Frequently Asked Questions - General
Please take time to look around the website as it contains a lot of information put together over time. We are updating the information all the time to ensure that it is accurate as possibly.
Q: Where in France is the lake?
A: The lake is situated in the Champagne Region of France, just
south of “St Dizier” and “Lac du Der- Chantecoq”, approximately 4.5
hour drive from Calais. For further information on this region of
France check out the following link - Champagne / Ardennes
Q: Does the Fully Inclusive price
include the ferry crossing?
A: Sorry, No the Fully Inclusive price does not include the ferry
crossing to France. The fully inclusive price includes your fishing
for the week, full use of all onsite facilities and your Breakfast
and Evening meals.
To help with cost of crossing to France, please follow the links to
the ORCA Sports Travel page or shop around using the links on our
Useful Links page.
Q: Are you near any airports for pickup
or is it easier to drive across?
A: The nearest airport is a good hour and half drive from the lake -
at Rheims. However, only the small craft of around 12 seats use this
airport so, baggage restrictions would be an issue if you are
bringing your tackle out.
The drive to the lake is very straightforward and takes, on average,
about 4.5 hours depending on your vehicle. Please be aware that the
French Motorway Police are active – especially at Toll Booths – so
please check your average speed between them. As a general rule, I
take a break for Coffee and Petrol in the toll section between
Calais and Rheims just in case.
Q: What is the stock level of the lake?
A: There are 500+ carp to 63lbs and a mixture of Mirror, Common and
Grass Carp, Pike, Rudd, Roach and two large Catfish. Please be
careful with the Grass Carp. They may be relatively easy to land
but, the go ballistic on the bank. Weight wise, there is plenty of
evidence from the published pictures that the fish are putting on
about 4 to 6 lbs a year and they are fed during the winter. New
stock will be added as it becomes available from 20lb upward. As I
get pictures of New Stock I will publish them on the website.
Q: Are weight slings and unhooking mats
provided?
A: There are weigh slings, unhooking mats and some Carp Cots
available at the lake. If you bring your own, please make sure that
they are big enough to cope with a 60lb plus Carp just in case you
are lucky enough to catch one.
ALL landing nets, sling and unhooking mats must be surrendered to
Mark for dipping before using them at the lake so, please pack them
where you can get to them easily on arrival.
Q: What style of food is provided onsite
– English or French?
A: The food provided onsite is fresh and obtained locally as
required. Clare is a superb cook and presents the food in an English
form. If you follow the links on the Facilities page, there are
illustrations of a typical Breakfast and Sunday’s Evening Meal just
before I ate them.
If you have particular dietary requirements or, there are items you
do not like, then please let Clare know in good time so she can
arrange alternatives for you.
Q: Could you tell me what you charge for
the bait boat hire?
A: There are two “Microcat” bait boats for hire at the lake at a
cost of €70 per week. Spare charged
batteries are available when you need them. I would discuss this
with Mark when you get to the lake as this is arranged onsite.
Q: Do we need to bring Bivvies?
A: You will need to bring your Bivvies with you as we are not set up
to hire equipment. This idea is under consideration and may be
available in years to come.
If you need further information, please contact Mark at the lake.
If you still can’t find answers to your questions, please don’t hesitate to cast me a line at webmaster@catchcarpinfrance.com and I will do what I can to help.
