Etang Le Fays is situated within the French fishing hotspot of the Champagne-Ardenne region of France. The Forest surrounded lake of 17 acres is arguably the most beautiful carp lake I have ever been to in France and has easily become a firm favourite venue. Mark and Claire is certainly a welcoming couple and will go out of their way to make sure your stay is one to remember. The lake is relatively easy to reach from the well-used ports of Dieppe or Calais with approx. 4.5hrs drive through French roads. Your route will take you past the mighty Lac Du Der (lake chantycoq) and local supermarkets are en route. However all you need is provided at the lake with Mark running a tab system for general supplies, bait, tackle and snacks. 

The lake and fish stocks –

There are 23 swims on the lake of which comprises of 18 singles and 5 double swims, all spacious bark lined. The fishing is limited to 12 anglers per week so there are plenty of swims to move if required. All have excellent features to fish to but my personal favourites are peg 2, peg 18/19 probably because it has good access to some nice features. Other noted favoured swims include 4, 9, 10, 14/15, 22, 23 due to their features and position on the lake (see lake map for details).

The lake contains approx. 500 carp with many above 40lbs, there is a good head of fish above 60lbs both commons and mirrors with at least x2 pushing 70lbs at top weights one being a pristine 1/2 linear and clear prize of the lake. The type of fish present are purely stunning with many of the larger residents being scaly mirrors and scale perfect long commons. Surely one of the A-Team fish would be a worthy fish of a lifetime. I am fortunate to bank one of these, a seldom caught fish called Heart Tail at 62lbs.

The Facilities and service at Le Fays –

65lb-12 ” Cut Tail”

There are two separate shower / toilet rooms on site with English plug sockets for charging bait boats / power packs. The main lodge is open during breakfast and evening meals and has x2 large fridge full of soft drinks, beer, cider, wine and spirits everything to make your stay enjoyable. Fortunately on our last visit the Rugby world cup was active and a few socials were well enjoyed by all especially the Wales vs England game which with 8 Welshmen present seen the fridges quickly emptied and the fish enjoying a well-earned rest on that night. Always remember though to watch out for Mark’s Chilli challenge (see his Facebook page for details). The food!! well if there was a star rating on the quality of the food this will definitely be a 6/5, I have never has consistent quality food at most restaurants to the standard Claire prepares you certainly won’t go hungry and as most anglers would say the food is usually a highlight of the trip. That girls cooking talents needs to be boxed up and given to many fisheries, wives / girlfriends because damn she got skills!

 

 

ON SESSION OCTOBER 2015

Well what can I say pulled 2nd out in the draw which rarely happens and spoiled for choice of the swims so I opted for the usually successful peg 2 at this time of the year due to the access of deeper water, island and clay bar? I took little time finding the spots as remember my time fishing this swim in 2012 a quick reminder and I was off. I opted to fish the back of a clay bar 40yds in front, the back of an island to the right with a coming rod ready for showing fish and placed in the deeper water at night. The rigs comprised of a slightly longer coated rig at 10-14” blowback style Nash size 6 twister. The reason for a long rig was mainly due to the swim I was fishing as there was up to a foot depth of soft silt. Lead clip arrangement was preferred with 3oz flat pear leads fished naked without tubing or leader (banned) with a few blobs of putty placed up the line behind the lead to pin everything down ensuring a neat setup. Care was taken to make sure the rig was placed correctly where the rig was either cast with the use of a clip or bait boated to the desired spot. The chosen bait comprised of 40kg Velocity Khaos and React boilie both at 18mm and pre air-dried to save time at the lake, with PVA filled M&M pellet and tipped with Fluro Cream N Toffee popups a firm favourite of mine. Baiting strategy I opted for a regular scattering of approx. 80 boilie to the main clay bar in front on a 4hr basis. Then tight small beds of bait on the other two rods, I also opted to use the popular Lake pellets which are always introduced into the lake.

The first night seemed very positive with a screamer at 2am unfortunately resulting in a lake grown Mirror of approx. 10lbs, quickly slipped back and rod placed back on the spot confident of another. Sunrise and a clear morning brought about no other fish but the noise of bite alarms could be heard further up the lake and clearly the lake shown were the majority of its residents were hiding between pegs 4 and 20; the lake was like a Jacuzzi! and a sight to behold. Unfortunately the weather quickly changed that day to hot days and chilly nights with a strong wind heading straight in my direction, this was unfortunate as it was clear the fish was avoiding this area and was sat at the back of the wind on the main forest bank (pegs 19-23) then moved up the lake during daylight into the shallows chasing the sun. For the rest of the week I was a spectator despite my best efforts but was fortunate to witness some great captures including a 68lbs mirror and x2 different 60lbs commons. However on the Friday just before dinner fortunately I was watching the lake like a hawk and spotted the slightest roll of a carp only 30yds out, I quickly placed a PVA bag with a reduced lead weight of 1oz (to avoid spooking) bang on its head and surely 20mins later a whaling WHOOOOOOHAAA was heard around the lake !! Finally a lump of a Mirror graced the net that went a welcome 43lbs 8oz a couple of quick stills and she was slipped back to the depths. Huge sigh of relief and a welcome beer at dinner.

43lb+ put the smile on Gavs face

Heart tail 62.8

Summary – I would not consider Le Fays an easy venue as it has been running as a fishery for past 10yrs so the fish has plenty of pressure but the rewards are there for the working angler and what rewards there are! Some stunning fish that would make a perfect prize photo on any wall. A firm favourite venue for many anglers due to the Fish stocks, facilities and warm welcome certainly water I will always choose to visit from time to time. This was my 4th trip to the lake over the years and certainly not the last. And if I ever I won the lottery this lake would be No1 on my purchase list whatever it takes!! It’s that good!!

Arron with a 48lb

61 lb chunk

For details of an unbelievable trip contact Mark and Claire Eldridge on 0033) 325-564-486 or email mark.clare@catchcarpinfrance.com , or alternatively check out Mark’s Facebook page as I guarantee you will not be disappointed.