french Carp Holiday FAQs

Frequently asked questions about the lake and carp fishing in France......

What time can we arrive at the lake?

We ask that you don't arrive before 12pm on the Saturday of your trip. This is because we need to clear down from the previous week and carry out any maintenance work required. If there are multiple groups or individuals booked on for your week we ask you to ensure you arrive by 1pm so that the draw can be carried out. Unfortunately if there are substantial delays with some guests arriving then the draw may have to be carried out in your absence. You must leave the lake by 10am on the morning of your departure.

Can I bring my own bait?

You can only use particles provided on-site so that we can ensure everything that goes into our lake is safe for the fish stock. You are welcome to bring your own boilies but we also now provide a decent range of boilies and associated products which can be ordered in advance of your trip. Since Brexit anglers are no longer allowed to bring UK based bait into the EU. We take the stress away for you and will have it ready on your arrival, at preferential rates.

What are travel restrictions for entering France/UK?

Travel restrictions and requirements have now been relaxed following the Covid travel restrictions and things are back to normal.

Are there any shops or tackle shops nearby?

The closest tackle shop is Pacific Peche in Limoges which has a huge warehouse of stock providing pretty much anything you could need. There is also an abundance of food shops, supermarkets nearby in Limoges. There is a local G20 shop in the pretty village of Chamberet, about a 10 minute drive from the lake which is a mini supermarket providing pretty much everything for most people's needs. There is a small shop in the village of Meilhards for essentials and a much larger supermarket in the town of Treignac which is 20 minutes from the lake.

What facilities are there at the lake?

We have a newly refurbished lodge which now offers charging facilities for your essential items such a phone etc. There is a toilet and shower room, along with cooking facilities such as a gas hob and oven, We also provide a fridge and freezer to enable you to store your food for the week.

Are we allowed to move swims during the week?

Yes of course. There are also two spacious double swims which will enable plenty of opportunity to move around if required.

Are Bait Boats allowed?

Yes they are as long as they are used sensibly and safely, and as long as you do not encroach into other angler's sections of water with them. We also offer bait boat hire, please see bait boat page foe details.

Do you provide cooked meals?

No, we only offer drive and survive packages. This allows guests to have a BBQ or use the cooking facilities available in your own time.

How far is the lake from Calais?

You can drive to the lake from Calais in just over 6 hours. We are about 40 minutes south of Limoges.

What else is there nearby?

There is a bakery, a couple of bars, cash machine and supermarket all in Chamberet which is 10 minutes from the lake. There is also a Bar/Hotel which is a good option for those wishing to travel down on the Friday and stay in the hotel overnight. This then allows you to be fresh for the Saturday and ready to fish rather than needing to sleep.

How are the swims decided?

A draw is carried out once the guests have arrived when more than one group or individuals have booked. We ask guests to aim to arrive at midday for the draw.

Top tips!

Carp Fishing in France - a guide to a successful French fishing holiday

As a lake owner I am often approached intrigued by each groups approach and follow with interest their tactics and results. This leads to generating a sound knowledge of what works and what doesn’t in most situations. There are however some common mistakes we see when carp fishing in France.

Travel the day before

if travelling to your destination requires a long drive, like Mayflower Pool, it is definitely worth travelling the day before and staying overnight nearby. Time and again we see guests practically miss out on a days fishing when arriving on the day, or at least not fishing to their best ability on the Saturday. When guests arrive after travelling through the night with no sleep, often they will just want to sleep or hastily get a couple of rods out with little thought and then sleep. Sometimes guests may not even start fishing until the Sunday due to tiredness and then setting up. Accommodation is cheap, and for the sake of around 40 Euros you can get a decent nights rest and spend a relaxing evening with a drink or two and some food.

Be fishing during bite time!

every lake has a bite time when it seems that is your most productive time for a bite. The amount of people I see reeling in at 9am and going for a shower or to the shop costs bites for sure. Plan your day and make sure you are fishing at optimum times.

Arrive open minded to approach

it’s good to do research on the lake but you shouldn’t get carried away with a pre-determined plan. Various methods will work on most lakes and it can literally change day by day or week by week. It is all about working out what the best approach is for that situation. Don’t select your peg based on a video you may have seen where someone did well because it was only right at that time in those conditions. Go where the fish are and listen to the owner’s advice - after all they want you to catch lots of fish to help market their lake.

Social fishing or catching?

be prepared to fish away from your mate/mates. The fish are often going to be where no-one is fishing. So be prepared to move or spread out over the lake to enhance your chances. Too often the most convenient swims are occupied when the fish are at the other end of the lake. Fishing holidays in France are often about friendship and banter, and of course, each group is fine to get whatever they want out of their trip.

House bait

I still smirk when I hear people dismiss any lake’s own boilie offering over their own choice. Yes it may not be a well known premium brand, and you may well have 100% confidence in your chosen bait. But these carp will be honed into the house bait and see it as a natural food source. And although I agree that sometime a different bait can produce results, time and time again I see the house bait out performing another brand. When considering your bait options for your carp fishing holiday in France, the house bait should not be overlooked. Carp get caught on a particular bait or method because it works. Some cynics will say an owner promoting their own bait is to line their pockets. In reality it makes little difference to profit levels, but it does make a difference to putting some extra fish on the bank.

Be prepared

don’t arrive at the lake under prepared. This can be anything from lines on reels to spare batteries, end tackle, charging batteries and charging devices. Bring what you can with you in terms of food and drinks to eliminate the constant need to go to shop or tackle shop etc. included in this is breakdown cover, an absolute must. I have myself been in the situation of a breakdown and the French are, shall we say, less than helpful! It will cost you an absolute fortune should you break down and for the sake of around £50 it is more than worth getting the cover if you don’t already have European cover.

french Carp Holiday FAQs

Frequently asked questions about the lake and carp fishing in France......

Top tips!

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