Etangs des Papillons

Lake Rouge - Scrolling Panoramic Lake photo

Rouge is a breath-taking 4.5 acre lake set in chestnut woodland. Stream and spring fed, the lake is home to some superb carp and catfish. Known as the ‘big fish’ lake of the complex, Rouge regularly produces 30lb+ carp and is also home to a number of 45lb+ beasts! Rouge is widely regarded as one of the premier Carp and Catfish venues in France. An average carp here weighs around 25lbs and, whilst the lake is refreshingly challenging, anglers can expect to bank a good number of fish in a week.

In addition to the carp, the catfish here grow to monstrous size. There are a number of known 85lb+ fish caught each year and the rumours of 100lb plus Catfish have now been well and truly confirmed with three captures in the last two seasons. Introduced many years ago at around 70lbs, this fish was the largest stocked and remains one of the many reasons anglers return each year. The average catfish weighs 45lbs and thanks to continued successful breeding there is a good distribution of all sizes in the lake.

The lake, whilst being relatively snag-free, has a range of features to fish to: sunken tree roots, an island, a gravel bar, overhanging trees, slight silt bottom, shale bottom, and depths from three to fifteen feet. Fish are caught from every swim on this magnificent lake to a variety of methods. The lake also contains a substantial head of large Bream and Roach that can provide great sport, and a source of livebait for catching Catfish.

You have the sole use of the bankside summer chalet, containing a gas supply, cooker, pots, pans, sink and patio table/chairs. In addition, a boat is available for hire and a lakeside toilet is also present. All banks are flat and much of the bankside is ideal for the less mobile angler – you can drive right to the waters edge. We allow a maximum of six people on this holiday with five anglers fishing on the lake at any one time.

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Lake Vert - Scrolling Panoramic Lake photo

Vert is a smashing 1.5 acre lake cut out of the surrounding woodland. Designed to be a ‘catching lake’ (if this is possible with carp and catfish!) Fish stocking here is very heavy with a large head of  offspring catfish to around 25lb and several original fish of up to 50lbs. Carp here are also present in large numbers; some great upper doubles and excellent twenties are to be had, and with the largest being 36lbs+ there is always a personal best sized fish out there!

If this is your first trip abroad, we recommend Vert as an ideal destination. The lake is relatively snag free and offers a great chance to catch lots of carp and catfish without needing long–distance tackle and specialist rigs.

The lake is fed from Rouge above and also has its own spring. The shallowest point is around three feet and the depth ranges to about thirteen feet. The centre of the lake features a small island.

As with Rouge, you have the sole use of a bankside chalet containing a gas supply, cooker, pots, pans, sink and patio table/chairs. A lakeside toilet is also present. The ability to drive down to the waters edge is ideal for less mobile anglers. We allow a maximum of six people on this holiday with three fishing at any one time.

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Lake Bleu - Scrolling Panoramic Lake photo

Bleu lake draws its name from the woodland backdrop that fills with wonderful bluebells in April! Fish stocks are superior to those you would normally find in the UK or France; the carp here average 22lbs, with plenty of larger specimens up to around 38lbs (including a number of beautiful 30lb+ common carp).

Bleu also contains plenty of catfish, with the average weight (excluding offspring) being 54lbs and the largest just touching 95lbs. The good news is that these are banked nearly every week, and sometimes in massive numbers as there are virtually no snags to worry about anywhere in the lake.

This lake is renowned for the quality and quantity of fish that can be landed, with weekly catches of over 1000lbs not uncommon. Feature laden, the 5 anglers it can accommodate can choose from gravel bars, an island, overhanging trees and beautiful lily patches to fish to. Bleu is a favourite with many of our customers who come back year after year for the sheer beauty of the surroundings, not to mention the personal best beating fish!

Again, you have the sole use of a bankside summer chalet, containing a gas supply, cooker, pots, pans, sink and patio table/chairs.A toilet is also present within 50 metres and a boat is available on request. We allow a maximum of six people on this holiday with a maximum of five fishing at any one time.