Click here to read the Carpworld article detailing James Harrison’s trip to Croix in 2008

Click here to watch a video on this venue.

For the first time for many years Croix is now available on a drive & survive basis. For the past 8 years it has only been available through fully inclusive trips run by A&J Euro Carp Sessions, but for 2009 A&J have decided to withdraw leaving the venue open to those who’d prefer to drive themselves. It’s around 2½ hours from Calais so the driving is not difficult. The A&J bailiff, Les, will be staying on so you can be assured of excellent advice if it’s your first visit.

Here’s some feedback from the A&J trips which were run in 2008;

"Excellent holiday, all bailiffs of the highest calibre. Good bailiffs couldn't do enough for you to make sure your holiday goes well."
Bob Greyo Sept 08

"Les's cooking was superb! Both Les and kirk very helpful all week. 4th Year being at the venue and the best yet."
Paul Cornish, August 08

"Had a great week at the venue, not the easiest of venues but was just the right level of complexity for a trip abroad as you still have to think to be able to catch the fish! Les and Rob are both top blokes a credit to the company, that make you still think abit about your fishing rather than just telling you everything! Les is a fantastic cook with fantastic food on site far beyond my expectations! Thanks to you both for making my trip worthwhile and enjoyable. - I will be back!" Paul Brown, July 08

"A relaxing and enjoyable week with a good group of lads. The bailiffs-Rob and Les, were always on hand and very helpful with any advice/assistance required. The meals throughout the week were excellent, with a varied menu and the well prepared breakfasts set you up for the day (a special thanks to Les and Rob, and all the A&J Staff for their consideration given towards my brother-in-law, who needed a little extra assistance)."
Barrie Dyer, July 08

You can read more feedback by clicking here.

The lakes are mature sandpits covering around 17 acres in total, excavated in the late 1970’s. There are 3 waters; the 6 acre Croix Blanche, 8 acre Tortue and a 1 acre stock pond (no fishing allowed).

The banks, while quite steep, are grassy with trees around most of the margins. There is weed present, but it's not normally a problem and there are no obvious under water obstacles or snags. The water itself is crystal clear with a bluish taint characteristic of sandpits.

The number of pegs as been kept to a minimum... Croix Blanche has seven, with eight pitches on Tortue. Many of these pegs are cut back into the bank to provide comfortable pitches. Access to the pegs is excellent with a track around the whole property. You're quite welcome to double up in a swim if you wish. The property is entirely closed with a secure fence around the whole perimeter.

Show me some pictures of the lake. 

Show me a sketch map of the lake. 

There is a good shower and toilets on the complex and you can get fresh water from the kitchen or by the toilets at the far end of the lakes. The bailiff, Les, is on-site 24 hours a day to give you help and advice if you want it, so basically all you need to do is fish. But of course, if you'd prefer he'll be happy to leave you alone for the whole week - it's your holiday, it's up to you!

Show me some pictures of the facilities  

Les is an excellent cook, as the feedback will testify, and the optional food package includes breakfast and evening meals. They can be taken back to your swim or you can come to the dining area adjacent to the kitchen - whichever you prefer. There is a lunch and dessert menu if you fancy a midday snack, or maybe just a Mars Bar - they're always available (these items are chargeable).

Food package price - £100

If you book the food package you will be asked to pay a 10% deposit to Angling Lines and the balance to the lake in Euros when you arrive. Please note that due to fluctuations in the exchange rate the balance you pay when you arrive may not equate exactly to the remaining 90% in £’s sterling – it may be slightly more or less due to a change in the exchange rate.

Show me a sample menu from the venue.

The initial stocking of carp into the lake was carried out by the original owner in the early nineties and consisted of 250 two to three year-old carp. By the time the current owner purchased the pits with a view to transforming them into a carp fishery, the largest of these carp had topped 44lb, with an estimated 60 fish remaining from this first stocking.

During 1999, 2000 and 2002 a large number of carp were stocked into both of the lakes as part of a progressive fish management programme on the venue. Commons and mirrors were purchased from a number of French fish farmers, their average weight at the time of stocking being 15lb to 30lb. Catfish to 55lb and Grass carp were stocked into the Tortue lake also.

These fish have thrived in the waters, gaining weight very rapidly due to the rich environment and regular feeding with quality carp bait and pellets and they’ve grown on to make an impressive head of big carp. The largest to date, one of the original fish from the 1990 stocking, topped 76lb, but unfortunately this fish died in 2008. However, each lake still has well over 150 carp to over 50lb, with the largest caught in 2008 topping 60lb. Other species include Wels catfish to over 85lb (present in both lakes), grass carp to 40lb plus, tench, bream, crucian carp, roach, rudd, pike and perch. A scan of the feedback pages shows exactly what you can expect to catch at the lakes.

In line with good fishery management the stocking policy continues to ensure Croix maintains its position as one of the premier waters in France and the owner will continue to introduce fish over 20lb progressively into the main lakes from the stock pond. Around 70 mid twenties are planned to arrive in November 2008 and these will be moved across from the stock pond into the lakes during the 2009 season.

Show me some recently caught fish. 

Click here to read customer feedback from this venue.

Some dates are available out of season - from £220 per angler including ferry. Interested? Give us a call.

Visit this lake 2 (or more) times in 2009 & get a 10% discount on the return visits!

Conditions:

• Applies to fishing only (excludes accommodation, food, bait etc)
• Applies to ferry crossing for vehicle only (excludes trailers, cabins etc)
• Members of a group booking who have not visited twice will not be eligible for the discount.