Our Lakes


Two spring fed lakes set in mature gardens

We have two spring fed fishing lakes at La Germondière (a coarse lake of 0.75 acres and specimen lake of 1.75 acres), set in mature gardens of 10 acres.  The lakes are exclusively for your use during your holiday (see our terms and conditions).


Water in a spring fed lake is healthy for the fish, the water constantly changing fools the fish into thinking they are in a bigger lake, thereby encouraging growth.  The natural spring sources are also better for the angler, as our water levels never run low.  A waterfall takes excess water from the top, smaller lake into the larger bottom lake, keeping a constant gentle flow-through all year round, and helping with the oxygen levels in all weather conditions.


Our lakes are stocked with carp (mirror, common, koi and grass), tench, perch and roach.  Fishing our lakes is free AND EXCLUSIVE when you spend your holiday at La Germondière.

 

We do not aim to compete with the 'monster carp' fishing venues found all over France (although we can recommend one or two if that's your style of fishing), but if you simply like catching good specimen fish, you won't be bored.  From coarse fishing to specimen carp fishing - either lake will give you a good day's catch.


The smaller lake is stocked with a good variety of fish, including carp up to 10 lbs and some good sized tench.


The larger lake is for the more experienced angler.  With around 80 carp, more than 20 fish weigh upward of 20lb, a few over 30lbs, and at least one of our stunning grass carp has passed the 40lb mark, the others are 20lb and upward.  The fish are in fantastic condition and fight hard.  Anglers MUST be properly equipped for this lake, see our fishing rules.


We are extremely fortunate to have a very good friend who breeds Leney carp and we have added some of these very special fish to both the lakes, not yet of a size to boast about but you will certainly recognise them from their heart shaped tails.

 

Our lakes and gardens provide you with a truly relaxing environment even if you do not want to fish.  There are an abundance of tranquil places to just sit and relax, in sun or shade.   Meditate, do some yoga, read, paint, find yourself.  We supply a picnic blanket in the gîte, we hope you will use it. 

 

Sit back and watch and listen to the huge variety of birds and wildfowl visiting our lakes - watch the swallows dipping into the water, and see if you can spot the Kingfishers feeding on our smallest fish.  You might even be lucky enough to spot the stunning but elusive Golden Oriole.  See our 'nurturing' page for further suggestions on how to get the best out of this magical location.

 

With our years of working on leisure sites and in particular having experience of the UK's David Bellamy conservation award, we are keen to ensure the environment we provide is not only pleasurable for people, but attracts the insects, bugs and wildlife for a natural environment.   We mow the grass around the lakes, but intentionally leave areas uncut so as to provide the best habitat for insects, which in turn brings in the variety of birdlife.  For example, nettles for the butterflies, thistles for the gold finches, and the perfect habitat for black redstarts and siskins.  Not to mention the frogs!


And, as is essential in France, we have our own chickens.  Fresh eggs on your doorstep.....


Caring for the fish in our lakes is of prime concern.  We don't like to give you a long list of rules... but there are a few key rules we ask you to respect.  Please be aware that random rig checks will be undertaken.

•We have a NO KILL policy.  ALL fish must be returned to the lakes.

•Our lakes are for carp and coarse fishing, not predator fishing.

•Maximum 3 rods per angler (less if more than 4 anglers in your party).

•NO braided mainline

•Never leave your rods unattended whilst they are in the water.

•Do not keep fish in a keep-net or out of the water for longer than is necessary.   No carp bigger than 1Kg to be put into keep nets.

•When photographing fish, crouch low over your cradle.

•Do not stand up whilst handling a fish.

•If you spot any damage on the fish, such as ulcers or cuts, please treat it with a carp care kit (or call us so that we can).

•The erection of bivvies ONLY with prior approval from the proprietors.

•All anglers must be equipped with landing nets.

Rules for fishing the large lake

•Barbed (or micro barbed) hooks only  Absolutely no exception to this rule (Barbless or barbed can be used on the smaller lake)

•Only size 4, 6 or 8 hooks permitted.

•All anglers must be equipped with a large specimen landing net and cradle.  Can be supplied if requested before-hand.

•Rig tubing to be used on all rods.

•Minimum 12lb line.

•No weighing of fish in the landing net, weigh slings to be used.

Thank you for your adherence to these rules.



Visit our gallery page for photographs or our fish, lakes and land.