lbs and lost a couple.
12 fish to 54.15 were caught the following week with Danny top rod with 5 fish. Lee Mac had the weeks best at 54.15 from swim 3.
The next week the two anglers managed 18 fish to 49.12. 5 other forties plus 7 thirties came out. Paul in swims 11 and 8 had 11 fish to 49.12 whilst Mike in 12 and 2 had 7 to 44.01.
27 January, 2026
Millstone Pool. The fish commenced spawning really early here this year. Phil Halls party arrived to spawning fish which continued over the weekend before temperature drops on Monday stopped the carp in mid flow. The fish just switched off and only 2 fish were banked at 37 and 46.08lbs plus one lost.
The following week things picked up with 27 fish landed with a fifty, 5 forties and 16 thirties. Mostly smaller male fish.
Lionel Coulson in swim 1 had 11 fish to 45lbs.
Kev O’Neil in swim 11 took 9 with one loss including a couple of forties.
Trev in swim 12 had the weeks best fish at 57.04lbs in his 3 fish catch.
Lance in 8 managed 3 thirties to 38lbs.
Warmer weather this week so I expect further spawning activity.
27 January, 2026
Millstone Pool. Two totally different weeks weather wise. Torrential rain and flooding followed by hot sun which got the fish spawning.
Rich Billingham and family couldn’t fish till the Monday as the weather was against them and some swims were inaccessible but managed some good fish in the end with some thirties, a 47 and a pb of 55.04lbs for Hazel.
The following week Steve Elmes party had fish of 23, 28, 29.13, 30.08, 32.10, 36.02, 38.14, 40.02, 40.10, 41, 41.15, 43.12, 43.13, 43.13 common, 44.01 common, 45.06 common and 55.02. The fish started spawning on Thursday so the guys left on Friday morning.
Hopefully the fish will get their spawning out of the way and return to normal feeding
27 January, 2026
Millstone Pool. After the winter and plenty of work around the lake we are now welcoming anglers. New silt traps have been put in place and the dam wall raised in accordance with current regulations.
The anglers have enjoyed some success with carp in the 30’s and 40’s with a best of 58lbs so far.
Jamie Smith has had the best fish at 58lbs from swim 4 whilst Joe had some good fish to low forties from various areas of the dam area. Terry Smith took a couple of thirties fishing days only from swim 1.
Scott banked fish to 45lbs from pegs 2 and 4 in early April on Key baits spice boilies.
27 January, 2026
Guy and Andrew caught a total of 36 carp to 47.6lb last week
27 January, 2026
A 40.14lb and a 37.14lb original nice 1 Ricky
27 January, 2026
Incredible day session for Geoff yesterday two 50lb commons 👌👍
27 January, 2026
Plenty of carp for Jackie at to just under 40lbs
27 January, 2026
Well done Geoff , Bridgettes Baby at 48.7lb
27 January, 2026
Neil’s family and friends caught a total of 71 carp to 49lb , incredible session 👍 Thanks from us all at Laneuville
26 January, 2026
Yes. Brexit did not remove the right for UK citizens to buy property in France. The main changes since Brexit relate to how long you can stay visa-free and what you need to prove if you want to live in France long-term. For official visa routes and requirements, start with the France-Visas long-stay visa overview.
No. You can own a fishing lake without being resident in France. The important distinction is between owning property and staying in France beyond the visa-free allowance (or operating a business on the property).
UK travellers can visit France (and the wider Schengen area) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa for tourism/visits. See the UK government’s official France entry requirements for the current rule and examples.
No. Property ownership does not grant residency. If you want to live in France for more than the 90/180 allowance, you’ll need an appropriate long-stay visa (and in many cases a follow-on residence permit process). France’s official guidance on private/tourist stay expectations is outlined in France-Visas: Séjour touristique ou privé.
Requirements can vary by prefecture and your personal situation, but France’s official public service site provides a baseline for the “visiteur” residence permit and the resources level used as a reference. See Service-Public.fr: Carte de séjour temporaire “visiteur” for the current figure and acceptable forms of proof.
The micro-entrepreneur (micro-enterprise) regime is a simplified framework that many small operators use because it reduces admin and uses a simplified tax/social contributions approach. Official guidance on the micro-enterprise regime and thresholds is available at Service-Public (Micro-enterprise tax regime). Practical guidance is also available via URSSAF’s official micro-entrepreneur essentials page.
UK buyers often consider (a) private leisure lakes for personal use, (b) established fisheries with facilities and proven stock, or (c) renovation/development projects. To understand what’s currently available and compare regions, access, and facilities, most buyers start by reviewing fishing lakes for sale in France.
20 January, 2026
Among this week’s new arrivals were a handful of smaller carp — sometimes it is not all about the size when they look as good as this!
20 January, 2026
Today was a big day at Lac Bundy as we welcomed our first new arrivals into our lake adding to the existing stock! There was a real mix of emotions in the air — excitement, anticipation, and a few nervous moments as everything came together.
Seeing the beautiful carp glide into their new home and watching the absolutely amazing black sturgeon, weighing in at just over 68lb, join our lake was something truly special and a moment we won’t forget in a hurry.
We’ve added a few pictures — just a small glimpse of what’s now out there waiting! 👀🎣
It’s incredible to watch this next chapter unfold and to know what it means for the future of our lake.
19 January, 2026
Exciting news.
12 lovely new carp 21-30lbs 6 mirrors and 6 commons from Outlook usual fish farmer Lakdar.
Also 30 nice size Zander added.
12 January, 2026
The lake has had a lid of ice on it for the last week as the temperatures dropped to minus 8 . I was going to lime the deeper end of the lake but had to delay it for now.
We still have plenty of space left for this year and im hoping with all the feed going in we might get another fifty come through and a leather at that. our first 50lb leather that came out at 48lb last September. We have fed heavily over the winter doubling the maize and pellet going in so a lot ofvthose 38lb & 39lb fish will be fortys too hopefully this year. Less than 12 weeks now until thr new season kicks off. Still some prime weeks left including the 2nd week in April 11th also early may when they can be at there fullest jeff had a good hit mid may a few seasons ago with a load of big fish in a 20 fish haul .
03 January, 2026
The last pre-booked exclusive on the lake for 2025, and Jon Wallace and Harry Haddican still caught some nice fish despite the chilly weather, well into winter.
Mirrors to 49lb and a common to 45lb were the biggest fish of the week, with plenty of smaller fish being landed also. Well done lads.
02 January, 2026
Fabulous winter trip for Pascal who caught carps until 57 lbs during his 5 days of fishing!
Average near 41 lbs…..
Congratulations !!!
02 January, 2026
Some incredible carps until 51lbs during a trip of 3 days for Romain in autumn…
Authentic lake a special lake for big carp fishing!
26 December, 2025
13 beautés in just 48 hr DGF Baits are doing the job 🎣
18 December, 2025
Great Angling in Cold conditions. 9 to 50lb
18 December, 2025
Well what a brilliant week I had at la retraite fishing. Can’t say any thing negative about my stay Keith was a brilliant host and the facilities were spot on. And the fishing well that was brilliant to 9 fish up to 50lb in the middle of December was not what I was expecting. The lake does host 3 anglers but my opinion it perfect for two and you won’t be disappointed with the fish. Untill next time see you in the future Keith.
10 December, 2025
If there’s one part of carp fishing that separates consistent anglers from those who struggle, it’s understanding how carp move. Most anglers focus on spots — gravel patches, bars, clear areas, margins — but the best anglers spend just as much time thinking about the routes carp take between them. Carp are creatures of habit. They follow the landscape of a lake in the same way we follow footpaths or roads. And once you start seeing a lake this way, things suddenly click into place: why fish show where they do, why one cast produces and another doesn’t, and why some swims are far better at certain times of day. Patrol routes aren’t guesswork. They’re patterns. And once you learn how to recognise them, you can put yourself in front of fish far more often.
Underwater, most lakes have a natural “road system”. Carp don’t randomly drift about — they travel along lines that feel safe, efficient and familiar. Features and contours like bars, troughs, gullies, plateaus and gentle slopes all act like underwater footpaths. Carp often follow the edges of these changes, using them as reference points. Depth also plays a huge role. Carp normally move along depth contours rather than across them. A 6ft shelf running around the lake can be a major highway, especially if the surrounding water is much deeper or shallower. Cover and safety influence movement too. Snags, reed lines, tree-lined margins and weedbeds provide security, making them natural routes. Natural food also shapes carp movement. Bloodworm beds, mussel strips and soft silt pockets become regular feeding lanes. Finally, angling pressure can reshape routes entirely. Lines in the water, repeated baiting in the same areas or heavy pressure in particular swims can push carp wider or make them skirt around barriers they perceive.
Not all routes are the same, and recognising which type you’re observing helps you predict what carp will do next. Daily movement routes are linked to temperature and light. Carp might move from deeper, comfortable water into the shallows at first light and drift back out as the sun rises. Feeding transit routes link two food areas. Carp rarely sit still and gorge; they feed in short bursts and move again, often along very repeatable corridors. Pressure-adjusted routes occur when anglers unintentionally block natural movement. Tight lines, badly placed markers, or heavily pressured areas can make carp divert around them, creating new routes that often explain why one angler gets liners all day while the next swim sees nothing.
This is where watercraft comes into its own. You don’t need gadgets — just careful observation. Repeated shows in a straight line or narrow corridor are one of the clearest signs. Carp don’t randomly show along the same path over and over; they’re travelling. Fizzing that moves across the lake rather than sitting static on a spot is another giveaway. Carp feeding while travelling create a trail of small bubbles or silt disturbance. Tiny mud puffs or subtle colour changes can also reveal movement along specific lines. Bird behaviour is often overlooked but extremely useful. Coots suddenly darting off or tufties changing diving areas can indicate carp pushing through beneath them. Line bites, when they form a consistent pattern or direction, also paint a picture of movement. And whenever possible, gain height. Polaroids combined with an elevated viewpoint — a tree, high bank or platform — reveal shadows, shapes, colour changes and precise paths carp regularly take.
Carp don’t use the same routes all year. Their movement shifts with temperature, natural food availability and comfort. In spring, carp frequently travel between warming shallows and stable deeper water, often drifting back and forth throughout the day. In summer, weedbeds, snags and windward margins become hubs of activity. Routes often trace the edges of weed or run tight to shaded cover. During autumn, carp follow natural food more closely — mussels, bloodworm, molting crayfish — making routes tighter and more predictable. In winter, carp usually move slowly and steadily along specific depth contours. Once you identify these, they can produce remarkably reliable action.
Once you identify where carp are moving, you can position yourself to intercept them rather than hoping they stumble across your spot. Fishing on the route is about interception. Light baiting, singles, tiny traps or a small spread of boilies work best because fish are already passing by. Fishing just off the route targets holding points — small areas where fish briefly pause before filtering onto food. These spots can be incredibly productive once found. Line lay is crucial. A tight line across a patrol route is like placing a rope across a path — carp simply divert. Slack lines or careful angles make a massive difference. Baiting on routes requires restraint. Big beds of bait don’t suit moving fish. Small patches, loose spreads or stringers are far more effective. And finally, know when to stay put and when to move. Some routes are temporary and shaped by weather or angling pressure; others remain consistent for days. If a route keeps appearing elsewhere on the lake, don’t be afraid to relocate.
Repeated morning shows in a straight line 60 yards out might reveal a route from deeper water towards a feeding shelf. A single well-placed wafter off to the side can quickly produce. Fizzing that drifts steadily across a bay often indicates a feeding transit route; placing a rod along that line can pick off fish when they pass through. If coots keep flushing from a snag margin, it’s often carp pushing tight to cover — a well-positioned trap there at dusk can be deadly.
Patrol routes are one of the biggest edges in carp fishing, yet most anglers never factor them into how they approach a lake. Instead of focusing only on spots, start thinking about how carp move between them. Once you learn to read a lake this way, your fishing becomes far more consistent. You’ll waste less time in dead water, get far more feedback from what you’re seeing, and place your rigs where they stand the best possible chance of being found. Carp behave in patterns. Anglers who read those patterns catch more — it really is as simple as that.
08 December, 2025
Ion is back this year for some cold weather fishing. He had a great week with a new PB at 52lbs, many 40’s for a total of 23 carp, good going seeing as the temperatures were way down for his week.
06 December, 2025
33 Carp for Keith to 40lb! Well done mate!
06 December, 2025
Despite the lake naturally slowing down as the weather turns cold, some good fish are still being caught.
Darren Nichols landed a 59lb 9oz mirror, and his friend Ollie a 56lb 6oz mirror and a nice 40 and 30.
02 December, 2025
Super big 27 kg mirror carp 👍
29 November, 2025
Despite a very cold week, Dan Munson landed 4 x 40lb+ carp plus several 30lb plus fish. Well done Dan.
26 November, 2025
Work party season
Lac du Blaireau booking and update.
Last year was the first year i hadn’t raked the margins in the winter in the decade I’ve had the lake. It took sammi, Paul and myself to do it and some bits were almost not fishable. I was pleased to find virtually no lead core but did find multiple lots of really thin (8lbs) line. We put out 500kg of liquid siltex in front of the long bank fishing swims.
We have introduced cheap fishing next november where you can fish or do a bit of work and get refunded. This should get it tip top and open up for a two ton chalking at the end of the season.
We spent 10 grand last year on bank improvement and the bit infront of number 2 is bulging and will need to be redone with a digger and under pinned with a steel frame. We also plan on putting in a pergola in the main swim this winter. This will act as a shelter from sun and rain and a high power solar will go on the roof. A new panel will also go on the shed to up the power there also.
In the next 2 weeks we have a dozen new twenty plus carp going in from Lakdar our usual supplier.
I am sure you know by now that I brought out a new book this year (Break from the old routine) This features Badger lake very prominently.
Thanks for your support
24 November, 2025
Sorry its been a while since I posted ,we closed mid October and re open on the 5th April so the fish will be well rested in time for the new season. We still have plenty of space for the next season available so if your looking for a exclusive week or individual anglers get in touch.
We have been busy working on the new lake with a contractor coming with big machinery to de silt it and dig it 2 feet deeper which has now been completed. It’s left a big mess over there carving up the banks with his tracks but when it dries out next year we start to tidy and landscape the banks. Im putting 200 fish over there from the stock pond to grow on over the next 2 years and hopefully we can open up as a drive and survive in 2028. There is a cabin on there and hopefully next year we can get electricity and water over there and ft out the cabin . It’s going to have a couple of bunk beds in there so family’s that want to come, but not bivvy up can sleep in the cabin if they prefer. Im going to put 3 pegs on there one in front of cabin and 2 opposite each other past the island.
We have some stunning fish to go in there from the stockpond with some cracking linears and fully scaled mirrors and nice commons that are mid doubles but will be over 30lb by the time we open up and ill buy some bigger fish aswell. Its just over 2 acres in size and now is 7ft plus at the dam end and 5ft at the cabin end.
Its haa cost a lot to have it dug out but it needed doing before we can get the licence on it and open for business. We will fence off between the 2 lakes to keep them separate entities. The new chad pool will be just drive and survive no food package or transfers or tackle hire like foxpool. Foxpool won’t be affected by the work on the new lake.
Foxpool slowed up towards the back end of the season and was frustrating at times as you could see fizzing and lots of fish showing but bites were hard to come by the last few weeks but some nice fish still saw the bank. We are feeding them up now over the winter with maize and pellet and they’ll be at the top weights by the time we open early April. I think angling pressure got to the fish late on as its been our busiest year and the fish didn’t get a break from early August til we closed and I think they started getting cautious of anglers bait and switched to naturals. I leave you with some pictures of the last few weeks ans the digout . Big thanks to all those who came last season and we look forward to seeing you again soon have a great xmas and all the bedt for the new year. Thanks Graham foxpool
21 November, 2025
Well done lads
21 November, 2025
Good job lads the Fruit Crab done it again
21 November, 2025
If you like big grass carp this place will be good for you 🎣
21 November, 2025
Ian and Hayley who were new customers to Blue Dart had a fabulous week. Weather was kind for them. They went Sight seeing, they de-stressed, relaxed and even mangaged to catch a couple of our beauties.
Hope to see you both again.
20 November, 2025
Whether you already run a carp fishery or you’re thinking about buying a carp fishery, understanding how oxygen behaves in stillwater lakes is essential. Even experienced fishery owners can get caught out by sudden summer crashes, while newcomers are often unaware of just how quickly things can go wrong. This guide breaks the subject down in a practical, no-nonsense way that’s useful for both seasoned managers and first-time buyers.
Summer can be a brilliant time for carp fisheries. Long days, warm water, and masses of natural food mean fish feed hard, grow well, and generally look their best going into autumn. But for every bonus summer brings, it also throws in a few hidden risks — and the biggest one, by far, is a sudden drop in oxygen. It doesn’t take long for fish to get into trouble. A few hours of poor oxygen can cause stress, a spike in disease, or in the worst cases, a serious fish kill. The frustrating part? Most oxygen-related crashes are preventable if you know what to look for. Below is a practical (and very down-to-earth) breakdown of how oxygen works in stillwaters, why summer can be dangerous, and what you can do to protect your lake.
In hot weather, lakes become incredibly productive. Weed grows fast, algae blooms, and everything under the surface seems to be feeding, breeding, or multiplying. That’s great in some ways — but it also means a lot of oxygen is being used and produced in different parts of the day. Carp, like any fish, need consistent oxygen. If levels dip too far, even for a short period, it can spell trouble. Many fish kills in summer aren’t caused by pollution or anglers — they’re simply the result of water turning unstable and running out of oxygen faster than it can be replaced.
A lot of lakes have high nutrient loads — especially phosphates — and long sunny days mean plants and algae grow thick and fast. During the day they photosynthesise, giving off oxygen. Some lakes even fizz with tiny oxygen bubbles if the sunlight is strong enough — DO (dissolved oxygen) meters can show 120%, 150%, even over 200% saturation. But the moment the sun goes down, the whole system flips. Plants and algae start respiring instead of photosynthesising. That means they use oxygen rather than produce it. At night, everything in the lake — plants, fish, insects, bacteria — is taking oxygen out of the water. By early morning, levels can crash to their lowest point of the day. This is why the worst oxygen crashes almost always happen between midnight and sunrise.
Warm water holds less gas — simple as that. A fizzy drink in the fridge will release a gentle stream of bubbles when you open it. Leave the same drink in the sun and it erupts everywhere. Lakes behave the same way. The warmer the water gets, the less capacity it has to carry oxygen. So a hot, bright day that boosts oxygen at lunchtime can be the same day that produces a dangerous drop at 4am.
In stillwaters full of weed and algae, you can get dramatic day-night swings. It’s not unusual to see massive oxygen peaks in the afternoon and equally steep plunges before dawn. Fish don’t care about percentages — they need an absolute amount of dissolved oxygen. As a rule of thumb, coarse fish usually enter the danger zone below 3mg/l, and trout below 5mg/l. Once DO drops under those numbers, fish begin to struggle very quickly.
Thunderstorms are a huge red flag for fishery owners. Heavy rain hitting hot lake water can flip the whole water column upside down — a process sometimes called “turnover”. Cold water sinks, warm water is forced up, and silt, rotting debris, and dead algae get mixed into the upper layers. If algae die off suddenly — either from lack of light, nutrient collapse, or predation from water-fleas (Daphnia) — the bacteria feeding on them can strip oxygen at an alarming speed. When this happens, fish often gather under the surface and “gasp” in big groups. Unfortunately, this is normally a sign the lake needs help immediately.
Wind is one of the best natural aerators a lake can have. A big, windswept water rarely suffers from oxygen crashes. But a lake surrounded by trees, high banks, or buildings won’t benefit from wind mixing the surface layers. These enclosed waters are far more likely to run into deoxygenation problems during summer.
There’s no magic cure, but good management massively reduces the risk.
Physically removing silt is effective but messy and expensive. Chalk or limestone treatments are cheaper and help buffer acidity. Raking out autumn leaves before they sink prevents nutrient build-up. Diverting streams around the lake (or adding silt traps) reduces incoming muck.
Small lakes can be raked or cut manually — but it’s labour-intensive. Lake dyes can help reduce excessive plant growth and are widely used now. Barley straw (or barley extract) can prevent algal blooms from getting out of control.
Removing overcrowded or low-value trees allows wind to reach the lake. Species like willow and alder respond well to pollarding or coppicing, and opening up the banks can make a big difference.
Aerators come in several forms: paddle wheels or fountains (surface aeration), injectors or “blowers” (forced air), and diffusers or air stones on the lakebed (fine-bubble aeration). The key is breaking water or air into lots of small droplets or bubbles, which dramatically increases oxygen transfer. Power options now include mains supply, solar, wind-powered chargers, battery systems, and generators. If you only invest in one major piece of fishery infrastructure, let it be aeration.
A lake can only naturally support so many fish. Over-stocking pushes everything closer to the edge, especially in summer. Keeping realistic stock levels — or periodically removing fish — gives the whole system more breathing room.
A handheld DO meter is one of the best tools a fishery owner can have. Check levels at the same time each day, record them, and look for trends. If you see very high daytime readings, be alert — it often means a sharp night-time drop is coming.
The worst time to make a plan is when fish are already in distress. Every fishery should have an emergency procedure ready to go. A simple plan should include where pumps and aerators are stored, who has access to them, names and numbers of people who can help, power or fuel arrangements, and contact details for local services (including the Fire Service if they’ve agreed to assist).
A pump spraying one big jet of water isn’t very effective. What you want is lots of small droplets. Spray the water against a board, rocks, a metal sheet — anything that breaks it up. This massively increases oxygen transfer. Be prepared to run pumps for days if it’s an algal crash. Decomposition continues long after the water looks “better”.
Keeping oxygen levels stable is one of the most important parts of running a healthy carp fishery, whether you already own a lake or are thinking of buying one. With a bit of planning and regular monitoring, most problems can be avoided long before they ever threaten your fish.
19 November, 2025
More beautiful fish and a great relaxing place 😀😀😀
18 November, 2025
À 72 hr session gave these lads 9 carp with 2 upper 40s 4 mid 30s not bad fishing all on DGF big bite mix
17 November, 2025
For a lot of us, that annual trip across the Channel is something we look forward to for months. The prep starts early — tying rigs on the sofa, loading the freezer with boilies, sorting out end tackle that probably didn’t need sorting. By the time you arrive at the lake, you’re itching to get the rods out. You grab the barrow, pick a swim that looks decent enough, and before you know it, the first cast is already in the air.
I’ve done it myself — more than once. And every time I’ve rushed, it’s cost me.
Carp in France behave just the same as the fish we catch at home. They’re not a different creature. What changes is the context: bigger fish on average, a lot more bait goes in through the season, and venues that see angling pressure almost every week from March to November. You can’t blag it. The basics matter even more.
That’s why the anglers who keep things simple, stay observant, and react to what’s in front of them often do the best. The ones who struggle usually make the same handful of mistakes.
Here are the biggest ones — and how to avoid them.
This is the classic. You’ve been in the van for hours, you’re knackered, and you just want to start your holiday. But casting straight away, without spending any real time looking for the carp, is probably the quickest way to waste the first 24 hours.
Most lakes — whether in Kent or Champagne — will show you something if you’re patient. At first light especially. You might notice a solitary bow wave pushing off a shallow corner, fizzing tiny pinprick bubbles over silt, or a fish quietly showing itself tight to a snag while everyone else is brewing up. Even birds can give it away. I’ve seen coots erupt off a margin for absolutely no reason other than a big carp cruising underneath.
Despite that, a lot of anglers still choose a swim because it’s comfy or because “someone had a few out of here last week”. The anglers who take a slow lap, sit on their hands for an hour, and really study the water are the ones who start ahead.
If the carp aren’t in front of you, nothing else matters. No wonder rigs. No magic bait.
Once you’ve actually found the carp, the next job is understanding what’s under your rod tips. This is another step many anglers skip, usually because they’re too eager to get three rods fishing.
French lakes can be messy. One spot might be firm clay, the next a soft, stinking silt pocket, then a strip of low weed, then a clean, polished gravel line. I once led around on a lake near Troyes and found four different bottom types within the same small swim.
A couple of casts with a bare lead can tell you a lot. A crisp “donk” means firm ground. A slow, sinking feel often means silt. No drop at all is normally weed. It doesn’t need to be over-complicated — you just need enough info to choose the right rig.
For example:
Plenty of anglers end up fishing the right area but with the wrong presentation, and that’s why nothing happens.
This is a big one, and it goes wrong in two completely opposite ways.
A lot of anglers put in too much bait far too early. You see it every week. The barrow hasn’t even cooled down from the walk round and someone’s already spombed out 10 kilos. If the carp aren’t there — or they’re nervous after a busy week — that mountain of bait can spook them or sit there untouched.
On the other hand, once the carp finally move in, some anglers don’t feed enough to hold them. Big, well-fed French carp can clear a modest baited spot in minutes. I’ve watched fizzing stop dead, only for someone to put the marker out and find the patch stripped clean.
The trick is to react.
Not guess. Not force your pre-planned approach.
Start lightly until you’re absolutely sure carp are present. Pay attention to liners, little slicks coming off the spot, or how quickly bites come. If they’re clearly on you, top up sensibly. If it goes quiet, resist the temptation to hit it with loads of bait “because you brought it with you”.
Let the fish make the decisions for you.
French lakes vary massively in size and shape, but carp still respond to weather in the same way they do at home. Wind pushes food and warm water. Cold winds can absolutely kill an area. High pressure often pushes carp into the upper layers. Low pressure can switch them into proper feeding mode.
The tricky part is that a lot of holiday anglers don’t get on the bank regularly enough back home to stay tuned into those patterns, so it’s easy to misread things. If you would like to understand how weather can influence carp behaviour you can read our expert article here.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen anglers stick in a sheltered corner because “it looked nice”, even though the wind had been pushing into the opposite bank for 48 hours. Meanwhile, the angler tucked away on the rougher, less comfortable bank has three fish in the net.
Carp follow comfort, safety, and food. If you keep those three words in mind, the lake starts to make sense very quickly.
This one is surprisingly common. Some anglers turn up with one rig, one approach, and expect it to do everything. It rarely does.
French lakes throw up all sorts of situations. Flat, hot days where surface gear is the only thing that gets a response. High-pressure conditions where the carp sit midwater and zig rigs out-fish everything. Weedy or choddy areas where a chod or hinged stiff rig is the only safe option. Mussels, snags, and gravel seams where abrasion-resistant line is vital.
You don’t need a truckload of tackle — just enough to adapt:
The anglers who catch consistently aren’t the ones with the fanciest kit — they’re the ones who change something when it needs changing. We recommend reading our article, which covers 4 carp rigs for 95% of situations – click here to read it.
This one still amazes me.
Most lake owners know their water better than anyone. They’ve watched every pattern for years — how pressure moves fish, where the hot depths are each season, which spots switch on after a wind, even which rigs tend to get picked up better.
Yet loads of anglers turn up, listen politely, and then do exactly what they were planning to do anyway.
You don’t need to follow every word, but asking the right questions makes all the difference:
Combine that local knowledge with your own watercraft and you’re miles ahead of most anglers before you even cast out.
Carp in France behave exactly the same as carp in the UK. The difference is the fishing pressure, the bait going in, and the sheer amount of angling activity these lakes see through the year. That means the basics matter even more.
The anglers who do well are the ones who take their time, figure out where the carp actually are, understand what they’re fishing over, adjust their baiting to the situation, watch the weather, carry the right tools, and use the lake owner’s experience rather than ignoring it.
Get those things right and you’ll give yourself a genuine edge — whether you’re on a quiet UK club lake or sat behind three rods on a French holiday venue.
Article by Richard Patterson – seasoned UK and French carp angler
17 November, 2025
Our clients, Rico Serra and Robert Vogten, recently visited our fishing site and shared their experience on Google. Here’s what they had to say:
*“A magnificent setting, located on the banks of the Marne. Eight spacious fishing spots are spread along the shore. The owner, Antony, is welcoming and helpful. He’s also a hard worker — the water has been completely cleared of algae.
Fishing has been tough over the past few days (spot no. 7). Despite that, we managed to catch five carp with a total weight of just under 20 kg. The fish are beautiful and in excellent condition. The sanitary facilities are spotless.”*
We’re delighted that Rico and Robert enjoyed their time with us and were able to have a successful session, even with challenging fishing conditions.
17 November, 2025
What an amazing week for Declan, Sophie & Jamie who had a slow start but once Declan found the fish on the dam wall there was no stopping him. Declan landing 16 carp to 45b. After moving swims Jamie was also in on the action landing 5 carp to 39.12lb. They both used the same tactics with Hemp, sweetcorn Peppered squid boilies all halved & crushed 🦑 with pink hook baits over the top. What a fantastic winter session.
17 November, 2025
What a week! Absolutely amazing venue and Rafal is a fantastic host. He really knows his fishing and wants to help you catch so make sure to listen to him. He put me on a spot and with 20mins i had a 40lb mirror in the net. Lake is a true drive and survive so make sure you are prepared but hypermarket is only 15/20min drive if not. Challanging water with lots of fearures, amazing clear spots and plenty of weed. You will need to get out on the boat a lot which i had never done but by the end of the week i was a pro! We had a 35lb cat out the river too so dont rule it out. In short, if you’re willing to put the work jn, this place is well worth the trip
16 November, 2025
This week at Camalo, we witnessed an exceptional fishing session! Our anglers recorded seven runs, but ultimately, only three fish were landed. And what fish they were! The smallest weighed in at about 50.7 pounds, the second at approximately 54.7 pounds, and the heaviest at around 56.2 pounds.
Camalo is known for being a challenging lake, but when everything aligns, it offers a truly rewarding experience, making for a once-in-a-lifetime session for any angler. We also want to remind everyone that reservations for 2026 are now open, and spots for March are filling up quickly, with very limited availability in April and May. We encourage anglers to book soon!
We understand that Camalo has faced some criticism recently due to its demanding conditions, but for those who persevere and discover the right techniques, the rewards are absolutely worth it!
16 November, 2025
Our week spent at Chef De Ville was such an enjoyable week. We had our two dogs with us and fishing from swim 8 allowed us space for them to be off lead but also to keep them secure. We decided not to have the full food package however there was the flexibility to order any food on a daily basis which you can do via the app and was very easy. Anthony is a great host, is there if you need anything but is also very relaxed. Chef de villa is a big water, we would definitely recommend finding spots and baiting an area. Our catches were quite varied, we caught 15carp up to 35lb and a sturgeon at 40lb and most fish came from marginal spots.
The lake is very peaceful and is within easy reach Meaux is also a great place to stop over the night before, meaux is approximately 20minutes drive from the lake.
13 November, 2025
Enjoyed a great week at lake Belenos despite the temperatures ranging from 34-38 celcius! We still managed to catch sturgeon,catfish and bream. Francis our host was impeccable and will do everything to make your visit a great one,he even managed to order a replacement battery for my bait boat and I received a new one within 24 hours👍.great location,Calais very straightforward run,fantastic facilities would highly recommend 👍
13 November, 2025
Hello my friends take a look at the beautiful fish the British team have caught last week at Belenos lake. It was the beginning of spawning time which is current this week. Nice fishing in difficult conditions, Congratulations !
13 November, 2025
Hello my friends, look at the others marvelous fish the British team have caught this week. Congratulations ! 👏👍🙏
Fishing at Belenos lake is never easy due to the wildness of the venue but the fish are always wild powerful and beautiful. 😉
The biggest leather carp was 43 1/2lb the koi 16lb.
13 November, 2025
Hello my friends take a look at the beautiful fish the British team have
13 November, 2025
Hello my friends I am proud to present the beautiful fish the Dutch team have caught last week. High air pressure and heavy north wind made fishing conditions tricky but they were smart enough to catch beautiful fish. Congratulations !👍👏🙏
13 November, 2025
Ian ended up with 14 carp landed with one loss in the end, great angling 🙏
11 November, 2025
A group of friends had a very good result over the full moon catching carp to 58lbs
11 November, 2025
For many UK anglers, owning a carp lake in France is the ultimate dream. The idea of waking up to birdsong, coffee on the bank, and the quiet ripple of feeding fish is enough to make anyone think seriously about a move across the Channel.
And for more and more people, that dream is becoming a reality. Buying a carp lake in France isn’t just about owning a piece of water — it’s about embracing a slower, more rewarding lifestyle surrounded by nature. If you’re ready to explore opportunities now, browse our current carp lakes for sale in France to see what’s available.
If you’ve ever sat lakeside on a French holiday and thought “I could live like this”, here are five genuine reasons why it might be time to make that dream happen.
Let’s start with the practical bit — price. In the UK, the idea of buying land with a decent-sized lake is almost out of reach for most people. Even the smallest parcels with water fetch a premium, and competition is fierce.
In rural France, the story is very different. For the price of a modest UK house, you could own a beautiful property with land, a lake, and even outbuildings. The difference in value is huge, especially in regions like the Haute-Marne, Aube, or Mayenne, where there’s plenty of affordable countryside.
It’s not just about the purchase price, either. Ongoing costs such as taxes, maintenance, and utilities tend to be lower in France. The properties are often larger, and there’s space to expand — maybe add accommodation or improve the facilities over time.
Whether you want a private retreat or plan to turn it into a small fishery business, France offers far more lake for your money.
Generous sized properties with ample land are a snip of the price compared to the UK
Life in rural France runs at a different pace. The roads are quieter, the air feels cleaner, and you quickly realise there’s more to your day than rushing from one task to another.
Imagine mornings spent feeding your fish, afternoons walking the banks, and evenings on the terrace with a glass of local wine. It’s a lifestyle built around time outdoors — where wildlife, tranquillity, and personal space are part of everyday life.
Many lake owners say it’s not just the fishing that makes the move worthwhile — it’s the rhythm of the days. You slow down, you notice more, and stress starts to fade.
You’re also surrounded by like-minded people. In many rural areas, small expat communities have grown, made up of anglers, couples, and families who’ve made the same move. The locals are generally welcoming, especially when you make the effort to integrate and appreciate the culture.
Owning a carp lake isn’t just buying a piece of land — it’s buying a lifestyle that’s calmer, more grounded, and infinitely more enjoyable.
Image credit: https://www.frenchentree.com/
This is where the dream becomes real. Owning your own carp lake means you can fish exactly how and when you like. No waiting lists, no syndicate politics, no day-ticket rush. You control the stock, the feeding, and the maintenance — it’s your water, your way.
You can design swims, plant marginal reeds, feed your fish on a routine, and watch them grow season by season. There’s something deeply satisfying about nurturing a water that you care for — from small doubles to heavyweight mirrors that you’ve raised yourself.
Some owners keep their lakes private, enjoying peaceful sessions with friends or family. Others turn them into exclusive fisheries, renting to small groups for a week at a time. Both routes work — it depends on your goals.
What’s certain is that nothing quite compares to stepping out of your home and having world-class carp fishing right on your doorstep.
Owning a private lake in France doesn’t have to be a dream
There’s a reason so many British people fall in love with France. It’s not just the sunshine or scenery — it’s the way of life. The morning trip to the bakery, the long lunches, the slower pace that values time as much as productivity.
For anglers who’ve spent years juggling busy jobs and quick weekend sessions, that change of rhythm feels like a breath of fresh air. You’ll find local markets full of fresh produce, small village cafés where people still take the time to talk, and a sense of community that’s often lost in the UK.
The practical side of living in France is reassuring too — excellent healthcare, good infrastructure, and far less day-to-day stress. Learn a bit of French, embrace the culture, and you’ll find most locals go out of their way to help.
Owning a lake isn’t just about fishing — it’s about living differently. You’ll have the time to enjoy both the angling and the lifestyle that surrounds it.
Embrace the laid back French country lifestyle – image credit: https://www.monpetitfour.com
While most people buy a lake for lifestyle reasons, it can also be a sound investment if managed well. The demand for quality carp fishing venues in France remains strong, especially for small, exclusive lakes catering to UK anglers. If your lake is well-run, stocked with healthy fish, and set in pleasant surroundings, you’ll rarely struggle for bookings.
Many lakes offer the perfect balance — a peaceful retreat when you want privacy, and a steady income when you rent it out. Even if you don’t plan to commercialise it fully, the property itself usually appreciates in value over time.
Of course, due diligence is key. Anyone considering a purchase should:
Verify water rights and ensure the lake is correctly registered.
Check for DDT (Direction Départementale des Territoires) compliance.
Validate the fish stock through reputable netting and documentation.
Understand local planning laws and taxes.
If you are serious about buying a lake in France this article, covers the costs, regulations, and red flags to be aware of.
Handled properly, owning a carp lake can be both emotionally and financially rewarding.
For many, buying a carp lake in France isn’t just a fantasy — it’s a life-changing decision that brings freedom, purpose, and a deeper connection to the outdoors.
You’ll work hard at times — maintenance, stocking, paperwork — but the rewards are huge. You’ll swap commutes for quiet mornings by the water, deadlines for wildlife, and routine for something far more meaningful.
If you’ve ever looked out over a misty French lake at sunrise and thought “One day…”, maybe that day’s closer than you think.
10 November, 2025
Barry & Mark had a tough week but fished well ending with some nice fish and a new lake record, The German at 56.2lb ( 25kg )
05 November, 2025
Carps from Cheshire lake in complement of the first report
05 November, 2025
Collection of 50’s for Stuart and friends.
05 November, 2025
Week commencing 13-20 sept
This week we had the pleasure of Callum, Josh and Shannon once again very warm conditions and high pressure they managed to bag 7 fish in total 3* 20’s 3*30’s and the biggest a 43 common
05 November, 2025
Over 35 carp upto 40lb for Brett, Neil and Dean!
Well done boys!
05 November, 2025
Week commencing 20-27 sept
Very slow going this week for Liam and Andrew only one fish out all week which resulted in a 32 mirror. They must of enjoyed themselves as they have booked a return trip next year
05 November, 2025
hard conditions with high air pressure and north wind but cats and sturgeons have help to make a nice week. The carp on picture is 42lb the Koï is 22lb
05 November, 2025
Fantastic week with magnificent carp and perfect tranquility 😀😀😀😀
05 November, 2025
Ian and Hayley who were new customers to Blue Dart had a fabulous week. Weather was kind for them. They went Sight seeing, they de-stressed, relaxed and even manger to catch a couple of our beauties.
Hope to see you both again.
05 November, 2025
15 Carp this week for Dennis! Tough conditions this week! Well done! Good fishing!
05 November, 2025
Perfect fishing trip for Bens 18th and a new pb
05 November, 2025
Spent 1 week at the end of September into October on the Lake of Villereal Holiday Resort and then returned mid-October because I liked the lake and the challenge it provides. Booked through Dream Carp Holidays on all inclusive package flying in from Stanstead airport.
Managed to land 22 Carp in total from the 2 weeks including 1×50, 6x40s, 3x30s & 5x20s – a very good average.
The Lake is not the easiest, it is in fact quite challenging but the rewards are there to be had as the fish will show themselves regularly giving motivation. If finding underwater features such as sand banks, gravel bars, slopes and plateaus is not the style of fishing… There are margin overhangs and lily pads to fish at or fire out solid bags at showing fish. That said however, it became apparent after many tactical changes over the course of the later trip that the best method I found was putting a large spread of bait out into the lake and waiting, they appeared more confident and kept the shoals of carp interested in that area for longer.
The town is without a doubt on of the most prettiest I’ve visited in France which is a few minutes walk from the lake that contains a tobac, small supermarket and a few bars/restaurants.
Worth a visit, I’ll be back.
05 November, 2025
We arrived at Lac Claudette with a broken van (gearbox had gone) not a good start.
But Andy the owner was straight on the case and making calls to help solve our problem.
Then he gave us a tour of the great facilities and also a trip out in the boat to show us some likely looking spots to start with.
Andy went above and beyond as a lake owner to help us with the van and the fishing even as if we needed anything from the shops.
Fishing that week in the whole of France was difficult with changing weather conditions but my mate still managed 3 carp to 48lb 7oz and what a common it was.
I would like to thank Andy for all his help and hospitality and we look forward to returning in the future.
Many thanks Alan & Graeme
05 November, 2025
We had a very enjoyable and productive carping trip to New Mill Fishery.
Maria and David were the most wonderful hosts cooking full English breakfast and dinner every day, bringing this to our swims of in the Farmhouse as we requested. It was always delicious, well cooked and with ample portions! They even dropped us off and collected us from the local bar when we had a sneaky lunchtime drink 🙂
We stayed in the farmhouse which has all you need with 2 comfortable bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen, two bathrooms and a nice lounge/diner with open fire and large screen TV to relax in.
We caught 24 carp between the 3 of us including 3 x 30’s with most of the rest in the 20’s. The star catches of the week were 2 sturgeon to 36 lb which gave a great fight and something we’ve never caught before.
Dave is a true carp fisherman himself and gave fantastic advice on tactics and productive area to fish.
We’ve been taking a week’s fishing break for many years now and this ranks as one of the best. Would highly recommend
Regards
Julian
03 November, 2025
15 carp
biggest 67 LB
56 LB
57LB
55 LB
5 fish up 40 LB
02 November, 2025
Jason, Sam & Jackie had a good week landing 8 carp with Mum Jackie having a new PB. Peppered Squid & sweet Tiger done the job.
01 November, 2025
Another new 60lb carp. The lake slowed down to a crawl after fishing well for the previous two weeks or more. Despite this, Jason Bright landed a stunning 61lb 5oz mirror from post 6, and after it was identified as a new 60, he named the fish Kimberly after his girlfriend. Well done Jason.
The lake now has 15 identified 60lb+ fish as well as one 70lb+ fish.
As well as the new 60 pounder, everyone managed some nice fish, despite the lake turning a bit slow. It was good to see Wayne, John, Jason, Kimberley and Mark.
01 November, 2025
Weather wasn’t good with very high pressure so fishing was very slow , managed 10 fish between 3 of us,
biggest was just under the magical 50 mark + a few 40s the rest mid 20s
The lake was really nice and kept very well ,
The facility’s were adequate shower was clean and hot .
Food package was good with excellent puddings
The owners were very welcoming and on hand every day to give advice and help etc
Was hoping for a few more fish but that’s fishing I guess !
All in all a pleasant week 👍
30 October, 2025
Carps from Cheshire lake are really from another planet!!!
Cracking carps for Nicholas and friends!!!
Several 50s in their collection…
Enjoy!
29 October, 2025
I cannot praise this place enough, beautiful place, accommodation is perfect, we took the food package and it was 10/10, the fishing was tough on our week but that was the case on lots of lakes in the area due to the ridiculously high pressure but we still managed 10 fish between 2 of us, and last but not means least the owners, you will never meet nicer or more helpful people. I will definitely go back next year.
28 October, 2025
Carps from Cheshire lake are really from another planet!!!
Cracking carps for Nicholas and friends!!!
Several 50s in their collection…
Enjoy!
28 October, 2025
Chris and just wife Ingrid staying this week. An experienced angler Chris stayed on his spots and was rewarded with some nice fish during the week to 37lb and a a few of our stunning scaley mirrors. Not in the best of health Chris found our new lakeside cabins with kettles etc great fir his needs with everything to hand and our pegs easy to land fish. Both loved our accommodation and all it offers our guests and also the local area.
28 October, 2025
15 Carp for Dennis in tough conditions! Good fishing. Well done!
28 October, 2025
Ant , Keir Andy their wives with us this week. First time fishing in France for both of them and they were not disappointed. The wives loving our luxury accommodation and it offers our guests and the lads the lake and our new lakeside cabins in a terrible week weather wise but they were dry and comfortable in the cabins and both going home with new pbs of carp and sturgeon with carp to 40lb.
27 October, 2025
Great catch up with friends on a lovely lake, catching some stunning fish.
27 October, 2025
Brian’s group of anglers had a difficult week but big fish until 57lbs
Congratulations!
26 October, 2025
What can i say about our week’s visit to Watersmeet Carp Lake France. Stunning place – the lake and swims are fantastic with power on each peg and fully gravelled. The provision of barrows to move your kit is a great touch. The fishing is simple as the lake is virtually weed/snag free and you can cast to every part. The house is stunning and a great place for fisherman to clean up and families to spend their days. Although the fishing was difficult like most of France, we had a great time, and topped it off on the last day with the below 32lb stunner. Paul and his wife have a special place and you will not be sorry when you visit
25 October, 2025
A great week for some of the lads on the lake. We start with George Tickner, who landed this stunning 63lb 8oz common from post 9. George’s many catches also included 50s and 40s, all quality fish on what was a great week for him.
Jack Tickner had a great session, breaking his PB several times. Jack’s many catches included a 59lb mirror (just ounces under the 60lb mark) as well as other 50s and numerous 40s and 30s.
Barney Puplett moved up to post 6 after a few quiet days in the woodland posts, and was rewarded with the Scar common (Laura) at 60lb. Another superb fish for Barney was a lovely 52lb 5oz mirror.
And finally, Ryan Johnson landed a beautiful mirror at 52lb 8oz.
24 October, 2025
45lb 3oz mirror
24 October, 2025
24 fish
biggest 55 lb
2 fish up 50Lb
8 fish up 40LB
24 October, 2025
Amazing fish from Cheshire lake for Steve and friend!!!
Until near 50 lbs…
23 October, 2025
10 Fish for Jamie and Fred.
23 October, 2025
Cold Nights slowed the fishing but Stephen and Louise still managed a few
23 October, 2025
Pbs for Mark and Harry
16 fish in total
23 October, 2025
Good angling this week in changing conditions
23 October, 2025
Week 4th to 11th October 2025,
The lake was great, very beautiful location and mature and natural lake, the site manager was brilliant and couldn’t do enough for us but at the same time left us to our fishing!
The fishing itself was slow having difficult conditions and the fish were just not hard on the feed, we had 9 fish out between the 6 of us, x2 20’s, x5 30’s and x2 just over 40lb (one of which was a PB). All fish coming from under the tree line under snags! Overall a great week even though the fishing was hard.
Thank you
23 October, 2025
4 of us came in October on a last minute trip. We really didn’t know what to expect but the lake exceeded our expectations. The lake is beautiful and ive got to say the swims are the best swims weve had in 23 years of French trips.The lake is a difficult water as in the carp are constantly moving and feeding off different spots but we loved this as it was a challenge. We had some 40s and late 30s so we were all very happy. Antony the owner was absolutely 1st class, we bought food for a full English and he happily cooked it for us and the evening meal was delicious. Antony was there a lot but never bothered us and let us get on with it, in all a great trip and we will definitely be back. we are still talking about it now!! Excellent all round, Thank you, Howard, Sandy,Jamie & Paul.
22 October, 2025
A beautifully maintained fishery with an excellent bailiff named Sam . Facilities were clean and had ample means to cook,wash, and BBQ . Fish were in excellent condition and would not hesitate on returning as have had numerous visits in recent years . Had a great time . Thanks again
22 October, 2025
A fantastic lake and facilities, even though the fishing was hard due to really high pressure, hot days cold nights, only one fish came out.
The owners were so accommodating we did the food package and wow it’s was amazing great breakfast roles and the evening meals were fantastic home cooked food and would highly recommend it.
The showers and toilet facilities were great and always kept clean.
Thanks Will and Portia for a great week.
Regards
Steve,Tom, Rob, Steve
22 October, 2025
It was a tough week for some of use but 3 PBs were broken. Dave and his wife could not do enough for use. Delivering the meal to our swims every day and even driving one of the lads into town so the rest of use could cap on fishing. We will be back.
22 October, 2025
This is the second year using Dream Carp for one of my French adventures. The venue we re-booked was Domaine de la Baronne. A lovely venue in some stunning countryside, with the Owner Rafal always super helpful. Fishig was a little tricky due to the water level being well down and the weed being vibrant this year. But to be honest that is the same for lots of venues and not a reflection of Rafal’s work.
But as with the year before we all enjoyed the break and managed around 20/25 fish with five over 40lb.
Love the place and ease of booking that much I re-booked the lake for 2026 while still on the bank fishing at the lake.
Definately a lake worth looking at on the DCH’s website. Rafal is making yet more improvements this year. So will be even better in 2026.
18 October, 2025
New Lake 60. Congratulations to Neil Bate, who despite the dreadful weather landed this superb 62lb 6oz mirror, identified as a new lake 60. As with the tradition of naming new 60lb plus fish with a lady’s name, Neil has dedicated this to his granddaughter Amelia, who is now the 13th 60lb plus fish in the lake, along with the current lake record mirror at 72lb. Neil also had a lovely, nicely scaled upper 40 mirror.
So close. Mark Weedon was close to landing the lake’s second 70lb fish – this superb mirror weighed in at 69lb 14oz. To complete a great week, Mark also had three lovely mirrors at 58lb, 56lb 4oz and 50lb 2oz.
Garry Moore landed two superb mirrors from post 9 at 53lb 10oz and 45lb.
The lads (just three of them) caught some superb fish, in both size and condition, and despite horrible weather left at the end of their week feeling very contented.
17 October, 2025
Great week at new mills , Dave and Maria are a lovely couple with great hospitality, we had the good package which was brilliant.
The fishing was a bit slow think the fish were slowing down for winter but managed 6 I think up to 36lb
Kenny ended up with 3 up to 31lb and mark with a sturgeon at 38lb .
Booked up for next year already
17 October, 2025
Great location
Fantastic lodge and hot tub. Good fishing. 19 caught
Only down side. Cradles and nets and slings were all very worn and broken. Need replacing for quality fish care.
17 October, 2025
We had a great time at Oakview lake, Isabel and Harry were great hosts and were more than happy to offer advice/help if required. The lodge had everything you need to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Although the fishing was slow the fish we did catch were in great condition. Would definitely return to the venue and would recommend to others.
14 October, 2025
What a fantastic week of fishing! Eduardo stayed on the lake last week and hauled in 14 carp, with the biggest weighing 34lb, despite the hot weather. Not bad considering he was fishing from late afternoon to morning as he was here on a work experience placement. Meanwhile, Dave also spent the week fishing and managed to catch 3 carp, topping out at an impressive 38lb! 🐟💪 Truly an incredible achievement for both. Congrats to both anglers!
14 October, 2025
Many anglers swear the moon has a direct influence on carp fishing — others call it pure coincidence. But when the same names, venues, and catches keep cropping up around certain lunar phases, it’s hard to ignore.
This guide explains how moon phases can affect carp behaviour, feeding times, and your results on the bank. We’ll cover what the science says, what real anglers have observed, and how you can use the moon to time your next big hit.
The moon moves through a complete cycle roughly every 29.5 days — new moon, waxing, full, and waning. While tides aren’t a factor in stillwaters, the gravitational pull, light levels, and weather patterns that accompany each phase can subtly influence carp activity.
Gravitational pull affects water pressure and movement — subtle in lakes but still part of the natural rhythm fish respond to.
Light levels determine how confident carp feel feeding at night; brighter nights often make them more cautious.
Weather link: full moons frequently coincide with clear skies and high pressure, both of which can change carp behaviour.
Carp respond to comfort, safety, and opportunity. The moon can influence all three.
Throughout modern carp fishing history, many notable fish have been landed under certain phases of the moon:
While these examples aren’t scientific proof, they’re hard to ignore — especially when so many experienced anglers report similar results over decades.
Scott Lloyd reportedly caught the Burghfield common one day after the full moon and Nigel Sharp caught it on the full moon
To help you understand how carp behaviour shifts through the lunar cycle, here’s a Moon Phase Catch Calendar you can use to plan sessions and refine your timing.
| Moon Phase | What Happens | Carp Behaviour | Best Tactics & Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌑 New Moon | Darkest nights of the month. | Confident feeding in shallows and margins. | Fish tight to features/patrol routes; keep baiting subtle. |
| 🌓 First Quarter (Waxing) | Moon growing; light increasing. | Activity builds; movement more predictable. | Good for baiting campaigns; watch moonrise windows. |
| 🌕 Full Moon | Bright nights; often high pressure. | Later bites; fish may push deeper. | Fish deeper/shaded lines; keep rigs and colours subtle. |
| 🌗 Last Quarter (Waning) | Light decreasing; conditions settle. | Routines return; bite times stabilise. | Revisit proven spots; keep baiting consistent. |
| 🌘 Around New Moon | Minimal moonlight. | Confident night feeding in calm conditions. | Prioritise sessions here—often a prime big-fish window. |
Tip: Combine Moon Phase with Pressure
Moon data means more when paired with weather:
Scientific evidence is limited, but studies on fish and wildlife behaviour show strong lunar links:
While carp aren’t tidal fish, they still live by natural light cycles. The moon may not dictate feeding, but it influences when and where they feel comfortable doing it.
Credit: Michael Seeley (Flickr, CC BY 2.0)
Here’s how to make the moon work for you:
Your best evidence will come from your own sessions.
Start logging:
After a few months, you’ll start to see patterns specific to your lake — your own lunar data that’s more reliable than any theory.
The moon might not hand you carp on a plate, but it’s one of nature’s most consistent rhythms — and carp are tuned into it more than most anglers realise.
Pay attention to it, keep notes, and over time you’ll see your own patterns emerge.For those who combine solid watercraft, sharp observation, and lunar awareness, the moon might just shine a little light on when the carp are ready to feed.
14 October, 2025
Turned up as Storm Amy was blowing a hooley! Made setting up camp challenging. Nevertheless, we could see that it is a lovely venue and we slowly got to grips with where and how to fish. Ended up catching 12lb Common, 14lb Common, 15lb Mirror, 23lb Common, 26lb Mirror, 28lb Mirror and a 41lb Mirror. All on 20mm Boilies and a pink one pop up resting on the soft bottom. The lake is very shallow but don’t let that put you off, just find the spots in and around the far bank pads. Crayfish are a nuisance and we ended up recasting at night to ensure we had baits intact. Caught loads of lovely silver fish on maggots and I doubt any of those fish have been caught before. Many thanks to Steve for letting us fish after a nasty arm accident for me earlier in the year. The 41lb was too heavy to lift with my weak arm, ended up nestling in my lap 😂
14 October, 2025
Back in early September we had regulars Paul and Leanne here at Etang Les Burons. It’s always a great week with them here and this time was no different, the fishing was still slower than normal but Paul always manages to bag a few which he did, the biggest being a low 40 Common. As always it was a brilliant week, and we can’t wait to see them again in the 2026 season. #carp #carpfishing #carpfishingfrance
14 October, 2025
Amazing week for Gary and friends !!
Part 2
14 October, 2025
We had Jamie and Mikey here from a DCH Booking and the weather at long last was on the change with fishing conditions looking good for the week.
Though the fish were showing they were difficult to get going but between them they had 8 fish including ‘White Tail’ at 50lbs along with high 40s – 30s and both leaving with PB’s..
Well happy 🙂
14 October, 2025
“This week, Le Furet has been particularly productive! The Loft, the Lodge, as well as posts 10 and 11, have delivered excellent results, with many fish caught and an average weight exceeding 38 pounds. We even recorded a record fish over 55 pounds, as well as a stunning two-tone carp weighing nearly 48 pounds.
Post 9, on the other hand, remained a bit calmer, but our anglers still managed to catch several carp. Additionally, they appreciated our services, especially the food packages delivered directly to their posts, and the additional gear available in our shop.”
14 October, 2025
A recap of an absolutely amazing week at Étang la Loubière! Our anglers enjoyed exclusive access to the water and came up with the brilliant idea of rotating fishing spots every three days. This strategy helped to redirect the fish, which were highly active, and as a result, over 30 fish were caught throughout the week, including an impressive record-breaking catch of more than 26.5 kilos, not to mention stunning full-scale and linear carp. They also loved using the accommodations to gather and share meals, and appreciated the bait service we provided. Furthermore, over the past few weeks, we’ve noticed that the fish stock is in great shape, and the average weight is increasing significantly, which bodes well for numerous records and even higher averages in the 2026 season. In short, it was an unforgettable experience that truly delighted them, and they’re eager to learn more so they can quickly book our other lakes for the 2026 season.
14 October, 2025
26 carp out for Byrn
14 October, 2025
28 fish
biggest 56 LB
average 41 LB
14 October, 2025
Matthias from Belgian on a short work / fishing break on his without his family this time. Not many hours fished but some nice fish to the net.
13 October, 2025
Alan & Paul had a slow but successful week landing 8 fish & Alan was reunited with Lily a 50+ he named. The lads worked hard all week and found a new spot which produced 5 fish. They fished a selection of different Dynamite hook baits over chopped boilie, maze, hemp & house pellet mix. Great angling lads see you in April.
11 October, 2025
A few of the fish out for David Bentley’s fishing party – certainly some good fish landed.
Two superb mirrors caught by Jamie Johnson, fishing from post 14, at 56lb 10oz and 53lb 10oz. Well done Jamie.
10 October, 2025
Carp fishing often gets dominated by talk of bait, rigs, and the latest gear. But here’s the truth: none of that matters if you’re not fishing where the carp actually are. The anglers who catch consistently aren’t just lucky — they’ve learned the art of watercraft.
Watercraft is the ability to read a lake, understand carp behaviour, and spot the signs that reveal their presence. It’s not about guesswork. It’s about knowing what to look for, when to trust your eyes and ears, and how to use that knowledge to put yourself in the right place at the right time.
This guide takes you from the basics — how weather and conditions affect carp — through to advanced skills like spotting subtle signs and working out patrol routes. Master these, and you’ll always have an edge over the average angler.
Carp are driven by two main things: comfort and food. If you can understand how conditions influence both, you’ll already be a step ahead
Weather & Temperature – Carp thrive in mild, stable conditions. Sudden temperature drops can push them into deeper water, while warm, consistent weather usually brings them into the shallows.
Wind – A warm south-westerly often pushes carp into the areas it blows towards, as it carries warmer surface water and food with it.
A cold northerly often does the opposite, driving them away.
The Seasons:
Spring: As the water warms, carp are drawn into the shallows and sheltered bays, where food becomes more active. They’ll often patrol the margins, reedbeds, and shallow bars, feeding in short but regular bursts. This is also the time when they begin preparing for spawning, so location and timing are critical — mornings and sunny corners can be especially productive.
Summer: In hot weather, carp spend long periods around weedbeds, snags, and the upper layers of the water. Warm, oxygen-rich areas are key, and surface fishing can come into its own. Early mornings and late evenings are often the most active feeding windows. On pressured waters, carp may back off obvious spots during the day and retreat to quieter areas, so adapting tactics — from zig rigs to surface mixers — can pay off.
Autumn: Autumn has traditionally been seen as the big ‘feed-up’ before winter, and carp certainly do take advantage of natural food sources at this time. But on many pressured lakes, the heaviest feeding spells are now often seen in mid to late summer, with autumn still productive but more dependent on conditions. Cooling water, shorter days, and concentrated natural larders like bloodworm beds all influence where carp hold and how hard they feed.
Winter: As temperatures drop, carp slow down, shoal together, and often sit in deeper, more stable areas of the lake. Feeding spells are shorter and more cautious, often clustered around the warmest part of the day. Bright, calm days can see them sunning themselves in upper layers, while cold snaps usually drive them to depth. Light baiting, small hookbaits, and pinpoint accuracy become more effective than heavy feeding.
Every lake tells a story — if you’re willing to watch and listen.
Surface signs: Rolling, head-and-shoulders shows, or even subtle swirls can reveal patrol routes and feeding areas. Flat spots on a rippled surface are another giveaway, caused by carp releasing natural oils as they feed or move. On calm mornings or evenings, these signs are often easiest to spot.
Bubbles and fizzing: Tiny pinprick bubbles rising steadily through the water usually mean carp are feeding in silt, disturbing natural gases as they dig for bloodworm and other food. A patch of fizzing that keeps reappearing in the same spot is gold dust — a sure sign of active feeding fish.
Margins: Carp are creatures of habit and love the edges. Overhanging trees, reedbeds, and undercut banks often provide cover and natural food. Don’t overlook quiet corners or close-in spots; many big fish are caught within a rod length of the bank if approached quietly.
Birdlife: Diving birds such as tufted ducks often reveal baited areas by repeatedly working the same patch, homing in on free offerings. Equally, keep an eye on how waterfowl react — if a group suddenly scatter or lift off in unison, it could well be carp pushing through and spooking them.
One of the biggest edges in watercraft is learning where carp regularly travel. These patrol routes are the highways carp use to move around the lake. Find them, and you can intercept fish instead of waiting for luck.
Watching the water is key. The more time you spend simply looking, the more you’ll notice repeat patterns. Climbing into safe vantage points, such as low trees or raised banks, can reveal routes and fish you’d never spot from ground level. A good pair of polarised glasses is essential — they cut surface glare, allowing you to see into the water and pick out shadows, shapes, and subtle movement that the naked eye would miss.
Tactic tip: Place a rig along these routes, not just on obvious feeding spots. A single bait on a clean patch where carp regularly travel can be deadly.
Not all signs are obvious splashes or jumps. The best watercraft comes from noticing the subtle details:
Once you’ve mastered the basics, here’s how to push your watercraft to the next level:
Even experienced anglers get caught out when they:
Watercraft is the skill that separates consistent carp catchers from the rest. Anyone can cast a rig and pile in bait. But the angler who knows how to read the weather, spot patrol routes, notice the tiny signs, and adapt to pressure is the one who consistently puts carp on the bank.
Spend as much time watching as you do fishing. Learn to read the water, not just the magazines. Master watercraft, and you’ll not only catch more — you’ll understand carp on a whole new level.
10 October, 2025
After taking more than 30 trips to French lakes over the years I can say that there’s only a couple that I’d visit again. Martins lake is one of them.
An idyllic location with abundant wildlife (including wild boar) with a beautiful lake well set out with usable facilities. The hosts, Craig and Isobel (plus the dogs and cats!) are very accommodating and helpful, just enough interaction to make you feel welcome and ensure everything’s ok without crowding you.
The fishing, after all hot summer the water was well down, this didn’t stop the fish feeding but did mean you needed to don waders to land fish but that wasn’t an issue. We had nearly 60 fish between 3 anglers with a fifty and several forties, loads of 30’s and 20’s and a few smaller carp which have obviously been born in the lake.
To summarise, you won’t be disappointed if you want peace, tranquility, good fishing and great hosts. As Arnold says, I’ll be back…
09 October, 2025
George and Graham with their families this week. George’s target was some of our stunning fully scaled mirrors and to get his first ever Sturgeon on the bank and all targets were achieved along with 2 new pb’s. The family loving the cottage and all it offers our guests especially with all of them having their own en-suite shower rooms and the ladies enjoying the Netflix and hot tub and the boys relaxing with a game of pool in the evenings giving the swims a rest after a bbq in the lovely late September sun.
09 October, 2025
Following on from the previous week the weather was ideal and this proved to be the case with Lee, Alex and their Dad having a good week with 24 fish coming to the bank with a few dropped.
Biggest out was 54lb, 2 x 40s, 5x 30s and the remaining in the high 20s. They had a great week and are looking to come back next year .
Lee this time around had the bragging rights with most fish caught along with breaking his PB twice along with Dad with his 46lb Mirror both earning the Lac de Lumiere 40+ club Polo shirts/
Good angling and see you again 🙂
07 October, 2025
Enjoyed the week
Only 2 carp showed between 4 anglers. Sturgeon were a nuisance. But still a good week.
07 October, 2025
19 fish for Alan this week.
07 October, 2025
On arrival to etang de Janine, David was waiting for me and took the time to talk me through the areas that had recently done a few fish. David explained depths, holding areas, and gave me a great starting point. I chose the spot he suggested and was into fish within the first 24 hours. Two fish over 50lb came from that area, along with a few others.
Mid-week, I decided to swap ends of the lake to try a new area David had mentioned, a much-loved holding spot. My move certainly paid off — I had a treble take in 30 minutes and landed my new PB common at 61lb!
The facilities are basic — the toilet and shower are simple but functional — but all I need when fishing is hot running water, so it was fine. David delivered breakfast and my evening meal to my swim daily. The food was proper top-notch; the burger and wedges were probably the best I’ve ever tasted!
To sum it up: the fishing was fantastic, the food was awesome, and the banter with David was spot on. Definitely worth a return visit!
07 October, 2025
Etang janine. What a place. Lovely pool, lovely environment ,I drove a 1000 miles to be Ther. A loved every minute of it. I Wasn’t fortunate to catch my self as that how fishing goes. I was blessed to see in the next peg. Matt from Dorset caught a 30/40/50/60lbers. King fisher landing on my rods a seeing matts 50lber in the flesh. Was just awesome !!!!!!!!!!! I will b bk!!!!!!!!!!
07 October, 2025
“A group of friends recently booked exclusive access to Étang la Loubière for a fishing session. Initially, they wanted to gather at a single spot, but following our advice, they spread out around the lake. This approach helped reduce the fishing pressure on the fish, and the outcome was impressive: they landed about 20 carp, including some exceeding 50+pounds! It was a successful and memorable experience for everyone.”
07 October, 2025
In recent days, the Loft and Lodge posts, along with posts 9, 10, and 11, have been particularly productive, delivering great catches for all our clients. There were days when heavier carp, ranging from 45 to 55 pounds, were more active, and other days when smaller carp showed more activity. On the Loft and Lodge posts, several carp exceeding 45 to 55 pounds were caught, showcasing some impressive specimens. Meanwhile, posts 9, 10, and 11
provided more overall fish, but with a slightly lower average weight compared to the Loft and Lodge areas. Our anglers really appreciated the comfort of the accommodations, as well as the amenities offered, such as the food packages and the carp shop, where they could find all the gear and baits they needed .
07 October, 2025
Last week, our anglers enjoyed a fantastic time. On posts 1, 2, and 3, all anglers caught carp with a total of 30 carp during the week. Among them, our stunning “Ghost” carp was landed at over 53 pounds, bringing immense joy to one of our anglers. On post 1 and the VIP post, “The kube,” carp reached up to 55 pounds, while on post 3, “The Cabin,” the catches were slightly more modest, ranging from about 20to 30pounds. Our anglers also appreciated the amenities provided. Despite the water level being a bit lower due to the summer heat, the fish remained active in all parts of the lake, whether in shallow or deeper areas.
07 October, 2025
Recent Catches at Cottage Lake
In the past few days, we’ve had several local anglers enjoy short stays at Cottage Lake, and the results have been fantastic! On average, they managed to catch more than 20 carp over just two days, which means roughly 10 carp per day. This kept the anglers busy and thoroughly entertained!
Among the catches, they landed several stunning ghost carp, including a beautiful hybrid combining fully-scaled and ghost carp traits. They also caught koi carp and fish weighing over 38 pounds (17.5 kilos).
Our anglers also appreciated the comfort of the safari tent, complete with all the amenities like showers, electricity, refrigerators, and convenient food packages
05 October, 2025
We’d like to share the feedback from Yves and his wife, as well as another client who had rented the cabin spot at Étang Camalo. The week was absolutely incredible, with numerous exceptional catches, including 55carps and six carp between 53 and 57 pounds and 10 over 45 pounds , and a massive common carp over 55 pounds at spot 3 of the cabin. Every bite was an unforgettable moment for our clients!
They also really appreciated our personalized service, including the preparation of baits and meals, and not having to deal with crayfish. The accommodation was fully equipped with electricity, kitchen, refrigerator, bedrooms, and linens provided. In short, it was an extraordinary week that our clients will never forget!
03 October, 2025
Still fish to 56-08 coming out. Catch a 50 and be immortalised on the websites wall of fame.
Only August 15th left next year
03 October, 2025
Had a good week at Three island lakes, first time fishing in France , we knew it wasn’t a runs water but we did catch a total of 5 fish the biggest carp being 26.10lb smallest at 18.4lb , my son had a cracking sturgeon at 38.6lb , the weather was ok unfortunately the water level was very low which made the fish uninterested , don’t know much about this but lack of oxygen in lake when water level low didn’t help , the venue itself was lovely and if water level was OK iam sure we would have caught many more , thank you Three islands lake .
02 October, 2025
Lac soupir has a new bailiff he was very helpful we had a problem with the lodge on noahs lake the new bailiff worked so hard to try and fix the problem couldn’t fault him when he couldn’t fix the problem he phoned the owner in England I couldn’t belive it he came out with some lads and fixed the problem wow the new bailiff I think will do well there the fishing was hard there is a lot of weed in the lake so you have to do your homework and find the gravel patches can’t fault the bailiff and the owner the grounds are well kept I would like to go back and fish Jack’s lake thanks for a good experience hope to come back again
30 September, 2025
We stayed for a week jo and nigel were great hosts always happy to help with anything we needed. Fishing was great lovely lake and cabin definitely one of the best lakes iv been definitely be going back in the future
30 September, 2025
Had a great trip at Luxemont poor weather conditions didn’t stop us getting in on the action “these fish really do fight”
Malcolm the balif really was help full but not intrusive
It’s a great place we will definitely be coming again
28 September, 2025
13 September to to September.
Had a fantastic week, good fishing, and a very welcoming and helpful hosts in Daren and Mandy.
Not being very experienced at French carping, the advice we got from our hosts was spot on.
On arriving at the venue, after a long, but straight forward drive on quiet roads, we were very pleased to find the lake was picturesque and full of wildlife. Grow the lake, there were walks up the hill, or round the lake and into extensive woods.
The accommodation was exactly what we needed for the week, and Daren and Mandy met us, and walked us round the lake, pointing out features and tactics.
Throughout the week we steadily, getting off to a great start, being lucky enough to catch a mirror at 54 1/2 pounds. After a steady week, it finished hectic with 4 in the last hour, including a cracking 45 pound mirror!
27 September, 2025
Great session for Lee White. His 54lb 4oz common was superb, but this was backed up with lots of other big fish, a host of upper 40s, and 30lb+ commons and mirrors. Well done Lee.
A great session for Dave Pope who landed a haul of quality carp, including 50s, 40s and 30s. Dave and his party have already booked again for next year.
Paul Goldsmith enjoyed his week on the lake and was more than happy with a new PB. Well done Paul.
25 September, 2025
Well these guys Simon & Dominic had a great time here with 35 carp landed between them to 56lb. Both broke their PB’s Amazing angling and great company. Well done to you both, you smashed it 😊👊🎣
25 September, 2025
Lucy returns to post 3 with a total of 12 carp
24 September, 2025
I would like to take the opportunity to thank both Jane and Phil for making our stay so memorable. Making us all feel very at ease and relaxed. My wife absolutely loved taking pictures of the kingfishers on the lake. Having the shelters on the lake side was a first for me and such a huge plus point.
Not been an out and out carp angler myself I was a little disappointed that there were only a few of other fish such as tench Rudd etc. that said 4 fish caught and all PBs was great!
The accommodation is stunning and the area lovely. I will certainly try my best to revisit this venue in the future.
Ian May
24 September, 2025
Really enjoyed fishing at Wellington lake last week. Beautiful lake & surroundings plus very nice looking fish.
Biggest carp was 29lb but the 32lb Sturgeon was certainly not expected
Matt the lake owner is the perfect host
Ian, Judy & Ciaran
24 September, 2025
Absolutely amazing lake and fish,11 carp,1 catfish and one sturgeon,raining most of the week.
Carp to 49lb10oz most carp in the 40,s..
Facilities certainly need upgrading for sure,David the owner was very helpful and does what he can to help out.
Lost over 20+ fish lost due to zebra muscles on the lake bed – strong line is a must
24 September, 2025
Beauty and the beasts at Cheshire lake!!!
Carps untils 60 lbs
Sturgeons until 91 lbs
Grass carps until 54 lbs
Catfish until 102 lbs
Congratulations to Marijn!
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23 September, 2025
Pete and Jim had a good week landing some of our big girls well done lads. Dynamite’s Hot crab 🦀 & krill working well.
22 September, 2025
Scroll through social media or flick through any carp magazine and you’ll see an endless stream of “must-try” rigs. Every week there’s another miracle tweak, another component you’re told you can’t fish without. The truth? Most of it’s noise. Carp don’t care about fashion — they respond to good mechanics and confident presentation.
Master a few key principles, and you’ll quickly see that four well-chosen rigs will cover almost every situation you’re likely to face. By focusing on simplicity and function, you’ll spend more time fishing effectively and less time second-guessing your set-up.
Before worrying about specific rigs, it pays to understand the mechanics that make them work. Once you know these, you’ll be able to look at any rig and decide quickly whether it’s worth tying on.
A rig is only as good as its ability to turn and take hold inside a carp’s mouth. Details like hook angle, eye position, the addition of a kicker or aligner, and the way the bait sits all affect how quickly the hook point catches. A sharp hook combined with a rig that flips aggressively will put more fish on the mat.
Your bait must look natural in its environment. On a clean gravel spot, a bottom bait is ideal. In light weed, a wafter or pop-up keeps the hook point clear. Balance is crucial: a bait that just settles “right” is harder for carp to detect and reject.
If your rig tangles on the cast, you’re not fishing. Boom stiffness, hooklink length, and the choice of lead system all act as insurance against wasted time. A rig that reliably kicks out straight gives you confidence every time you cast.
Carp don’t swim around politely. Birdlife, crayfish, and tow can all move your rig. A good set-up should fall back into position if nudged. Swivelling hook arrangements and semi-stiff booms massively improve this reset ability, keeping you fishing even when you’re not watching.
If carp rigs had a backbone, the hair rig would be it. Since its invention in the late 1970s, it’s caught countless fish worldwide and remains the benchmark against which all other rigs are measured.
The hair rig – highly effective for fishing on gravel and firm lake beds
Why it works:
The hair allows the bait to sit just off the bend of the hook. When a carp sucks in the bait, it doesn’t immediately feel the hook. As the bait is blown out, the hook catches hold in the mouth — a simple but devastatingly effective mechanic.
The addition of a stiff boom ensures the bait is kicked away from the lead, reducing tangles and improving presentation. Combined with a lead clip system, it offers predictable, safe mechanics.
Best suited to: firm lakebeds like gravel, clay, or light silt, when fishing bottom baits or balanced hookbaits such as wafters or snowmen.
Tip: Adjust the length. On small, polished “dinner-plate” gravel spots, shorten the boom to 5–6 inches for precision. In more open areas, 8–10 inches gives the fish a little room before feeling the lead.
Click here to read our step by step guide on how to tie the hair rig.
The spinner also known as the Ronnie rig has become one of the most widely used rigs in modern carp fishing — and for good reason. It’s designed to present wafters and pop-ups just off the bottom, sitting perfectly above light weed, silt, and debris.
The spinner rig is perfect for fishing over light weed or choddy bottoms
Why it works:
The hook is mounted on a swivel, giving it the ability to rotate freely. This means when a carp mouths the bait, the hook point can always find a way to turn and catch. Add in a helicopter lead system, and you have a rig that resets beautifully after disturbance.
Best suited to: tricky lakebeds where a bottom bait might be masked — think light weed, leaves, or silt. Use a wafter or pop-up balanced so it just hovers over the detritus. Recommended to fish helicopter style.
Tip: Experiment with lead size. A heavier lead (3.5–4 oz) creates a more aggressive “anchor,” helping the hook drive home quicker on the take.
Click here to read our step by step guide on how to tie the Spinner rig.
Surface fishing is as exciting as carp angling gets — visual, immediate, and often heart-stopping. The set-up is simple, but timing and subtlety are everything.
Why it works:
On hot, still days carp often cruise the upper layers, ignoring bait on the deck. A surface rig puts a hookbait right in their path, where they feel far less cautious. By keeping the line as unobtrusive as possible and letting the bait drift naturally, you tap into one of carp fishing’s most thrilling opportunities.
Best suited to: summer afternoons, calm evenings, and pressured waters where fish shy away from bottom rigs. Bread, mixers, or foam all make excellent hookbaits.
Tip: Always “prime” the swim. Drip a few freebies in little and often before casting a baited rig. Once carp are confidently taking the free offerings, it’s only a matter of time before one makes a mistake.
Click here to learn more about surface fishing, including tips and tactics.
When fish are in mid-water and nothing else works, the adjustable zig rig comes into its own. It’s a versatile tool that lets you search the water column without constant recasting.
Adjustable zig rigs are a game changed when the carp are in the middle layers of the water
Why it works:
The zig positions a buoyant hookbait at any chosen depth, well off the bottom. With the adjustable version, you can slide the rig up or down the line until you hit the exact feeding depth. Carp often sit suspended mid-water, especially on warm, high-pressure days, and a zig puts the bait right under their noses.
Best suited to: waters where carp are visibly cruising but ignoring surface baits, or on bright, warm days when they drift in mid-layers. Perfect for scratching out bites during tough conditions.
Tip: Small, dark foam hookbaits often out-fish brighter ones on zigs, as they look like natural insects silhouetted against the surface.
Click here to learn more about fishing with zig rigs and how to set them up.
The beauty of these four rigs is that together they give you coverage across the entire water column:
This means that with a modest amount of tackle and know-how, you’re equipped to tackle virtually any situation a carp water throws at you.
The carp world is full of rig hype, but simplicity wins. By understanding the mechanics and mastering just four rigs, you remove the doubt and clutter from your fishing.
Spend your energy on what really matters: location, watercraft, and baiting. Keep hooks razor sharp, rigs tidy, and confidence high. Once you’ve nailed the fundamentals, you’ll find that carp fishing becomes far less about chasing trends and far more about enjoying success.
Keep it simple. Keep it neat. Let the carp do the rest.
21 September, 2025
Had a great week but very difficult only 6 carp out to 46lb
Both diamond back sturgeon out twice around 80lb mark and a couple of small cats
Need to modernise the Cheshire Lake complex need toilet/shower block with charging points fridge and cooking area this will transform the lake into a great little complex
Thanks Nigel Fletcher
21 September, 2025
Our weeks fishing was the 6th-13th September. The trip was for 4 of us and we split into pairs to cover the lake.
Jack was looking after us for tge week and he couldn’t have been more helpful regarding how best to fish the lake. He gave us useful information on the make up of the lake bed and known feeding spots.
The fishing does require a lot of thought and effort. Boat work is also essential to help land fish and fish effectively.
This lake clearly holds an immense stock of large carp and we could constantly hear them boshing at night.
We all caught and was lucky to have some large ones aswell.
I think we ended with a total of 16 carp upto the heaviest being 59.8lb. This also included an awesome looking 48lb common and another of 42lb.
To add to this, the food package is brilliant. Everything was lovely and delivered to your swim at breakfast time and evening evening time. That homemade curry was so nice.
A big thank you to David and Jack for making your trip a good one.
21 September, 2025
What an amazing venue , beautiful views and true peace and quiet.
Mark and russ and very polite and helpful. Showers and toilets are clean and practical.
Fishing was a bit slow maybe due to low waterlevel, algie bloom.
Will be back unfinished buisness
20 September, 2025
We had a fantastic week at Oak View! A terrific lake and superb accommodation provided everything we needed for a really enjoyable stay. Thanks to Izzy and Harry who were excellent hosts helping with advice about the lake and also the surrounding area. We took the food package which was very good as well.
Between the two of us we caught 21 fish in total. 6 commons to 36lbs, 12 mirrors to 39lbs and 3 grass carp to 26lbs. We had a fast start, a lull in the middle of the week before it picked up again at he end. We fished both days and nights with over half the fish caught during the late evening to early morning period. Tactics included a combination of bottom baits and pop-up rigs consistently fished to a handfull of regularly baited spots in open water and the margins.
Thoroughly recommended!
20 September, 2025
Well what a week we had . I have been coming to france for years , but this year i fetched my family and friends. 3 fishing one 6 year old little boy and our good lady’s.
Our little boy loved it , he loves the outdoors. The house is probably a lot better than you have at home.
The pool is clean and warm. Hot tub takes about 10 mins to warm up , too warm for me. The fishing was good , 15 fish in the end , with a 58+ topping the week. Don’t worry about ordering boilies the bait is made in france by an oldtine British angler and its top notch.
If you can get on do you won’t be disappointed.
20 September, 2025
Kye Whitbread was absolutely buzzing with a new PB of 49lb, with this lovely mirror caught in the first 24 hours of fishing the lake. Well done Kye.
19 September, 2025
We had returning Anglers, Kev and Lou, back for the 4th time and with them came the start of the hot spell with temperatures in the +30s
Fishing was hard but they still managed to get a few out with Kev picking up the trophy that they get for catching the biggest fish! Makes it 2 all 🙂
19 September, 2025
Mark and his partner on this week along with youngster Charlie. Very hot weather wise making fishing slow but the guys stuck at it and brought some nice fish to the net along with enjoying all the cottage has to offer especially the pool and hot tub.Again our new lakeside cabins going down a storm with our anglers and guests alike keeping everybody in the shade and drinks cool with the new fridges.
19 September, 2025
Mark and his partner on this week along with youngster Charlie. Very hot weather wise making fishing slow but the guys stuck at it and brought some nice fish to the net along with enjoying all the cottage has to offer especially the pool and hot tub.Again our new lakeside cabins going down a storm with our anglers and guests alike keeping everybody in the shade and drinks cool with the new fridges.
19 September, 2025
First visit to the lake for Ashley and Scott! Over 20 carp during a long weekend. Very good fishing boys! Well
Done!
19 September, 2025
30 carp landed with the smallest 31lbs and the largest just over 40lbs.
18 September, 2025
Or guests this week were Tom and his Dad Charlie and a lad & Dad chill out week was the order of the day. Charlie did all the fishing with Tom around to help land and photograph the captures.
14 carp were landed which was a great return considering the lads didn’t night fish and had the odd day out.
“Fantastic weeks fishing, facilities top notch. Food package a must, can’t thank Matt and Natasha enough for running a fantastic venue.”
18 September, 2025
This week we had returning guests Gary and his grandson James with us.
It was a steady week with some good fish being landed, including a PB for James at 38lb 12oz and ‘the big girl’ at 43lb 10oz for grandad, part of a lovely double take which made a great photo for the memories.
18 September, 2025
Last week we welcomed Chris and dad Mike to La Petite Martiniere.
The lads won an auction that is run by Neil Chapman for terminally ill children.
Their first trip to France didn’t disappoint, over 20 fish caught including 2 40’s for Chris and a 39 and 38 for Mike. Great memories made and good times were had.
“Had a great start to carp fishing in France, La Petite Martiniere. On arriving we couldn’t wish to meet a nicer couple in Natasha and Matt, they made us feel so welcome. Everything about the place is so beautiful. The home made food is 1st class and the fishing a bonus, lovely pond and cabin and hot tub.
Thank you both for giving us some priceless memories.”
18 September, 2025
Our guests this week were Harry & Meg for their first time fishing in France.
“Our first fishing trip to France and we couldn’t be happier. Matt and Natasha were so welcoming, offered us any help we may of needed and were genuinely such lovely people. We will 100% be back to fish here again. Thankyou for such an amazing and memorable week.”
18 September, 2025
“My wife and I have recently returned from our first visit to La Petite Martiniere and although I am not one for providing a review, good or bad, our experience during the week requires sharing.
The lake and lodge is ideal for 2 x anglers or 1 x angler and 1 x partner with the lake providing excellent fishing and quiet surroundings.
The lodge is spotless and has all you require for your stay ie superb shower/bathroom, freeview sky tv, fridge, cooker etc.
The cooker will not be required as the food package provided by Matt is superb with traditional dishes all home cooked with local ingredients with Matt’s twist that ensures tasty meals. The best food package we have experienced in all our French fishing over the last 25 x years.
For those that require a bit of down time, the Spa is no brainer.
We were so impressed with the passion that Matt and Natasha have for providing a relaxing experience we booked for next year less than 24 x hours after we arrived.
Book With Confidence.
Steve and Kim.”
18 September, 2025
For many carp anglers, owning a lake in France isn’t just a far-off dream — it’s the ultimate lifestyle move. Imagine stepping out of your house and straight into your swim, or welcoming paying anglers from across Europe to fish a lake you own. With lower property prices than the UK, a strong angling culture, and vast rural landscapes, France offers unique opportunities for those serious about carp fishing.
Buying a property is France can be good value for money compared to the UK
But buying a lake isn’t as simple as falling in love with a piece of water. It’s a major financial and legal commitment. Lakes differ enormously in terms of rights, regulations, and potential. Some are perfect as private retreats; others can become thriving commercial fisheries. Understanding the process, doing thorough due diligence, and recognising red flags will help you avoid costly mistakes and secure a property that matches your ambitions.
This guide will walk you through:
How to search effectively and define your goals
The regulations you must be aware of
The due diligence every buyer should carry out
The difference between buying an existing fishery and starting from scratch
The key red flags to look out for.
Compared to the UK, rural French property — especially land with lakes — is not only more affordable but also offers far greater choice. In the UK, securing a property with a sizeable lake and surrounding land is, for most buyers, little more than a distant dream.
Beyond the fishing, owning a lake in France often brings a slower, more relaxed pace of life. That said, managing a fishery does come with responsibilities — regular maintenance is part of the package, and sooner or later some larger jobs will need tackling. Still, the rewards are clear: warmer summers, tranquil countryside, and immersion in French culture. For many buyers, it’s not just about the angling, but a complete lifestyle change.
Carp fishing holidays in France remain hugely popular, with demand from UK and European anglers showing no sign of slowing down. A well-run venue with the right facilities can generate solid income. Many lake owners blend lifestyle with business, living on-site while hosting anglers.
France is synonymous with big carp. Many lakes boast established stocks, and the longer season compared to the UK means more time on the water. Whether for private enjoyment or as a commercial draw, the fishing potential is a huge factor.
Start by being clear on your motivation.
Private Use: A peaceful retreat for family and friends, where rules and atmosphere are entirely yours to set.
Commercial Fishery: A business venture requiring facilities, marketing, and compliance with regulations.
Your goal will affect everything — from location to lake size to the level of investment required.
Accessibility matters. If your plan is to attract UK anglers, lakes within a few hours’ drive of Calais, Caen, or St. Malo will be more marketable. More remote regions may offer cheaper property and stunning settings, but long travel times can deter paying guests.
Think also about amenities: proximity to airports, towns for supplies, and whether the region is already popular with anglers.
French property law can be complex, especially with lakes. Work with:
Estate Agents familiar with lakes and leisure properties.
Notaires (solicitors) who are bilingual and experienced in cross-border transactions.
Specialist Surveyors for lakes and dams, who can flag costly maintenance issues.
Some lakes are classified as connected to public waterways, meaning the state retains rights. Always clarify whether the lake is closed (private, with full stocking and fishing rights) or open (subject to public regulations). Ownership without private rights can severely limit your options.
It is illegal to import or move carp without proper permits. Sellers should provide evidence that fish stocks were legally introduced. Breaching stocking laws can lead to heavy fines and even fish removal.
Adding facilities like swims, cabins, or shower blocks may require planning permission. Local communes vary in strictness, so don’t assume you can expand without approval.
If you intend to host paying anglers, you must register the business locally, pay taxes, and meet health and safety standards. Some communes also require inspections or specific licences.
Buying a lake is not just about falling in love with the setting. You need to validate every detail.
The value of a carp lake lies heavily in its fish. A 5-acre lake with a thriving stock of 40lb+ carp is worth far more than an empty water. To validate stock:
Request Records – Sellers should provide invoices, health certificates, or permits from legal suppliers.
Netting – Commission a professional survey to assess stock levels, health, and biomass.
Visual Checks – Walk the banks, observe feeding activity, and if the fishery is an existing commercial business make contact with anglers who have previously fished the lake.
Without verified stock, you risk buying a “dead” lake that may cost tens of thousands to restock legally.
Netting is critical to the due diligence when buying a French carp lake
Ensure water rights are private, and clarify who controls inflows, outflows, and sluices. Any ambiguity here is a major risk.
Inspect dams, sluices, and banks. Repairing or dredging can be extremely costly. Confirm responsibility for upkeep with the notaire.
Confirm legal access roads and exact property boundaries. A lake with disputed access or unclear borders can become a nightmare.
Check for protected species, flooding risks, and local environmental restrictions.
Pros:
Stock is established and proven.
Facilities (swims, cabins, toilets) are already in place.
Existing customer base and bookings can provide instant income.
Cons:
Higher purchase price.
You inherit any problems (poor maintenance, weak marketing, overstocking).
Pros:
Often cheaper to purchase.
Freedom to develop your own business model and branding.
More flexibility in location and type of lake.
Cons:
Stocking costs can be very high.
Development requires permits and investment in infrastructure.
Marketing and reputation must be built from scratch.
Many buyers underestimate the time and money it takes to turn a private lake into a viable business. While margins can be strong, success requires investment, hard work, and smart marketing.
With hard work the you can create thriving French carp fishing business
Unclear Water Rights – If the seller can’t prove the lake is private, walk away.
No Proof of Legal Stocking – Stock without paperwork could be seized.
Access Disputes – Legal battles with neighbours over roads or tracks can sink a purchase.
Inflated Prices – Don’t pay “dream lake” prices without evidence of income and bookings.
Maintenance Neglect – Crumbling sluices, leaking dams, or silted lakes can cost a fortune to put right.
Owning a carp lake in France can be life-changing. For some, it’s a tranquil escape where fishing dreams come true. For others, it’s a chance to build a rewarding angling business. But success depends on doing your homework.
Define your goals early, use expert help, and never skip due diligence. Validate fish stocks, confirm water rights, and look carefully at infrastructure. Decide whether an established fishery or a blank canvas better suits your ambitions.
Get it right, and you’ll not only own a slice of rural France but also enjoy the unique pride of waking each day beside your very own carp lake.
18 September, 2025
The weather might be calling down but the lake is still doing fish to 54lbs
17 September, 2025
With a change in weather the anglers and myself thought the lake was going to start to fish well and it certainly did that the first couple of days.
A couple of the big fish were banked and then it went a bit quiet though the weather did get hot again.
The anglers persevered and managed to land a few more ranging from mid 50s down to some of the smaller residents.
16 September, 2025
Beautiful site, great hosts.
Total of 16 carp landed, lowest 21lb, highest 54lb 8oz with another at 42lb, the rest between 28lb and 35lb. Mostly commons with a few leathers as well.
All fish in very good condition.
No respectable photos to show due to mainly night time catches.
16 September, 2025
Review from the fisherman’s wife!: my husband had a brilliant week, starting with (what felt like) a fish every 5 minutes in the first day! It could have been something to do with the moon and the weather but he was loving it and it was exciting for us too. It got a little quieter towards the end of the week but he was still catching a lot.
The lake and gardens of the cabin are beautiful, really peaceful area and not far to get to local amenities.
The only thing I would change is the inside of the cabin needs a little TLC. It could do with a good clean and (dare I say it) a women’s touch to make it a little more inviting! Nothing major but The cooker extractor fan was not working and could do with replacing a few odd bits in the kitchen.
I understand that if it were all men staying they wouldn’t notice these things.. nevertheless we had a lovely week and it’s a great fishing lake for those that want to catch all week long!
16 September, 2025
Back in blighty after an awesome weeks fishing at Smithys carp lakes in France.Its all about making memories and it didn’t disappoint one bit.
Over 20 fish between me and my old man on Jimmys lake.Dad equalled his PB of 49lb 8oz , myself a PB with 41lb and Dad weighed in with a 48lb also.Numerous 30s and all the fish in immaculate condition.Facilities on point , Bait spod mix and boilies top quality , Fraser was brilliant and such a good crack , beautiful lakes , wildlife , peaceful surroundings etc etc.I could go on but 1 word of advice is make sure you get the food and bait packages.Wow we’ve never eaten so well for a week ….
Highly recommend a visit to anyone thinking of fishing in France that much so we will be booking again next year.
Thank you Peter and Fraser for an epic experience 🙌
15 September, 2025
Mick and Ryan had a fantastic week landing 15 fish to 48.6lb giving Ryan a new PB. 🦑 with a pink topper done the job. Watch out for our winter deal. Now taking bookings for 2026.
15 September, 2025
Happy anglers and plenty of action with carp landed between 30 and 56lbs.
14 September, 2025
Fabulous week here, even with the rain for our most recent multi-generational family group of anglers who stayed in the Fisherman’s Cottage.
Their island pitch proved to be a favorite location, and this week’s report included nine Mirror carp, up to 40 lb, 7 oz, four Common carp, up to 28 lb, 7 oz, and multiple tench and bream.
Well done!
13 September, 2025
Despite a very slow week, Carl (Camo) Storer was delighted, as his last night produced this superb 61lb common.
The fish has since been confirmed as a new lake 60 and named the Camo Common.
12 September, 2025
37 carp
biggest 59 lb
5 fish up 50LB
15 fish up 40lb
17 fish up 30 lb
12 September, 2025
Jordan and his family staying this week again along with Charlie. A very hot week but plenty of fish to the net for both anglers and both anglers sleeping in the new lake side cabins and loving the space , fridges , kettles , lights and usb charging facilities they provide and the family enjoying the pool , garden , BBQ’s and hot tub.
12 September, 2025
Perfect Dad & lad trip to finish the summer holidays off
12 September, 2025
Beautiful complex and perfectly set up for a family trip as the farmhouse is high quality and very peaceful.
Caught a few carp up to 27lb and mum had plenty of action on the float road.
Maria and Dave are the perfect hosts.
11 September, 2025
Bang on lads 🎣
11 September, 2025
Simon had a mixed weather week but did well catching the smaller sturgeon and a nice selection of carp.
10 September, 2025
30th Aug – 6th sept
Family time this week at the more of a social than serious fishing landed 7 fish in total including 2*20s 4* 30s and a 41 common to finish the session
10 September, 2025
An Unforgettable Session at the Lodge Post!
Harald recently enjoyed an outstanding fishing session at the Lodge post, catching over 35 fish, including 5 that exceeded 45 lbs , with a top catch of 51lbs To achieve these impressive results, he did a massive groundbaiting session with boilies, using over 200lbs of bait throughout the week, which triggered a real feeding frenzy among the biggest fish. He also enjoyed an excellent average weight of around 33lbs . He particularly appreciated the comfort of the lodge, with provided bed linens, a fully equipped kitchen, and the convenience of fishing just a few meters from the door. Plus, he praised our personalized services, with constant support. This was his second visit, and he’s already planned to return and book one of our other three lakes!
10 September, 2025
⸻
🌿 Villeréal Carp Fishery – The Jewel of the South of France 🎣
Welcome to Villeréal Carp Fishery, the ultimate destination for carp fishing enthusiasts in the beautiful South of France. Set in tranquil surroundings, our fishery is home to some of the biggest, healthiest, and hardest-fighting carp in the region.
Our waters are carefully managed to create the perfect environment for both fish and anglers, with stunning specimens that regularly tip the scales at impressive weights. Whether you’re chasing your personal best or simply looking to enjoy a relaxing session in breathtaking scenery, Villeréal Carp Fishery offers the ideal setting.
We take pride in maintaining top-quality fish stocks, ensuring every carp is in peak condition – strong, healthy, and ready to give you the fight of a lifetime. Anglers who visit us quickly discover why we’re known as one of the best carp fisheries in the South of France.
Come and experience it for yourself – where big carp dreams become reality.
10 September, 2025
We arrived at chestnut pool for our 1st fishing trip in France, we were greeted by a beautiful setting with the perfect lodge and the bounce hot tub. Once settled in I headed down the he steps to the lake as stated around 1 acre in size. After getting out the leading rod and checking out the margins it was time to get the rods out selecting to fish the far margin with the rods well spread out. Between myself and sons we fished just the 3 rods alternating turns. We fished a boilie, pellets and particle mix roughly 40% boilies 30% pellet 30% particle. Spreading the bait by hand and deploying the rigs by bait boat. We fished evenings till early/mid morning get bites to a regular timing. Once packing up for the morning. We baited 3/4 scoops over each spot and rested the swim throughout the day.
We finished the week on 40carp and 1 catfish 4x30s to 37.2oz 21x20s and the catfish went 37.12ox
We had a great week, also visiting alligator bay and the local zoo.
09 September, 2025
Chef de Ville is a beautiful lake with well made well spaced pegs most of which could easily be used as doubles.
The lake has been heavily treated with dye and is now 99% weed free, unlike the pictures and previous reports.
The food is great and the toilet and shower facilities are excellent.
The owner was on site most of the time and he is very helpful..
The bait, both boilies and particles were good quality and reasonably priced.
The boats for hire are excellent and reasonably priced.
The downside was the size of the fish, our group of 4 caught well over 160 fish but only a few over 30lb with only 3 or 4 over 40. The vast majority were under well 20lb.
It’s a long way to come for pasties, we have a Greg’s local.
No doubt when these fish pile on the weight it will be a great water.
09 September, 2025
Wayne, Craig and their wives staying this week along with Charlie , plenty of fish to the bank for both anglers and the wives loving the cottage and all it offers especially all the bedrooms having their own en-suite shower facilities and the new lakeside cabins going down a storm.
09 September, 2025
2 Dave’s and dan were back last week after a 3 year break. A lot of rain and high winds during there stay .
Little Dave was sat on the end of the wind and the fish were infront of him most the week by Wednesday he’d had 10 fish nothing under 34lb with 3 forties 44lb,45lb and a 47.7lb he finished on 15 fish over half were 34lb plus. Dan started in peg 1 and had a few 1st night biggest 28lb then went on to have a few more biggest 37lb then moved to 4 in Thursday and had a brace of 36lb mirrors. Finishing on 10 fish . Poor old Dave 76 years old had a nightmare breaking 2 of his reels so decided just to fish days with 2 rods he landed a 47lb mirror on daves rod the after dan moved to 4 he went into 1 and bagged a 39lb and 39lb mirror. Probably the last time we will see Dave on the bank at 76 he found it yough in the rain.
08 September, 2025
We’d like to share the feedback from Yves and his wife, as well as another client who had rented the cabin spot at Étang Camalo. The week was absolutely incredible, with numerous exceptional catches, including 55carps and six carp between 53 and 57 pounds and 10 over 45 pounds , and a massive common carp over 55 pounds at spot 3 of the cabin. Every bite was an unforgettable moment for our clients!
They also really appreciated our personalized service, including the preparation of baits and meals, and not having to deal with crayfish. The accommodation was fully equipped with electricity, kitchen, refrigerator, bedrooms, and linens provided. In short, it was an extraordinary week that our clients will never forget!
08 September, 2025
Paul and his friends from Belgium, Steven and Bryon had a great week landing 18 carp. A mixture of weather made the fishing tricky but they still managed a couple of PB’s Steven with a 44lb common and Bryon with a 40lb mirror well done lads. Peppered Squid 🦑 wafters done the job.
08 September, 2025
Young Dutch angler Ryan and his dad Patrick returning this week again fishing with Charlie. Very very hot week but the two young anglers stayed on their spots and both brought fish to the net resting the swims in the day to enjoy a bbq and the pool before fishing again in the cooler evenings.
08 September, 2025
Simon and Richard with their families this week in very very hot conditions but both anglers brought fish the to the net and their families loving the cottage and both anglers loving the new lakeside cabins as well as days out with their families sampling a few of the restaurants and markets in our local area.
06 September, 2025
Lake regular Tony Halliday managed four 40lb+ fish from post 1, despite a slow week for some of the fishing party.
Fred and Jodie Robinson fished posts 4 and 5. Fred had a difficult week but Jodie landed a lovely 43lb 14oz PB mirror, along with a nice 21lb common and some big tench. See you both next June.
04 September, 2025
Had the best time! Lovely couple Alan & Jill who will help you with anything. Didn’t fish any nights and still managed 24 fish between me and my 11 year old. New PB beaten twice for my boy, now 43lb (3 x 40’s). Couldn’t fault this beautiful place. Would definitely visit again ☆☆☆☆☆
Thanks for a lovely relaxing week.
Natalie, Martin. Chester & Louis
03 September, 2025
Lake is on fire!
27 fish and not even half way.
Young Bobby has had 3 fifty to 56lbs
03 September, 2025
Went to this venue in may and enjoyed the week catching carp to 29lb 8ozs. Arrived again in aug but found the mozzies abd horseflies out in force,literally covering my 12yr old son in bites in a few hours. Also poisson chat caused havoc with baits even taking plastic corn which we did not experience in may. No fault to venue owner, as nature cant be controlled but will book may and oct only from now on.
03 September, 2025
We had a fantastic stay at Martins lakes, Craig and Isabel were very kind and helpful, always visible and on hand to help. The fishing was great with most fish being well over 30lbs. We are looking forward to returning in 2026
03 September, 2025
Mark, a very knowledgeable host guided the three of us throughout the week. He takes excellent care of his fish stock, they are very hard fighting fish in great condition. We had 50 plus fish up to 53lb. Great fishing holiday, thoroughly recommend.
Alison, prepared the food which was superb, best food package we’ve ever had.
Many thanks to you both for a great week’s fishing.
Ray, Gordon and Craig.
03 September, 2025
Amazing week for Sisko and his father!!!
42 carps untils 56lbs
20 more 40lbs
8 grass carpes until 58 lbs
A beautiful Koi
3 differents Catfish until 125 lbs
Part2
03 September, 2025
Amazing week for Sisko and his father!!!
42 carps untils 56lbs
20 more 40lbs
8 grass carpes until 58 lbs
A beautiful Koi
3 differents Catfish until 125 lbs
Part 1
03 September, 2025
Mega week with loads caught to mid 50s.
03 September, 2025
Sorry its been a while since i posted aa ive had my son over for the holidays, and unfortunately 2 anglers we had on a few weeks back crashed 2 hours into there homeward bound journey..meaning I had to drive 300 plus mile round trip to get them.from the hospital and look after them at the lake for 4 days until they were able to travel back to the uk
Fishing has been a tad slow due to high temperatures returning with highs of 40° last week we had a group of 4 from dch on there 1st trip 3 out the 4 beat there pbs biggest out 43.8lb to Dave who’d already best his pb with a 38lb fish but it eas still tough going steve had few upto 39lb in peg 1 Ben in peg 3 had a grass carp at 28.8lb then.lost a bigger grassy at the net on the ladt night ,to in 4 lost a couple befer bagging a few smaller commons them had a new pb at 32lb. This week there’s a big change in the weather with a lot of rain sunday and high winds today they’ve all caught but Dave in peg 3 is on the end of a strong wind and is fishing open water but hes had a new pb of 45lb before a brace of 35lb fish then broke his pb again with a 47.7lb mirror he.let the other Dave land a 37lb mirror and then let his lad land a 34lb fish before having another 34lb mirror from.open water on a pva bag and coconut cream hook bait with a scattering of bollie spread with a catapult about 3/4 ,of the way out towards the island..dan had 4 in peg 1 but nothing bigger than 25lb so far. The westher has really turned autumnal this week and a cool 17° today . Soon be tuned to get the log burner on.
02 September, 2025
Great week at Blue Dart, had 8 fish in total, biggest being 36lb. Stamp and condition of fish are credit to Daren & Mandy. They’re always at hand and real nice people. The accommodation has everything you require and is30-40 mtr’s from the double swim.
We’ll definitely be back to hopefully have some of the bigger residents.
02 September, 2025
Hi, we were all really looking forward to the trip and was very disappointed on arrival seeing that the water levels were severely low, saying that we bit the bullet and cracked on, temperature was very high so didn’t help with the fishing and a bellied up decomposing fish floating around probably didn’t help either, I have told the lake owner we didn’t see the bailiff all week and that there was no light in the shower and only 1 plug socket working in the hut. Saying that we had a very enjoyable week with Lee “The Chef” cooking some cracking food and the boys joining myself with a few beers along the way. We left a day early so we didn’t have to rush the old fella that was fishing with us, as you can see in the pictures he was asleep the majority of the time 🤣🤣, on reflection lovely looking lake, needs a much needed big fridge as the little box there is a struggle, good job we took one and had it running off a power bank “Thanks Tom” perhaps a little tidy up and a million gallons of water and potentially she will be back to her best, as of catch reports we had the same sturgeon twice at 36lb, a couple of bream, a few poisson chats and 11 carp, biggest was the 23lb common in the picture the rest were 8,10,10,12,13,14,14,16,16,16 so not the greatest I’m afraid. The hut is a great place to fish from at swim 1 which made a very hard week bareable. All the best Phil and lads! Oh and 1 bloke blanked “Sam” 🤣🤣🍺🎣
02 September, 2025
5 anglers 8 fish to 38 lb realy hard weeks fishing. Weather was realy hot. Lake is realy well kept not to groomed but a realy nice.
Malcom the Bayliff is a great caricature and a real friendly guy very helpful if you need it .
Good facilities.
Would I go again, definitely what a great week .
To tell the truth all other anglers we met on the way home on the ferry had the same sort of week .
It was hard fishing.
I would recommend 👌 this lake to anybody that wants to catch fish have a great social and a great holiday to boot.
One last thing thank you malcom for a brilliant weeks fishing holiday
01 September, 2025
Mega week with loads caught to mid 50s.
01 September, 2025
Steve and Darren over the moon with new pb’s !!!
Carps until 55 lbs with 4 differents 50++ !!!
Congratulations!!
01 September, 2025
First visit to the lake for James and Steve! One of the hottest weeks of the year but still managed to smash there PB with “Finjab” at 40!
Good fishing in very tough conditions! Well done!
#mirrorcarp #frenchcarp #frenchcarpfishing #frenchfishingholiday #carpfishingholiday
01 September, 2025
5 FISH
BIGGEST 42 LB
01 September, 2025
18 CARPE
BIGGEST 56 LB
10 FISH UP 40 LB
8 FISH UP 30LB
AVERAGE 38 LB
01 September, 2025
12 fish biggest 38LB
01 September, 2025
Was nice to see the lads back this week , 7 fish landed , 2 lost , biggest going 52+ and a new PB for Ross who was fishing “gate”
Reuben also left with a PB at 47+ fishing “willow” so congrats to him too , he had a 41 mirror also which has done exceptionally well since it going in last year , a real power house of a fish , really long so looking forward to see how that does in the future !
Pete up in “lonely” managed 2 up to 47+ also
The first were definitely pre occupied on something else , fizzing and rolling all over off the baited spots so they had to work for there bites but glad they all caught
See you next time guys
01 September, 2025
The lads this week ended on 15 fish including high 40s and 50s and all had PBs , some good lads and few good laughs were had , see you next time guys 👍🎣
01 September, 2025
Massive congrats goes to James last night banking a new PB and a fish we call “Cody” at 67-3 👍🎣🐳
01 September, 2025
Great week of 10 fish out between 3 guys – well done! So pleased you guys had such a great time, we look forward to next time 🎣🙏🏻🎣
01 September, 2025
As always, great to see some regulars, only 3 fish between the two guys but the fish are very very active and maybe moving around would have resulted in some more captures, either way the guys had a great time 🎣
01 September, 2025
Regulars Mark & Rob only had a few fish between them, pretty sure there was some spawning going on at the beginning of the week 😅 well done guys, see you next year!
01 September, 2025
Was nice seeing mark and Darren again , the lake didn’t play ball for them however they still managed to go home with fish under their belts, 40+ for mark and 22 for Darren , one we put in new November and it’s up 7lb , cracking fish , it’s evident the fish have been on the naturals making it a little tricky 👍🎣
01 September, 2025
Was nice to see Neil and Keith back bringing along dave and Matt of which was great to meet them too and look forward to seeing you again in September. They had a few good ones between them 🎣🎣
We haven’t seen fish fizzing for a few weeks however we’re seeing a lot of fish showing, the lakes looking really good so dropped in a couple of pics of the path ways now natures done it’s thing 👍🎣
01 September, 2025
This week we had Jason from Bezza’s Carp Channel with mates badger and Andy, only 4 fish out , one being a PB for Jason at 53+ and 13th different fish over 50 out this season so far , was nice meeting you guys and we’re see you next year , there will be a YouTube vid of there week and I’ll post it on here once it’s live for you to watch if you wish 🎣👍
01 September, 2025
Fish up to 54+ this week, weather doesn’t know what it’s doing at all but it’s evident some fish have spawned and some haven’t but that’s normally the case , a couple of pbs had to boot and that’s what it’s all about , glad you had a good time lads and we’re see you next time 🎣👍
01 September, 2025
Sam’s pb 52+ and Ben with a 32, see you in October lads it was a tough one but you stuck it out so well done, hoping we see some more fish on the bank next week 🎣
01 September, 2025
What a great session with 57+ mirror, that fish went in about 17lb in 2019 and out at 53 so great gains, second one is a new 50 for the lake 👌 the two smaller fish were a 43+ linear and a 33+
01 September, 2025
Great week just gone , 22 fish up to 63+
Including 3 x 60s ( one recapture ) 3 x 50s
A new 50 and a new 60 for the lake as well so we’re well chuffed
Was nice meeting the two new guys and also welcoming back James 🙏🏻
The fishing was fairly consistent even with the rise and fall in temperatures with two mornings even having a light frost but it didn’t seem to effect the fishing , see you next time guys 👍🎣
Sadly yesterday we lost a 50+ common which is always gutting for any lake , we always do what we can to keep them alive but we cant compete with Mother Nature!
01 September, 2025
Rob and Col did pretty good this week with fish up to 48+ including a couple of 20s and 30s think we’re on 12 bites 9 landed , no pics from rob just a couple of mat shots , col hooked the “steam train” and as always like the last 8 times it’s been hooked couldn’t do anything with it , I’m guessing it will only be a matter of time until we see what fish it is
Nice having you both here and we’re see you next year 👍🎣
01 September, 2025
Report for this week of 14 fish up to 52+ including some really nice 40s 👏🏻 we still had some northerly winds continuing from the last couple weeks but highs of 22 and the guys came through 🎣
Had some good laughs and we’re looking forward to next time. Really interested to see what comes out in the coming weeks and hoping we see some more of the big girls🤞
01 September, 2025
We had 4 fish out this week up to 46lb, the conditions warm to cold then cold to warm made it more difficult with minimal fish showing making it hard to see where they are but the two guys had a great time with some beautiful fish 👍🏻🎣👍🏻🎣
01 September, 2025
This week we had Chris, Jamie and Hedge with his lovely wife Kate and what a completely different week with 16 fish out up to 53 with a fair few upper 40s , “willow” and “gate” doing the most bites with “lonely” just doing the 2 one being one of the 50s
Well done guys, see you later in the season 👍🏻🎣
01 September, 2025
Great to see Paul and Scott again however the fishing was hard with Paul landing the two fish in “tower” a nice 43 mirror which was born in the stock pond, only 6 years old and one of our new stockies we introduced in November 👍🏻👍🏻
Look forward to seeing you all this and next year
01 September, 2025
Here’s a few of Mick’s catches from last week. Dynamite’s crab & krill mixed with peppered squid 🦑 done the job. Taking bookings for next year.
31 August, 2025
Samuel returns with 17 carp in 4 days, with weights of up to 42lbs.
30 August, 2025
Arrived at the lake to find a stunning venue. Fishing was hard but our party managed to catch a couple of 20s a 30,40,50,& a magical 62lb along with several grss carp to 38lb. Would highly recommend & can’t wait to book again
30 August, 2025
Finally some much needed rain this week helped freshen the lake, and Nicky Okoragi benefited with a PB 62lb 3oz mirror from post 13. Well done Nicky on your PB.
Lovely 51lb mirror for Matt Davies on post 12.
Neil Debano had a good week on the lake landing some lovely mirrors and commons, the biggest fish was over 53lb.
29 August, 2025
Visited the venue last week in August really hard week only managed this 28lb chunk and a couple of Cats
The hideaway lake has not had rain since beginning of June so the levels were down a good foot and the pressure was 1020 plus every day but chance you take in August
The venue it’s self was fantastic Steve and Elaine the owner can’t do enough for you I do recommend the food package if you visit the lake
100% will return to the venue
28 August, 2025
We’ve just returned from a fantastic week at Hunnyfieldslake Lake with our family of four (including two teenage boys), and it couldn’t have been better. From the moment we arrived, Stephane and Keith gave us the warmest welcome and made us feel at home.
We booked the food package and were blown away by the quality—everything is homemade with produce from the grounds or locally sourced. Our first night’s beef lasagna, garlic bread, complimentary rosé, and incredible desserts set the tone for the whole week—absolutely delicious! Definitely choose the pizza-making experience too—homemade pizzas are prepared right in front of you, and our boys couldn’t get enough of the BBQ chicken pizza (they just wanted more and more!).
The lake (exclusive to guests) is superb for fishing, stocked with some great catches. We also loved the pool, table tennis, swing ball, and evenings spent with card games. Outside of Hunnyfields, we enjoyed go-karting, French markets, and even a 7km canoe trip down a beautiful river.
The accommodation, fishing, pool, and especially the food were outstanding. Stephane and Keith are fantastic hosts (as is Ollie the cat!), and Hunnyfieldslake is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy quality time as a family. We’ll definitely be back!
27 August, 2025
Robert and Sharon came to Blue Dart for the first time and had a fabulous week with 50lbs+ 2 high 40’s 2 high 30,’s & a 20lb Ghost carp. They only fished days due to Roberts ill health which is why with great care on this occasion photos were taken on the bank. Peppered squid doing its job again.
27 August, 2025
Lots of big carp out,well done guys see you again next year
27 August, 2025
Nice to see an old friend today down a little in weight at just under 50lbs
27 August, 2025
Brilliant time at Blue Dart Lake 52.00 two 48s and two 37 + 38 also ghost carp the swims were laid out properly with all equipment required supplied Darren and Mandy couldn’t do enough for us to make sure we had a great experience will certainly be coming back, I’m partially disabled but Darren did everything he could to make sure I was comfortable and able to fish 🐟 to get the best out of my stay wish we had stayed longer
26 August, 2025
18 Carp landed
biggest 48 lb mirror
4 carp up 40 lb
8 carp up 30 lb
26 August, 2025
Hi we had a lovely Fishing holiday to kingfisher lake carpfrance .We had 41 runs fishing 3 rods 34 landed 7 lost.we had 3x40s 6x30s 14x20s rest under 20 biggest fish 48.6 kind regards Lisa.
25 August, 2025
Had a very difficult week, the lake is covered in weed and was very difficult to find tiny clear spots. This was the only carp caught between the 2 of us. Having gone there last year and being told by the owner (Rafal) he was going to treat the weed very disappointed to find he hadn’t and the weed was heavier than last year, he says he is going to do it next year.
25 August, 2025
Not a bad first evening of your trip. 56-03 single scale one of the old originals
23 August, 2025
Good week for Jon Wallace and Harry Haddican. The lads landed some lovely fish up to 50lb, and can’t wait to get back – they have already booked a winter session.
22 August, 2025
26th April- 3rd May
Returning guests Mark and Justine fished the lake very well this week following the fish about Mark fished 24/7 and Justine just did the days they managed to catch over 50 fish which is quite impressive 😀 look forward to seeing you both with your family in 2027.
22 August, 2025
19th – 26th April
This is Rob Newnes second week at Dream Catchers Lake and a bit of a wet one a few days missed fishing but still some cracking fish out, Rob is in the process of doing a second video for this week with some special fish captures , his tally for both weeks
9 x 20s
10 x 30s
8 x 40s
1 x 50
2 x 60s
22 August, 2025
Week 12th- 19th April
Returning guests are Rob Newnes and his family this time Rob is here for two weeks so this post is for his first week, lots of fish out this week and Rob moving swims from deep to shallow end has got his just rewards.
22 August, 2025
Tom, Mark,Lee, Erol and Jack managed some nice carp.
In a hot week at the lake.
25 carp landed.
22 August, 2025
Peter , Lee , Dave and Jack enjoyed their first visit to the lake landing some big commons .
Good Angling .
22 August, 2025
Neal ,Dave ,Tony and Andy
Managed to land 20 carp
Tony with the biggest and a new PB 55 lb 8 oz.
Andy also with a new PB mirror and Common .
22 August, 2025
Mark , Rob ,Sam and Peter. Enjoyed there week at the lake with 22 carp landed .
Mark with the biggest of the week at 54 lb .
See you in 2027
22 August, 2025
Hi Guys, returning group Bob, Andy, John and Ian.
Fished swims 3, 6/7, 10 and 11 nice change around of swims this week will this trip a few of the big girls up, Let’s go and see.
Bait used Archiepeachy boilie and our pellet and some boilies the guys brought with them.
We still had some very moody carp this week staying away from the guys, still don’t know yet if the big girls have spawned properly so until then the guys had to stick with it and hopefully b4 the week was out would they trip up one or two of the ATeam.
Chunk tripped up for Bob on swim 10 at is best weight 51 lb Bob’s now got 2 pics on the wall of the clubhouse he joins the many others again, Ian had several stockies, Andy swim 11 has also had stockiest Swim 3 done nothing this week.
Cold rain wednesday night didn’t help matters !
Blue Skies sunshine Greeted them Saturday 23 degrees lots of sunshine though the week with the odd shower and thunderstorm rattling around still on a north easterly/westerly wind 😤not best.
22 August, 2025
Hi Guys, Regular’s Simon and Dad Peter are back on a lake exclusive.
As always swims 9 -10.
Guys used Various Boilie baits they have brought with them they didn’t use pellet just Boilie !
It was Slow going and frustrating for Peter on swim 10 he tripped up a few sunshine koi, Oddbod just over 40 lb and the one he didn’t want Bacon Tail 🥓also Danny looking immaculate, Simon had a very dead week on swim 9 couple of commons mid 30’s no fish for him from Monday it was like someone flicked a switch on him, swim 9 just hasn’t produced this season, all fish caught this week are well spawned out down upto 5 lb fighting hard looking healthy with little damage, but I do think the bigger fish haven’t gone yet which could explain why it’s been quiet.
The Weather was showery first part of week settled after lots sunshine, nasty north easterly I think didn’t help the guys.
22 August, 2025
Hi Guys, we had returning anglers from the Kent area,
Dave, Jason and the 2 Marks.
Fished swims 3, 5, 9, 11 and 12.
Guys used our pellet and various boilie baits they have brought with them Sticky baits being one of them.
The carp started spawning the day they arrived which was short lived massive temperature drop from 30 degrees to Sunday’s 10.5 degrees it was now going to be even more tricky but the lads done well considering Mark on swims 11/12 had seven fish upto 48 lb 8 oz China plate the other guys had several fish between them Dave on swim 3 tripped up Rumble 46 lb 8 oz but the prize of the week went to Jason on swim 5 his patience paid off tripping up The Mole @ 67 lb what an end to the week 60’s hoodie rewarded for his capture🎣💪
Lovely group of guys this one wouldn’t even know they were here already rebooked for 2026 !
No rain sun cloud throughout the week good temperatures we stayed on a nasty North easterly which obviously didn’t help the guys !
22 August, 2025
Hi Guys, Bob was joined by friends Colin and Mark.
Bob stayed out on swim 9 for his second week Colin was on 3 and Mark was on swim 5 moving to swim 1 mid way through the week
Jess tripped up for the star of the show @ 56 lb new french PB for Colin on swim 3 no signs this week of any of the bigger fish, over 20 fish were caught we had 11 x 40’s half of them nearly pushing into the 50’s, Ellie tripped up for Bob its been on the missing list for a while @ 47.4 micro chipped for our records 18 named fish some old some new good to see Scales @ 37.4 slowly getting there, Dylan, Terminator, Sip, Archie all gaining good weight, newly named Yogi @ 47.8 was the best fish of the week for me one to watch me thinks.
Guys used Archiepeachy white/red Cell and our pellet,
After Saturdays very unsettled start from Sunday was warm with high pressure dominating and temperatures hitting 30 degrees for a couple of days the fish were always going to start to spawn which they did the day the guys were leaving.
22 August, 2025
Hi Guys, this week and the next Sir Bob was here who was joined by friends Mark and Colin for his second week.
It was a hard decision where to fish because the lake has been fishing rock hard but after he see fish in swim 9 that made his mind up so swim 9 it is.
As always Bob’s used our Archiepeachy white Boilies and our pellet.
First week was all about finding the fish when he did he was rewarded with seven fish shoulder scale @ 50 lb a mint shunning common bred by us @ 40 lb another 3 x 40’s Hulk, Fibby and newly named Norman because it was normal micro chipped for our records Sunshine koi and a stockie finished of his week.
We had torrential rain for the first part of the week lake was overflowing the water was right up onto the front of swims, we stayed on a southerly until mid week then it spin around to a northerly warm nights and average temperatures upto mid 20’s high pressure dominated the week.
22 August, 2025
We welcomed a new group to the lake,
Paul, Gareth, Lee and Darren, from Essex and Herts.
Fishing swims 3, 5, 9 and 11 at the start Lee and Gareth both had a move to swims 1 and 12.
Guys are using our pellet with various boilie baits from sticky.
The lake is still fishing rock hard guys had nothing really to go on with only a few shows each day, only several fish out from swims 1,5,11 and 12 with swim 9 doing nothing again amazing I must say, Castle Al tripped up @ 51 lb and two faces the ghost showed his face again at just under 41 lb both of these off 5 swim 11 done a 41 common and swim 12 did a couple of stockies 29-31 Lee was spared the Blank with a move to swims 1 and after 10 mins was rewarded with a 30, the guys found it very hard but I hope at least one day they return because they were top blokes 😀
The wind finally swung around we were on a new southerly wind, temperatures were up and down throughout the week some sun with showers
22 August, 2025
We welcomed a New Group on this week,
Joe, Ronnie, Dave, Andy, Mike and Matt.
Fishing swims 3,4,5,9 and 11 a good spread should keep these big girls moving, Joe moved to swim 1 after a few nights on swim 5.
Guys used various boilie baits from mainline and some Archiepeachy White/Red with our pellet.
A couple of 50’s out on swim 9 and 11 the barrel @ 51 lb 14 oz and Abby @ 51 lb 4 oz, Joe did his PB on swim 1 with Rumble @ 46 lb 8 oz he also had sprinkles @ 39 lb 4 oz up 5 lb Matt also tripped up Two Faces @ 41 lb 4 oz another best weight, Andy on swim 3 tripped up Coup @ 48 lb and Ronnie did his PB with a 34 lb 4 ronnie also named a fish after his name sake Ronnie which we chipped @ 26 lb he also caught apple slice, several other fish were caught between them all over the week !
Lots of sunshine though the week which rised the water temperature a great deal stayed on high pressure much milder weather the north easterly was still about for most of there week.
22 August, 2025
Last week Simon, Alex, Matt and Matt had and a fun week with plenty of sunshine and some very playful carp.. Here are a couple of the catches.
22 August, 2025
7-14 June – Dave, Don, Pete and Tony
had a very mixed weather week and some spawning, but still managed to catch some nice fish; a few are pictured here … great to see them here again this year.
22 August, 2025
Dave Mick and Callum had some great catches 1st week in June with Callum topping his personal best twice…
22 August, 2025
Last week we had a lovely family staying on the lake and in the Farmhouse. They enjoyed some tricky fishing which paid off in the end … They caught several fish
Some shown below.
The girls enjoyed some fun days out locally and also joined in the fun on the lake. Happy 50th Chris!!
22 August, 2025
Summer is sometimes difficult but for Dean and friends it was generous at Cheshire lake!
22 August, 2025
What a super 4 night session some great carp out
22 August, 2025
What a cracking week at this beautiful lake, just me & Bobber on the point, fishing was amazing with us catching 40 upto the big 50, weather was up & down cold nights & then towards the end of the week getting hot.
The house baits worked very well (Elevated Maple & Mulberry over a lot of pellet.
Several times we used a single yellow pillow, working very well too.
22 August, 2025
Fish spawning when we arrived so sat /sun /mon/ not a lot happening .we ended up with 46 fish 3 x40s 9x30s & the rest being mid 20s so the bigger fish not putting in a show enjoyed the week . 3 cats & about 10 tench some 8lb plus
The lake is ideal for 5
21 August, 2025
Back from the session for simon’s team with 22 fish weighing up to 17kg
They were very satisfied with their stay.
21 August, 2025
Good week for Alexis and family at Cheshire lake with some of famous carps who leaves there….
21 August, 2025
Another great family fishing trip. The First time on our lake .
What a week, caught plenty and they kept all of you on your toes.
Despite the high temperatures. Early morning, late afternoon and late night fishing worked well.
An appearance of the Ghost, but no lumps out so far, probably due to the heat ,
21 August, 2025
Very hot weather but great and big carps for John’s gang!!!
Well done!
21 August, 2025
Very hot weather for Sam and friends but amazing fish from Cheshire lake!!!
Congratulations!!!
21 August, 2025
4 incredible days for Florent and friend at Authentic lake!
21 carps until 52 lbs!!!
21 August, 2025
If you come at Authentic lake, you will return at home stronger like Lowie can say!
35 carps until 69lbs and catfish around 100lbs……
Impressive!!!
21 August, 2025
We went to hunnyfields as a family of six myself my wife and 2 children and my parents. We had lake exclusive and the 2 gites. And honestly we could not have been more impressed and enjoyed our holiday more. Steph and kieth are wonderful hosts, the accommodations are fantastic.The pool is delightful, the views are breath taking and the lake and fish are beautiful and having the lake to myself was a dream. Would recomend this to anyone who wants an amazing combined family and fishing holiday.
20 August, 2025
We were new to continental fishing so really don’t know what to expect nor did we have anything to measure the venue against so this is an unbiased review based on no previous knowledge.
My son chose the venue- mostly because it contained some huge fish.
Once we had the deposit accepted I was given David’s (the owner) phone number. I contacted him numerous times and he was amazingly helpful detailing what we needed and what was on site. He also owned a bait company which is obviously really useful and we used this service a couple of times for maize, hemp and tigers – great quality and were with us the same day.
The site is basic with regards to facilities but we knew this was a drive and survive and not a hot-tub venue that we certainly didn’t want. There is a toilet and a warm shower that were both perfectly adequate for us.
David has a couple of boats dotted around the lake with electric motors that are ultra useful with a couple solar powered charge points to recharge the batteries as required- David also took the batteries away to speed up the charging process when required. My son managed to get his line caught in the propeller one day – No issues David just took it away and gave us another motor and a spanner in case it happened again. These are the little things that truly show what kind of owner you are dealing with – amazing service.
We also hired a bait boat off David as we don’t have one yet. The battery on this was pants so David went out and bought a couple of new lithium ones for us to use – very much above and beyond, top notch service and obviously really useful.
We took the food package- 09:00 and 1800 we got out breakfast and evening meal with pudding. Started with the full English which was great but after 3 days in that heat we were begging for the continental. Evening meal was everything from a Sunday roast to pizza and salad – take my word for it you will not go hungry. All cooked by the owner I believe and was great, nothing we didn’t like but we did get a rather interesting pudding on the first night.
The fishing – the venue is at a size where all disciplines can come into play, boat work, bait boat and ‘old fashioned’ casting. We really enjoy being out in the boat , something we haven’t done before and even landed a couple of the fish from the boat.
Now, we picked a week where the weather was horrific, flat calm, high pressure and temperatures into the upper 30’s, couldn’t really have been any worse for fishing. To make matters worse we had the lake to ourselves and fish had of course done a disappearing act to the far reaches of the lake under the trees in the shade. Took us a while to sort this but we employed the boat to great use chasing them across the lake. The lake isn’t maga easy but it has some amazing and rather huge fish in it. We only scratched the surface due to conditions and relative inexperience but both came away with huge pb’s and fantastic memories.
In a nutshell- amazing lake with everything you need to ‘rough it’ amazing owner (who is always ultra busy but will still find time to chat and help out when required), his son is also knocking about and certainly worth listening to as he fishes the lake and knows it Intimately, with some truly amazing fish.
20 August, 2025
Not that the fishing but the first drop of rain for a while has livened it right up
20 August, 2025
A fantastic week with one angler having a lake exclusive and having steady action from day 1 right until the end of the week.
Lots of 30s and 40s landed with the biggest of the trip a 56lbs common.
Here’s what him and his family said:
“Had a fantastic time !
Amazing fishing , great facilities , everything you need on site. Nothing is to much trouble for the owners , lovely people”
20 August, 2025
The last 2 weeks have been very hot indeed but still a few fish to be had.
20 August, 2025
A totally natural secure venue showers great /toilet clean / fridgesfreezers work ok
Fishing was hard but a good rewarding challenge
Supermarket only a mile or so away
The only thing this place could do with is a sink to wash pots etc in
19 August, 2025
Great Lake with good facilities and Anthony was a great host
19 August, 2025
Ben, Michelle, Loue & Ollie have been back for the 5th time for a two week family holiday. They enjoyed the extreme heat and managed to catch a few in between family activities.
19 August, 2025
Lovely room, very comfortable and immaculately clean.
Hosts Jason and Marie couldn’t be more welcoming and helpful. I booked breakfast for myself and my wife (continental) every morning was fresh pastries, pancakes, fruit, juice and hot drinks.
I was fishing the river when not out sightseeing which was new to me but did manage to catch.
The lakes and the whole complex is lovely and i hope to return for a week on the lakes next year.
Andy
18 August, 2025
25 Carp for Finlay Jasper and Aspen upto 38lb
Well done boys!
Good fishing!
16 August, 2025
Another great family fishing trip. The First time on our lake .
What a week, caught plenty and they kept all of you on your toes.
Despite the high temperatures. Early morning, late afternoon and late night fishing worked well.
An appearance of the Ghost, but no lumps out so far, probably due to the heat ,
13 August, 2025
26th July-2nd Aug
This week we had the smith family join us 15 fish in total and only fishing days with a few days out at the local markets 8* 30’s were had with the biggest 2 weighing in at just over 38lb. They also done a video for us of what they thought of the place which was a totally un-biased view and we had no input in this whatsoever I’ll let you anglers make up your own mind you will be able to view the videos on the dream carp website
10 August, 2025
Our youngest angler this year Archie age 5yrs, His PB 18.5lb
Family Fishing holiday with mum ,dad and little sister.
09 August, 2025
Some of the fish from Shane and the lads. The lads really enjoyed their week and see you all next year lads.
09 August, 2025
51mbs common for James. One of 10 runs in the last 24hr . We aren’t a runs water but it is fishing very well
08 August, 2025
A selection of just some of the fish caught by anglers in July.
07 August, 2025
Very happy customers this week who loved the accommodation, the pool and of course the lake.
14 carp landed the between 36lbs and 24lbs.
07 August, 2025
Josh and Ali had a great week at the lake , 27 fish between them with Ali getting just one more than Josh .
21 fish above thirty pounds too 49,08 A couple of lovely home grown little ones also . Well done gents 🍺
07 August, 2025
🎣 An incredible fishing week at Étang Le Furet! 🎣
A group of anglers had the pleasure of renting both our Loft and Lodge, and they enjoyed an unforgettable fishing experience! Over 100 fish caught in a week, with several carp around 44 pounds and a record catch of 54 pounds! Plus, some unique fish species.
They absolutely loved the comfort of the Loft, with its private toilet and bathroom, TV, and gaming console, perfect for the kids!
07 August, 2025
Regular customer Darren took the opportunity of more site seeing and sampling the local cuisine but had time to put a few carp on the bank.
07 August, 2025
A great family holiday
Garwain and Gethin PB’s 16kb and 18lb
A twin landing .Lads both had a great time fishing exploring the local area and cycling routes .
07 August, 2025
Lovely old original out for James today. We like photos in the water but James messaged if it was OK to put the fish on the mat to treat a scratch on the Gill. Good angling. The antiseptic really does work
04 August, 2025
We had the pleasure of welcoming Paul for a 15-day stay at the lake, and what a fantastic session it turned out to be!
Over the two weeks, he landed a series of impressive carp, including several beautiful specimens and a personal best – a true milestone and a moment he’ll remember. His consistency and patience paid off, with regular action throughout the session and some great battles along the way.
Beyond the fishing, Paul truly appreciated the quality of the facilities, the peaceful atmosphere of the lake, and the high standard of service provided on site. He also enjoyed great company, exchanging tips and sharing laughs with the other anglers on the lake.
All in all, it was a very successful and enjoyable trip, and we look forward to seeing him back at the lake soon for more adventures.
🎣 Well done and tight lines until next time!
04 August, 2025
13 carp
biggest 38 lb
average 31lb
03 August, 2025
15 fish
biggest 63 lb
8 carp over 40lb
01 August, 2025
19-26 July
Terry and Kevin’s turn this week returning anglers from 2018 and what a remarkable improvement was there words with the weather very much up and down again managed to snare 7 fish including 2*40 4*30 and 1 at 25lb with no night fishing
01 August, 2025
Still a couple of days to go and already 23 fish to 47-08 this week. The lake always held big leathers and after losing 2 a few years back I put another 4 babies in. Looks like they are doing pretty good . We have a lot of fish in the lake and no need to restock this year but my usual fish farmer knows I like a leather and expects to have a few this winter.
31 July, 2025
A big change in the weather last week got the fish feeding with temperatures dropping to high teens low twentys with a strong westerly wind blowing and rain. . The lads had 28 fish between them and Peter lost at least 8 fish through the week. He was straight out of the traps bagging 2 first night to 33lb and dropping two in peg 2 then moved into peg 1 and caught constantly all week but continued to loose fish unfortunately. Steve had to wait 24 hours before landing 6 in the next 24 hours to 41lb he didn’t drop a fish all week bagging 15. 3 over 40lb and 5 over 35lb to 37lb pete had 13 biggest 43lb but with another 7 over 30lb to 37.12lb and 4 catfish which were removed. Steve managed another 4 from the stockpond aswell. Well done boys see you next July again .
31 July, 2025
A 2 week holiday, the first week passes with 2 pbs 18lb and 16lb landed the same time . Let’s see what the second weeks catches will be.
Great time exploring the green routs on bikes in between the fishing .
Due to re scheduling trip we have 16-23 available for a last minute booking .
31 July, 2025
A few photos from Lee and his two sons from a few weeks ago. They did really well, adapting their tactics throughout the week to find the winning solution. Finishing the week with 10 carp caught and two new PB’s.
31 July, 2025
Graham ,Martin and Cliff had a tough week with extreme temperatures and water temperature of 27 degrees making conditions difficult but the lads kept on their chosen spots and eventually came good with new pbs for all 3 of them of some sort and some nice fish to the net.
31 July, 2025
Amazing Fishing Session at Étang la Loubière!
We’re thrilled to share an incredible catch from one of our loyal customers, who’s been visiting us for over ten years! Together with his fishing partner, they landed nearly 90 carp, with most weighing between 26 to 35 pounds, and several over 44 pounds, reaching up to 49 pounds! All of this from post 6. They were absolutely delighted, especially since it was their first time fishing at la Loubière!
We still have available slots for August, so don’t miss your chance to experience this amazing fishing adventure!
31 July, 2025
30 Carp upto 38lb for Gary and Sonny!
Great fishing boys!
31 July, 2025
Brilliant week of fishing for the Clement’s
Three out of four anglers with new PB’s. All carp but one were 30lb plus most closer to 40lb.
Great feedback as well:
“Facilités were clean, tidy and presentable”
“Lake is very well looked after too. Very good value for money and local towns not too distant”
We have throughly enjoyed having this lovely family stay.
31 July, 2025
A very tricky week for Dave due to extreme weather conditions but he managed to land his target fish named Dave at 45.8lb great angling. Tania also managed her target to complete this very difficult puzzle. Great puzzling 😀.
31 July, 2025
Some lovely fish landed over the last couple of weeks
30 July, 2025
Lac Du Blaireau (Badger Lake) features massively in my new book Break from the old routine. The book also covers other venues on the Dream carp portfolio. 370 page hardback all about travel carp fishing and bait is available from
theabait.com
And
calmproductions.com
£27 delivered. Signed 1st edition with certificate
28 July, 2025
Mark , John and Charlie on the lake this week, very hot weather again but some nice fish to the bank all on house boilie fished snowman style over house pellet and particle.Again patience was the key staying on spots and it was rewarded for all 3 of them with some new pbs and some nice fish to the net , mainly evenings and early mornings. The wives all loving our luxury cottage with pool and hot tub being enjoyed in the very hot weather and chilling round our great garden gas fire pit in the evenings with a glass of wine.
28 July, 2025
Well, where do we start.. after months and months of waiting for our annual trip to France the time had finally arrived.
We was to travel down to the rural settings of Etang De Janine, on our arrival the lake & its surrounding areas are just breath taking.
We were warmly welcomed by Dave & his dog Magic.
Rather than just leaving us to it like most, Dave took the time to walk us around the lake and made a point of stopping in each swim, pointing out certain features and the do’s & dont’s.
After Dave had left our small group had hatched a plan, that was to cover as much water as we could and my gosh did it pay off.
“The Lodge Bank” as we called it produced day in day out, night in night out, with sleepless nights and our buzzers going into meltdown it was certainly going to be a trip we’d remember.
We finished the week on The Lodge Bank with a total of 70 carp landed, excluding Tench, Catfish, Bream.
With well over 85 takes, we’d also lost between 8/10 which is part and parcel of the game, our biggest from that bank was a beautiful 55lb Common which was also a New Personal best for one of our group members.
Whilst another Member had opted for “The Grass Bank” he started the week slow, but eventually he unlocked the code and finished the week on a respectable 12 or so fish with his biggest being a 48lb Common.
Our last Member who loves close quarters fishing, decided to put himself in one of the corners of the lake. He managed to pluck out one fish every day with his biggest being a 38lber.
Dave kept in contact throughout the week, making sure everything was ok and if we needed anything.
The amenities there are more than adequate for what you will all need, you are fishing.. you are not booking a 5* all inclusive holiday.
We highly recommend the lake for anyone looking for a tranquil weeks fishing away.
All supermarkets, tobac, restaurants and bars are all within a few miles of the lake, so if you forgot something there’s no stress as everything you need is just a stone throw away.
We will certainly keep in contact with Dave as he’s a top bloke and we’d like to keep an eye on this lake as it’s possible we will be making a return.
But for now, thank you Dave, you and your lake are exceptional.
We hope to see you again soon!
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
27 July, 2025
Super week with a super family
26 July, 2025
Not a easy week the weather very unstable but the guys hade a few nice fish well done.Bait /DGF particles mix and Maple Spice /Monster Crab boilies
26 July, 2025
Another lovely fish from Alexis Diz fishing on post 8, a beautiful mirror of 51lb 8oz.
A good session for the lads, everyone catching, a nice mix of mirrors and commons and a few very big grass carp. The lads were well happy and have booked again for next year.
Sjors from Holland landed some lovely fish. His biggest was 52lb, but this was backed up with two mid 40lb mirrors and a big grass carp just under the 50lb mark.
24 July, 2025
Gordon and Anne’s first visit to the lake resulted in 11 carp upto 38.04 in red hot conditions…really Good fishing Gordon! Glad you had a great week! Thanks!
24 July, 2025
Bob and Julien back again for the 4th year in a row. Fishing from the cabin, they both beat their PB’s with an average weight for the whole week of over 32lbs and the largest just topping 50lbs.
22 July, 2025
In May, we welcomed a solo angler for a peaceful week by the lake. The weather was variable, but he made the most of every opportunity.
He managed to catch several nice fish throughout the session, including some beautiful carp, and really enjoyed the calm atmosphere and well-maintained facilities.
A great solo trip with plenty of bites and moments to remember!
22 July, 2025
A big congratulations to Laurent, who had an outstanding week on the lake! His session was truly one to remember, with a fantastic series of big carp landed throughout his stay.
From the very start, Laurent showed patience and experience, and it paid off — several impressive fish made it to the net, offering plenty of excitement and unforgettable moments on the bank.
It was a pleasure to welcome him, and we look forward to seeing him again soon for another great adventure!
22 July, 2025
The lads last week finished on 16fish very hot conditions for the lads
Well done boys 💯🎣🎣🎣🎣
22 July, 2025
Great start for Charlie after the big storm last night
40lber well done mate hopefully more to come 💯🎣🎣
22 July, 2025
Well done to the lads from last week!
Catching 22 fish to over 40lb most of fish were over 30lb just a couple of 20’s inc 2 new P.B’s !
well done lads
💯🎣🎣🎣
22 July, 2025
We had the pleasure of welcoming a group of 7 anglers for a full week’s exclusive booking from the 12th to the 19th of July. The group thoroughly enjoyed their stay and described their trip as “the fishing trip of a lifetime.”
Over the course of the week, they landed an impressive 150 fish, with a great mix of sizes and plenty of memorable moments on the bank. The highlight of the trip came on the final evening, when they landed a stunning 30 kg grass carp — a truly special fish to end the week on a high note.
Beyond the fishing itself, the group expressed their appreciation for the overall experience — highlighting the natural beauty of the lake and the cleanliness and comfort of the facilities.
They’ve already started talking about returning in the future.
We sincerely thank them for their visit and kind words, and we look forward to welcoming them again.
22 July, 2025
We had the pleasure of welcoming a couple for a relaxing week of fishing. They thoroughly enjoyed their stay, appreciating the peaceful setting, clean facilities, and comfortable accommodation.
Fishing was productive, with several nice carp caught, including a few over 20 kg. Each catch brought smiles and plenty of photos.
A great week with lovely memories — and they’re already thinking about coming back!
22 July, 2025
A session to remember, highlighted by the capture of a big carp after an unforgettable fight. Well done to the angler on a great catch!
21 July, 2025
12th-19th July
This week we had the pleasure of meeting Ian,kerrie and Gary once again soaring temperatures of 34 degrees followed by thunderstorms and rain only 3 fish were caught 17lb koi 33lb common and 31lb mirror
21 July, 2025
We are closed now for our mid season break to give me and the fish a break. The ladt lost from sailsbury left on the 12th .when they arrived the fish were spawning again Saturday and Sunday then we had some rain and a big temperature drop but wednesday and Thursday they resumed spawning which made it a slow week . Unbelievably 3 out of the 4 guys beat there pbs on there first trip to france. Young olliie had a couple upto 36.8lb the first 24 hours then went on to beat that pb with a 38.12lb mirror his brother Richard best his pb with a 33lb fish then dad topped them all with a 40lb mirror on the last night .Dave who is a frech regular had a few in peg 4 but dropped more than he banked but a couple of upper 30s to 37.12lb .
Too many fish lost though which is hard to take when the fish arnt feeding heavily. We reopen on the 2nd of August and are fully booked for this year but plenty of availability for next year apart from July and August. Thanks Graham foxpool
21 July, 2025
After a 3 week closure due to spawning, Dale, Matt and Phil had a hot week which made fishing tricky however they still managed to smash their PB’s with carp to 52lb. Dynamite’s peppered squid 🦑 still working well.
19 July, 2025
After two weeks of the lake being closed for work, and weeks of severe hot weather, we welcomed the first returning fishing party from Holland. Their arrival also brought some much needed cooler weather and showers, which prompted a few nice catches as the fish started to feed again.
Sjors landed a lovely mid 40lb mirror and an upper 30lb common. Alexis landed a low 40lb mirror, some upper 30lb mirrors and a nice common.
A good session for Ingo Dubois on post 14. Despite a very slow start, Ingo stuck with it and was rewarded with two lovely upper forty mirrors and two beautiful upper forty commons, the biggest at 49lb.
18 July, 2025
Great bunch of lads a new pb in very hot weather. Biggest carp out over the week 29lb
17 July, 2025
Ian and Craig back for the 11th year in a row, fishing off the two field swims as usual. A record year for them as they managed to pull out 70 fish between them during the week! Numerous 40’s, unfortunately no 50+ this time but they didn’t get much rest. Already booked up for 2026 to see if they can do even better.
15 July, 2025
2 friends came at Authentic lake leave with new personnal best!!!
25 carps until 65lbs!!!
8 grass carps until 51lbs
With a very hot weather… congratulations!
15 July, 2025
Ryan and friends came at Cheshire lake leave with a collection of big fish!!!
Enjoy!
15 July, 2025
Simon and his band of friends came end of june and had a very good result!
All had their carp and great memories!
21 carps until 51lbs and several grass carps!!
Congratulations!
14 July, 2025
We recently had a group of seven anglers who booked the La Loubière pond exclusively. Some of them enjoyed the fishing spots with on-site lodging, while others chose to fish from their bivvies. The first few days were quite calm due to the intense heat, but once the atmospheric pressure shifted and the wind picked up, the fish became much more active. By the end of the week, they managed to catch several fish, with an impressive average weight of 30 pounds, and their best catch weighing in at 48 pounds. They really appreciated our services and loved being able to use the boats we provide on-site to place their rigs with precision.
14 July, 2025
Our clients left Camalo Lake with their hearts and minds full of wonderful memories! They’re regular visitors to our other ponds, but this was their first time trying out Camalo, and it certainly didn’t disappoint! Over the course of a week, they managed to catch around twenty fish, with seven of them weighing over 45 pounds, including a breathtaking ghost carp that tipped the scales at over 50 pounds. We highly recommend this spot for an unforgettable fishing adventure!
11 July, 2025
18 fishs
biggest 54 LB
average 35 LB
11 July, 2025
20 fishs
biggest 43 lb
average 34 LB
11 July, 2025
Owen smashing it at Carpquarry, he have only been here 3 days and has so far put a 30lb , 3 x 40lbs and 2 x 50s at 51lb10oz and 54lb 4oz on the bank. Well done fantastic angling.
11 July, 2025
Week 24.05.25-31.05.25 the lads done really well managing 32 fish for the week to 54.02lb and even managed an afternoon into town for a few beers.
11 July, 2025
Week 17.05.25-24.05.25 ended up with a total of 23 fish to 54.04lb with 3 of them beating there pb’s well done lads.
11 July, 2025
Week 10.05.25-17.05.25 we had 5 anglers on but with the fish having there second spawn it fished tough. Ending up with 10 fish to 47.06lb for the week. Hopefully that’s all the spawning out the way now
11 July, 2025
Week 26.04.25-03.05.25 the lads had a good week and ended up going home a day early. Fish also started spawning during there week.
This is a write up from them. Cheers lads 👍
A Memorable Fishing Trip to Lake Beauregard: Carp, PBs, and Great Times
Last week, four friends—Nick, Gary, Nathan, and Harvey—set out for an unforgettable fishing adventure at Lake Beauregard, nestled in the picturesque French countryside. Their mission? To land the elusive special Carp the lake is known for. And with 23 fish caught throughout the week, it’s safe to say they were successful—well, almost.
The journey began with excitement in the air and high expectations. But, as with any great fishing adventure, it wasn’t just about the numbers—it was about the stories, the memories, and, of course, the personal bests (PBs) that would go down in history.
The Catch: A Week to Remember
Over the course of the week, the crew racked up an impressive 23 fish. However, things took an interesting turn mid-week as the Carp started spawning, making it more challenging to land a catch. Despite the natural slowdown, the team remained undeterred, showcasing their patience and skill throughout the campaign.
But the week wasn’t just about quantity—it was about quality too. A whopping three personal bests (PBs) were broken, and each moment added a layer of excitement to the trip.
• Gary made his mark with a stunning 54lb 12oz Common Carp, a trophy that will remain a proud memory for years to come.
• Nick, never one to be outdone, landed a 49lb 4oz Common Carp, also breaking his PB and adding a significant achievement to his angling career.
• And then there’s Harvey, the youngest of the group at just 20 years old. Not only did he catch his third PB of the trip, but he topped it off with an incredible 55lb 02oz Common Carp. The energy and excitement that Harvey brought to the group were contagious, and his accomplishment was celebrated as one for the ages.
The Setting: A Home Away from Home
Fishing at Lake Beauregard isn’t just about the catches—it’s about the experience. The facilities were second to none, with the kitchen area being a particular highlight. Whether it was preparing a hearty meal after a long day of fishing or gathering around to swap stories, it provided the perfect space for the group to unwind and enjoy their time together.
Terry, the fishery manager, was always on hand to offer advice, share a laugh, and keep the banter going with the Welsh lads. His friendly and approachable nature made the entire experience even more enjoyable, ensuring the trip wasn’t just about fishing, but about building lasting friendships.
The Tactics: A Winning Combination
When it came to the fishing itself, the group used a blend of tactics that seemed to work perfectly for the conditions. The main strategy involved a mix of boilies and tiger nuts over a bed of maize. This combination provided the right balance to attract the Carp, and the group’s success speaks for itself.
Despite the Carp’s natural rhythms and mid-week spawning slowing things down, the tactical approach, along with their determination and the fantastic environment, ensured the crew had a productive and fun-filled trip.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Fishing Trip
The trip to Lake Beauregard was more than just about catching fish; it was about sharing experiences, breaking personal records, and enjoying the camaraderie of good friends. From the world-class facilities and the beautiful surroundings to the banter with Terry, every aspect of the trip added to its magic.
For Nick, Gary, Nathan, and Harvey, it was a week they’ll never forget—and one that will be tough to top. Until next time, Lake Beauregard, we’ll be back for more!
11 July, 2025
So week 19.04.25-26.04.25 we had Andy Griffiths on his own for a last minute booking and managed 20 fish including 2 x 50’s which were both pb’s mirror and common. Well done good angling
11 July, 2025
Week 12.04.25-19.04.25 got some nice feedback from this group. Although fishing was tough think they ended up with 10 fish hopefully there next trip will be kinder to them.
Hi mark
Just back from the lake, very hard week as the weather was all over the place, however we all caught, biggest was 48lb common I had a 43lb grass.
Very nice setup and the guy on site was a top bloke..
What is the availability for next may and the price…
Regards
Matt
11 July, 2025
So week 05.04.25-12.05.25 fished tough due to the sunny conditions, but 4 lads ended up with 6 fish to 58.08lb with 2 x 40’s and a few stockies. Hopefully with the weather change we will see a few more this week.
11 July, 2025
Father and sons Magical memories made.
Paul and his 2 lads, Jaylee & Rayne, are here this week and the first 24hours has seen all 3 catch fish and 2 PB,s already. Paul with his 1st grassy at 45lb 3oz , Jaylee had another at 58lb 4oz (No pic except in the cradle) and a small common at 18lb.
To top it off a ‘joint effort’ with Rayne, and a PB Mirror Carp, at 59lb 1oz
A good start…
This was followed up by a PB common ‘Reg’ at 53lbs 11oz and a 33lb mirror..
11 July, 2025
We had James and his wife Emma on the lake this week. The weather again was up and down with a Northerly wind most of the time and cold nights which didn’t help much.
But 1st fish out was a PB at 46lb 10oz then that got beat 47lb 3oz and then he beat it again, 59lb on the nose.. Lost a couple and landed another.
Well done both.
09 July, 2025
John and the kids managed to landed 10 carp up 42lb
08 July, 2025
This article is written by Dr Bruno Broughton, an independent, highly experienced fisheries management consultant who operates throughout the UK and in parts of western Europe. You can find out more about Bruno’s experience and as well as contact details at the bottom of this article.
For many anglers, the ultimate dream is to own a French fishery, somewhere where they, their family and friends can enjoy fantastic sport. Few achieve this ambition, although the demand underpins the health of the fishery ‘market’. Others seek to buy fisheries for alternative reasons, and in the context of this article, I will concentrate on commercial French carp-fishing ventures which will provide a good income. For some, the money derived from a fishery or fisheries will represent an important supplement to their pensions!
Buying a carp lake in France may seem to be a straightforward process, but it is not quite that easy, of course, and some serious research will pay for itself many times before you actually start spending serious money or – worst – waste your funds on a completely unsuitable site. If you are currently looking at carp lakes in France for sale, you can view listings here.
It is critical to do thorough research when buying a French carp fishery
It is well worth remembering that as your ambition will be to generate significant income from the French fishery, you will, in effect, be running a small business. Your preferred style of fishing or type of venue may not align with that of a sufficient number of paying visitors to make the venture profitable. Assessing and understanding your potential customer base is vital – ‘match the catch’, if you will. A ‘dingle dell’, feature-filled lake may not be able to accommodate a significant number of anglers fishing simultaneously; a steep-sided, deep fishery would be unsuitable for family groups; and a small pond will be incapable of generating a substantial income unless it’s enlarged.
Of course, if anglers currently fish the venue, it should be relatively easy to gauge its popularity. A pre-arranged site visit on a weekend day, perhaps, and a few chats with those fishing is the obvious approach. A natter with staff in any nearby tackle shop may also prove helpful… but pick a quiet time and avoid busy periods.
Have a gander via Google to see if you can find reviews, catch reports or other information that will add detail to your portfolio. It’s surprising what an internet search can produce as almost all carp lakes in France that are run as business will have an internet footprint, ranging from the negative (recent fish mortalities or otter predation issues, for example) to the positive (such as recent big catches or glowing reports on forums).
Look at catch reports to validate the fish stock
Location is key when buying a French carp fishery
A key consideration when buying a carp lake in France is the geographic area in which you are interested. Water bodies close to home will be easier to manage and to keep secure, considerations which may become problematic at far-away fisheries. Potential issues with poachers, vandals and thieves will be avoided or minimised at well-chosen sites.
‘Country-retreat’ lakes far away from urban conurbations can make excellent and profitable sites for developing holiday fishery businesses, with visitor accommodation provided through bankside ‘pods’, caravans, cabins, or lodges. Indeed, fisheries set in picturesque, rural locations tend to have that ‘wish I was there’ appeal, making the ‘package’ more appealing and exciting.
Lakes with accommodation can be very popular
Living very near or on such sites is usually necessary, however, be that by the owner or someone employed to look after the fishery. Visitors usually value good but discrete customer care – ‘meet and greet’, fishing tips, reassuring security and, in the event of accommodation equipment failure or personal emergencies, timely intervention.
Consider the location in terms of travel convenience for your customers. With hundreds of fisheries across France offering similar packages, travel time can be a key deciding factor for anglers. As a general rule, fisheries primarily targeting anglers rather than families benefit from being closer to Calais. If your venue is within a four-hour drive of Calais, distance is unlikely to be an issue.
Lakes closer to ferry ports like Calais are generally more popular with anglers
Many anglers also opt for the Friday night ferry from Portsmouth to Caen, Le Havre, or St Malo—ports along France’s west coast in the Brittany region. Although the crossing is longer, it’s often preferred as it allows guests to relax in the ferry bar or sleep in a cabin, arriving fresh on Saturday morning. Venues within a few hours of these ports are also considered convenient and appealing.
For angler-focused venues located further south—especially in regions like Limousin—bookings can be harder to secure unless you offer something exceptional, such as an average fish weight over 40lbs and a big head of 60–70lb carp. However, family-oriented venues in southern France with quality accommodation and features like swimming pools tend to do very well. Despite the longer journey, the consistently warm summer weather makes these destinations more attractive to families and non-angling guests.
Local estate agents may hold details of many (or any) fisheries for sale. That said, a large number of purchases take place privately, and many fisheries are never offered on the open market. Take this example: every year regular angler Andy asks fishery owner Owen if he will sell his lake because Andy would like first refusal. Year after year the answer is the same negative one until, one red-letter day, Owen invites Andy in for a private chat. The first other anglers are aware of any change is when the sale has been completed. I’ve come across this scenario quite a lot in my fisheries work!
For this reason, you’d be best advised to put out as many feelers as possible and keep your ears to the ground. Ideas include: scanning the ‘small ads’ sections of the local and regional press; searching in the farming and small-holders’ magazines; contacting land agents and ensuring that they have your details on file; asking major land-owners; and (again) conducting internet searches. Let people know you’re on the lookout for a fishery and, without becoming a pest, renew your inquiries periodically. They won’t know you’re looking unless you tell them.
If and when you find a suitable fishery at what looks like the right price, find out about the many issues that are or could be important. A good maxim is to check that the claims made in the sales particulars are actually true and have not been exaggerated for selling purposes. For example, verify that the site and the fishery are the claimed size by measuring it yourself using a free, interactive mapping site – Google Maps is excellent (and dead easy to use!). I’ve been to lakes that were said to be eight and three acres in size, only to find that, when mapped correctly, they covered only four and not much more than one acre, respectively!
Google earth is a superb resource validate the lake size
Discover if the site floods in winter or if the water level drops dramatically in summer. Is angling restricted by overhead electricity cables or is expansion of the water area handicapped by underground utility services? Are you about to buy a notorious feeding ground for otters? Is there a history of poor water quality? In the case of impoundments, is the dam safe or liable to regular inspections by a qualified engineer? Are any monks or sluices in working order and can they cope with an influx of extra water in very wet weather? Does anyone else have a right to be on site… to abstract water, for example?
Although the conveyancing process should reveal many of the issues that are important when purchasing a French fishery, it is essential a check is made to ensure that the seller actually owns the fishery and that the site has planning consent for recreational use. Yes, these are obvious but fundamental points.
Undertake Reasonable Due Diligence to Validate the Fish Stock
One of largest potential obstacles is establishing that the fish stocks are what is claimed. On smaller bodies of still water, it may be possible to agree a purchase price that excludes the fish, the costs of which are calculated from a stock-taking netting and/or electric-fishing survey. At the very least, try to talk to existing anglers to ascertain that their catches tally with the sale particulars.
A condition of the sale could be to arrange for the lake to be netted to price the fish stock
Although this scenario is not common, occasionally an unscrupulous owner will net and remove fish, particularly specimen-sized carp, in the run-up to handing the site over to the new owner. The operation is usually below the radar, as it were. The new owner may be blissfully unaware of the hookwink until, many months later, the penny slowly drops and it’s way too late to do anything about it.
When buying a fishery as a business, it’s a good idea to identify and weigh up the existing competitors. Your ‘offering’ really needs to be sufficiently different to draw anglers to it and to retain their custom.
Treat any claimed income from a site with caution unless you can see proper accounts. Look at the figures with open eyes. Commercial fisheries are cash businesses, with all the pros and cons that go with that, and overheads and expenses may remain unrecorded or minimized when written down to make a floundering venture appear to be very profitable. This is particularly relevant given the current economic climate and the knock-on impacts on the leisure industry.
If in doubt about the veracity of what you are told or see on paper, turn on your heels and walk away from the deal. After all, you’re only going to spend your money once.
Finally, consider enlisting the help of an experienced professional – such as myself! – who specialises in fishery appraisals, preparing business plans and providing detailed fisheries management advice. My charges are modest, and I always provide a fixed-fee, written quote for any proposed work. Wise advice usually represents excellent value-for-money!
Dr Bruno Broughton is an independent, highly experienced fisheries management consultant who operates throughout the UK and in parts of western Europe. Through his advisory work spanning 38 years Bruno has undertaken assignments for more than 2,300 clients, most of which originate from personal recommendation. He specialises in: providing ‘blueprint’ information on the design, formation and development of new fisheries; valuing lakes and rivers prior to sale, purchase or lease; securing secure planning consent for managers’ dwelling at fisheries; providing comprehensive fisheries management advice on a huge range of topics; and acting as an expert witness in pollution-related litigation and at planning appeals.
Contact details:
Dr Bruno Broughton, 2 The Crofters, Post Office Lane, Moreton, Newport, Shropshire TF10 9EG.
Tel: 01952 691515;
Mobile: 07804 651402
Email: bruno.broughton21@gmail.com
Website: www.bruno-broughton.co.uk
08 July, 2025
Over the past few weeks, we’ve welcomed two groups for short stays at Cottage Lake, and the results have been outstanding! Each group caught more than ten carp per day, with some fish weighing up to 38pounds. Our guests also enjoyed catching unique fish, such as linear scaled carp, ghost carp, and even koi carp. They loved the absolute tranquility of the lake, with no disturbances or neighbors, and appreciated the comfort of our safari tent, which stays cool at night despite the heat. Cottage Lake is the perfect spot for a family fishing trip, especially in July and August, offering an easy and enjoyable way to catch carp, introduce children to fishing, and spend a wonderful, exclusive getaway with friends.”
08 July, 2025
“A big congratulations to casey and iestin for their exceptional session at Le Furet, at the Lodge swim! This spot, with its fully-equipped accommodation, includes cozy bedrooms, a well-furnished kitchen, dishware at your disposal, and easy access to sanitary facilities. Our two anglers had an amazing catch with over 21 fish, 11 of which weighed more than 44 lbs! They truly appreciated the services and the quality of the swim, and even with temperatures soaring between 35 and 40 degrees, they were extremely satisfied with their results.”
06 July, 2025
Week commencing 28 June-5 July
This week we had the pleased of James and Lee conditions were against them all week soaring temperatures of 36 degrees thunderstorm’s mid week aswell managed 8 fish to 38lb with a few losses also. Might I also say they left the house absolutely immaculate it really was a pleasure to meet these to guys
05 July, 2025
New PB for Gary of 42lb 👏💪, though he did break his PB with a 38lb2oz earlier in the week and then smashed it again 😁 Frank had a harder time on his spots but still had 3 lovely carp to 22lb.
Between them, they landed 8 carp and a tench (and it was a beaut of about 4lb) and lost one carp right at the net 😕.
Considering the temperatures were around 32C most days, they did well! All from the woodland swim.
The rest of the family enjoyed the garden, swimming pool, jacuzzi (at a lower temperature!) and made good use of the local boulangeries for pastries etc 😊
04 July, 2025
Over 15 carp landed by a single angler this week.
The bugger ones are back on the bait!
04 July, 2025
Hi 😉!
A few pics of the carp caught last week…
The bigger fish were hiding after spawning but some lovely fish were still landed.
03 July, 2025
Rob and Mick leave from Authentic Lake with 17 carps and 2 grass carp after a very variable and extreme weather…
Congratulations to them!!!
02 July, 2025
Richard, Adam, Wayne and David came back again this year for an earlier session than usual, relaxing in the gite, enjoying the pool and getting a fair bit of fishing in. They were all rewarded with fish over 40lbs and have already booked for next year.
02 July, 2025
Had a great week 21st June 2025 til 28th June 2025, Lots of low twenties and lots of mid teens. Our best catch’s were a 26lb Grass carp, 25lb Mirror carp closely followed by a 24lb mirror and a 37lb catfish (We see bigger carp cruising during the hot days !!!)
Visited Chestnut with my wife ,A friend and his wife. Accommodation was very well looked after and everything needed was there (Fully equipped kitchen and modern bathroom), The hot tub was an absolute dream and was used every day to soak away the aches from lots of fishing action
Be warned that the steps down to the lake from the cabin are very steep so if you have mobility issues , this may be a problem !!
Tudor (Owner) allowed us to just fish but was always available via mobile if we required anything so thank you for that
Will be visiting this tranquil treasure again in the near future targeting the bigger boys in the lake
01 July, 2025
Andy and Ellen who run archipelago are the nicest people i’ve been to in France lovely food, just a shame we wasn’t on the fish that week scorching hot temperatures and not long after spawning. Definitely be back ( unfinished business 😁).
01 July, 2025
Fox pool is a lovely lake the amenities are perfect for a fishing trip well worth a visit graham (the owner) is a top bloke always willing to give you any tips and advice, just got to ask, the meals are very nice and plentiful
30 June, 2025
The first time at the venue . With the bait ordered it didn’t take long for the first bite,
Despite being a hot week 31°C, there was a good amount of bites. Even though the carp spawned the week before.
Largest common 21lb, put up a fantastic fight.
Lots high teens both mirrors and commons
Cooler Early evening fishing but no sign of the catfish .
30 June, 2025
A week extrem in term of weather with storms, rain and heatwave for these 2 anglers came at Authentic lake!
But at least 30 carps between 22 to 54lbs !!!
congratulations!!!
28 June, 2025
I ended up week with 9 fish topped with 45lb 8, 43lb 11, 37lb 5 and 32lb 1. The fish are all in such good condition and given how lake fished more than happy with my results👌🏻
The food package was also excellent.
Andy C
28 June, 2025
15 carp landed between 30 and 66lbs
28 June, 2025
50 carp landed between 25 to 58lbs
28 June, 2025
Despite the extreme temperatures a good week had by all.
28 June, 2025
A good week with Ryno coming out spawned out just under 60lbs
28 June, 2025
With the heatwave across Europe, the fishing turned decidedly slow. Here are a few from the Mark Harris fishing party, who enjoyed their week despite brutally hot weather.
Two nice 40s for Garry Moore, just two of his many catches.
The lake then closed for two weeks for work.
26 June, 2025
41,12 lbs
43 lbs
44,15 lbs
42 lbs
33 lbs
23,10 lbs
and grass carp 31,10 lbs
for John during an amazing warm wather
“I had a fantastic week thank you hope to see you soon!”
What else…
26 June, 2025
Philipp came for a short trip of 3 days but he had the chance to meet several of famous carps of Cheshire lake !!!
Carps until 54 lbs….
26 June, 2025
Very hot weather for Eddy but 8 big carps caught until 48 lbs!!!
He presents us 3 of them only because he was alone and it was difficult to catch correctly carps caught during the night…
26 June, 2025
Carps very nervous before spawning but big mums for all!!
with 2 big 50 lbs +++
26 June, 2025
I had an awesome week at the lake as always! Plenty of work got done, plenty of fish were caught and quality time was spent with Malc.
Clock-watching until my next trip…
26 June, 2025
Michael and Jarko have just finished their yearly trip with us. Both caught lots of fish including a pb each. Well done guys, see you next year!
26 June, 2025
The lake has fished really well over the last few weeks with the growth rates being incredible. Going from strength to strength
26 June, 2025
A couple of lovely ones from last week.
26 June, 2025
A couple of weeks ago Matt and Nick came out to help us clear some snags and fallen trees etc. they absolutely worked their socks off but in between the work they managed to get amongst a few gooduns!
Thanks so much for your help guys, see you later in the year.
26 June, 2025
As promised, some catch shots from last week. A decent result considering the weather in the early part of the week. Well done guys.
23 June, 2025
18 carp landed
3 x 50lbs
15 x 40lbs
Biggest 54lbs
21 June, 2025
Roman and Luca had a hard weeks fishing due to the very hot weather but they still managed to catch a few and Roman got a new PB. Dynamite’s peppered squid 🦑 working well.
16 June, 2025
Jason joined us this week for his first french trip and joined two regulars Tim and Dean.
The wind was blowing a strong westerly prior to there arrival and Jay didn’t have many in his swim but managed a brace of 28lb fish Dean caught within a hour of chucking out landing a nice 39lb lump. Tim had to wait a while longer but banked a long mirror at 44lb just after Jason landed the shamrock atv44lb also a brace of 44lb fish with 20 minutes of each other. Jason was made up with his forty smashing his pb by 16lb. He also went on to bag 5 more over 30lb upto 35.8lb . Tim managed a few more the highlight being 38lb leather Dean also managed a few more banking a 36lb common and 37lb mirror aswell.as few more over 40lb and 3 x29lb mirrors. The lads came as strangers and left as good friends and hope to plan a trip together in the future.
16 June, 2025
Stuart and Peter joined us last week from dream carp holidays for there first visit. Conditions were perfect with overcast days and temperatures of around 20° both lads smashed there pbs with them both catching spawned out fish at 39lb that would normally go 40× Stuart switched from peg 2 to 3 then back to 2 and banked 13 fish 5 x 30lb + 3 over 35lb the rest were twenty upto 29lb with 2 small catfish which were removed. Snail and coconut cream bollies doing the business for him. Pete was off to a flyer catching straight away with a 32lb mirror bit it slowed later after the wind swung around when he should of moved to peg 4 but stuck it out again 4 fish over 30lb to 39lb and the half linear at 37.8lb normally low forty and another 37lb mirror a couple of twentys at 39lb and 28lb and a 16lb stocky. Great lads to have on and both ea t to return when Peters had a knee replacement.
15 June, 2025
Ashley Doggett had a amazing week 3 pbs up to 44lb
11 June, 2025
Where do I start….
Just spent a fantastic week at La Petite Martiniere – 53500 french carp fishing with Luke Bonas (24-31 May).
It was our first time in France and we chose this lake due to its size and exclusivity. It turned out that we made a very good choice
We caught a total of 27 fish, with Luke on 16 and me on 11.
Sonubaits Oozing Spicy Sausage pellets proved deadly for Luke, with all of his fish falling to these (over plenty of house boilies & pellet). The spicy sausage pellets smelled and looked great after 10 hours in the water.
I mainly used house boilies and pellet and we got through about 45kg between us (including some particle and 4 tins of sweetcorn).
My advice would be –
1. Listen to Matt and ask lots of questions.
2. The fish eat loads so don’t scrimp on bait.
3. TAKE THE FOOD PACKAGE it was way beyond our expectations with Matt creating stunning dishes befitting of high end restaurants (the photos don’t do it justice). The ingredients were fresh, top quality and you could tell that Matt really cares about the dishes he serves up. The food was amazing and incredibly good value for money.
Matt and Natasha work incredibly hard to deliver the best possible experience and it was a pleasure to spend time with them both on the bank and over some food on the last night. They absolutely smashed it!
We can’t wait to come back and are in the process of working out a date for next year – assuming there’s something left!
11 June, 2025
First timers to La Petite Coquais this week Chris and his partner Jess booked us for our superb luxury cottage and all it has to offer for Jess the hot tub ,pool and pool table and also our great new lakeside cabins on all main swims so no need for bivvys as they have fridges , lights , USB charging points , electric and kettles . Chris was after some of our stunning scaley mirrors and a first time Sturgeon. Just 2 weeks since the carp spawned and Saturday and Sunday was slow but with a weather change on Monday the fish came on the feed and plenty of new pbs for Jess and Chris. 18 fish to the net on our new Karper baits scz sweetcorn boilies fished snowman style on spinner rigs over our house particle and pellet doing the business.
10 June, 2025
Was not an easy week with only 5 people on the lake , you need to have a few more to move the fish around . we ended following the fish all week to try and get a bite. In the end we have 10 fish but lost the Cat two times after 25 min fights. Spotted the sturgeon a few time just cruising around the lake.
2 x 50s best was 52.
5 x 40s best 46.8
1x 30
2 x 20
L overly lake but the cray fish a a big problem and we had to re think the whole approach to trying to keep our baits .
Will fish the lake again just with a few more people but also with new tactics , David the owner was great and helped every day
09 June, 2025
First timers Gordon & Zoe had a tough week due to fish spawning. They still managed to catch a couple. Belle made new friends as did we and they have already booked to return next year. Dynamite’s peppered squid 🦑 doing its job. We are taking bookings for 2026 don’t miss out.
09 June, 2025
24th-31st may
This week we had the Walsh family join us, after a very slow previous week due to the spawning the lake came alive this week with 37 fish being caught in total this included 3*40’s to 44lb 9*30’s to 38lb and numerous upper 20’s and also 3 pike
07 June, 2025
A great bunch of lads this week, and all five of them were rewarded with a fish over 50lb. We start with the party leader Duncan Fraser with a superb 51lb mirror.
Well done to Duncan, Josh, Ben, Tyler and Aron.
What a session for Mark Weeden. Tarte aux Pomme at 71lb 6oz, the Scar common at 63lb, plus mirrors at 56lb and 53lb as well as 40s, 30s and more. Well done mate.
04 June, 2025
Swim hut2 and swim 5 was active the last days and some locals anglers come back for a second time and caught some good fish.
À, total of 10 fish both including koï and fish close to 40 lbs.
The group on hut 2 appreciated the comfort of the accommodation.
04 June, 2025
9 carp total
2 x 50lb
3 x 40LB
4 x 30lb
Biggest 56lb
03 June, 2025
A good week had with some nice fish caught.
03 June, 2025
Catch report Saussaie
1×20 3 x 30 1 x 40
Difficult week on Saussaie, but the lads still managed a few bites, 5 fish out up to 40lb.
Also a big shout out to them because the lads leave the place very very clean
03 June, 2025
Catch report Saussaie last week;
3x 50s up to 52,10
1x 40s
4x 30
5x 20s
03 June, 2025
Catch report Saussaie
Well done to the lads, with extremely hot weather. Fished well. And congratulations on the pbs!!
4x fish
1x 71lb 6oz
1x 50
1x 30
1x 20
03 June, 2025
Well done to the lads on Saussaie this week, with 3 50lb fish and 2 pbs broken!
Catch report Saussaie week ending 19th of April
54lb
54lb
54.2lb
30lb
29lb
27lb
26lb
26lb
03 June, 2025
Catch report Baleine.
3x 60s to 63lb
3x 50s
7 x40s
10x 30s
11 x 20s
03 June, 2025
Another great week on Baleine, well done to the lads from Liverpool, smashed it……
65 fish in total……
1x 63
3x 50s
18 x 40s
24x 30s
20x 20s
It was a pleasure to meet you all, look forward to seeing you next year.
03 June, 2025
What a great week the guys had on Lac Baleine, with 54 fish landed;
3x 50s
27x 40s,
11x 30s.
Rest 20s.
Well angled lads. The fish are definitely starting to wake up.
03 June, 2025
#lacbaleine is slowly coming to life again this week with 29 fish landed Upto 55lb
Well angled considering the massive change in day and night temperatures
1 x 50
4 x 40s
Rest 30’s and few 20s
03 June, 2025
What a great opening week the guys had on #lacbaleine 23 fish landed including
3 x 50s to 58lb
7 x 40s
Great angling 👌
03 June, 2025
25 carp out for the 2 Dutch Anglers fishing this week.
1 had 2 x 50s, 4 x 40s, 2 x30 and the other anglert Theo had 15 carp to over 50lbs. Still waiting to get Theo’s photos.
03 June, 2025
Brilliant week fishing Frazer was a great host and the food was good
02 June, 2025
Well after spawning we had a group on from dream carp holidays. Not the most experienced of anglers but they got amongst a few but should of had more 3 pbs broke biggest out 43lb from peg 3 . The 2 young lads hadn’t fished for more than 48hours before and the heat got to them by Thursday so they cut there trip short by 2 days. I fished the Friday myself for 8 hours as it was my birthday and had 6 fish to 41lb a 3 30s to 37lb and a couple of smaller ones. The lads should of used the house bait but brought there own shelflife bollies which didn’t help . The fish in foxpool are used to quality fresh frozen baits and the house baits out fish all baits as there used to seeing more of it and it’s quality bait. The 2 older lads want to return next year as they were reluctant to leave but they all said they enjoyed there first french adventure. We have been closed for 2 weeks after spawning to give the fish a break and have 2 more dch guys come on Saturday and both have already broke there pbs with fish upto 39lb out so far but I expect more to come as conditions look perfect.
02 June, 2025
❤️💙HONEYMOON COUPLE❤️💙 Jon and Abi had a cracking week with Abi smashing her PB and making a new lake record of 54lbs 6oz. Between them they had a total of 23 carp with many over 40lbs. They also found time to revisit the village where they got engaged last year and to go to Lac Pardoux for some paddle boarding. They came as customers and left as friends. It was a honour to have you here on your honeymoon.
Abi Elsom & Jon Elsom
Dynamite’s Complex T and yellow pop ups made the week. We are taking booking for next year don’t miss out.
02 June, 2025
24th-31st may
This week we had the Walsh family join us, after a very slow previous week due to the spawning the lake came alive this week with 37 fish being caught in total this included 3*40’s to 44lb 9*30’s to 38lb and numerous upper 20’s and also 3 pike
01 June, 2025
Big session this week at the Lodge swim!
Two anglers landed over 45 fish, including several carp over 45lbs ! 💥
With Eddy Sterckx bait and 200lbs of boilies and pellet in the water, the action was nonstop!
The result? An epic session… and they’re already booking their next trip! 🙌
👉 Proof that at etang Furet , it’s not just luck—it’s quality.
01 June, 2025
🎣🔥 Camalo this week: 5 anglers, exclusive booking, and some serious action on the rods!
Despite tough weather — shifting conditions and blazing heat — they still landed 5 stunning carp, including monsters of 59,8lbs , 42lbs , 33lbs ! 💥
We suggested spreading out across different swims to boost their chances… but they stuck to the Cabin and Kube to keep the social vibes going. 😎
Sometimes strategy > comfort — but hey, it was all about good times and solid catches!
Ready for your own session?
31 May, 2025
On arrival we were blown away by the cabins position it really feels secluded. The inside is really modern and homely feeling. The outside space is very good and the hot tub is a great addition to overlook the lakes below.The children enjoyed the abundance of tadpoles, dragon flies and even the little coypu family.
The fishing was tricky to start with only a few of the mid double to low twenties coming out.It went a little quiet for a full day and we feared the worst but that night it kicked off and we fished hard from there.They do like abit of bait that’s for sure, not piling it in too early is key. We did get through almost 30 kilo of boilie and particle on top.We finished with 33 carp to 38lbs 3 went 30+ mostly average weight of 24lbs,The grassy went 29lbs. Lost around 8 between 2 of us and we fished every day with breaks in between to enjoy the terrace etc. Merci Tudor and we will see you soon !
28 May, 2025
Unforgettable Experience at Cottage Lake! 🎣
We had the pleasure of welcoming a local customer who came with his family to discover our Cottage Lake. He wanted to enjoy our fully equipped safari tent and accessible fishing, with the chance to catch our beautiful carp. He notably caught two stunning koi carp, one miror carp weighing 40 pounds, along with several other carp ranging from 10 to 35 pounds. A memorable 3 days for the whole family.
28 May, 2025
Changeable weather meant that Peter had a hard start to the week but persistence paid off and he ended up landing 10 fish up 21kg. Dynamite’s peppered squid doing its job.
