About French Fishing UK

It was early April when I received a phone call from a good friend of mine, David Mowatt. He asked me if I could check out a new water he had just purchased under the name of French Fishing UK. Lake La Chapelle is a 7.5 acre water set in the Limoges region in South West France.

The water has legal night fishing and has been stocked with a tonne of grass carp to 45lb, and approximately 400 carp including mirrors to 52lb and commons to 46lb. There was a further stocking in February this year of former Maurepaire fish ranging from 36lb to 45lb. I did not hesitate to accept an invitation to visit a lake that contained fish of that calibre. No sooner had we finished our phone conversation, than I arrange for a couple of my friends to accompany me on a Monday to Friday session. A week later we were on our way!

After a drive through countryside of outstanding natural beauty, we arrived at the Lake to be greeted by Les, the bailiff and co-owner of the new venture. Walking around the Lake, we were surprised that spring had not yet arrived; the vegetation was bare and the temperature much colder than it should be for the time of year. This was due to an overlong winter - they'd been a heavy snowfall only a week before we arrived.

The Carp Company supplied our bait for the week. This included the new O-PM which is soon to be released in this country. We were very excited to be using this new bait as Jules and Bob (of the Carp Company) has been very impressed with field testing results.

As soon as we got started, one of the three rods I had cast out screamed off, followed by another one.... two fish on at the same time! The catch was two beautiful mirrors around 15-18lb. I thought we were on for a good week here. After dusk on the first evening, my right-hand rod indicated a pick up. It only moved the indicator to the top of the rod, but I felt it was enough o see if my luck was in. As I struck into it, the rod bent over double and I knew I was into a good fish! Within 10 minutes, I'd landed a beautiful 38lb 9oz mirror.

Throughout Monday night, and all day and night on Tuesday, the action was very hectic with a lot of the fish being landed in the 20lb region and a lot of mid to high doubles. On Wednesday, Ron has landed a lovely 32lb mirror which was only the second 30lb-plus fish of the week so far. We knew that we'd have to work hard to get into the thirties as there was a lot of twenties and mid doubles being caught.

By Thursday, we had all accumulated a good head of fish and were very pleased with the outcome. On Thursday morning, Ron had an exceptional hour with a 34lb 6oz common and a 32 3oz mirror - he was over the moon. The same morning, Darren landed a long-looking 32.5lb mirror. On the last day, I had a 33.25lb personal common best. The total weight of fish caught between us was 880lb. This included six thirties and four grass carp to mid twenties. Definitely a runs water.

There is a brand new site on site which occupies a stunning position overlooking the lake near the entrance. The gite includes two English toilets, two showers, cooking facilities and a dining area. A short walk along the drive belongs you to an attractive looking restaurant, which serves an excellent, five-course feast for as little as 10 Euros per head - that includes wine. There is also a supermarket in the local village. Less (or David) who will be your bailiff for the week is more than happy to drive to the larger supermarket which is about 15 minutes away.

This article was originally printed in 'Carp Talk' magazine in 2004.