Click here to read a Carpworld article on this venue

Click here to watch a video on this venue.

If you’re looking for a challenge, somewhere that really gives you the chance to test your angling skills then look no further than Island Lake... it’s a real favourite with our serious specimen hunters. The fish certainly don’t give themselves up easily but the rewards are definitely there to be had. Look at this feedback;

"Had the lake record at 59.08 plus another 50+, 1 x 48, 1 x 47, 1 x 46, 1 x 45. Not a runs water but two fish of this size don't come along often. A once in a lifetime experience!"
Simon Webb, September 2008

"55lb mirror, 46lb mirror, 41lb common, 37lb mirror. Island Lake is an excellent venue if you are prepared to work for your fish. The lake is weedy but if you fish sensibly this is not a problem. I only caught 4 fish during the week, but the average size works out to nearly 45lb... so numbers caught doesn't matter."
Pat Gillet, August 2008

"Great lake , great fishing. Not a runs water but a big fish venue. Already got my next year’s trip booked!"
Mike Petford, May 2008

And this feedback is by no means exceptional – click here to read more.

The lake is over 30 years old and set in 35 acres of beautiful woodland, lying close to the River Seine. It’s a 3.5 hour drive from Calais and only 45 minutes from Paris and Euro Disney - a real bonus for non-angling partners. It really is a carp anglers dream – you look at it and just want to fish it. It’s challenging fishing but the rewards are definitely there if you are prepared to put the work in. In no way could anyone describe Island Lake as an artificial commercial water – this is the real thing!

Show me a video of this venue.

It's around 20 acres for a maximum of 10 anglers and it is possible to book the lake exclusively. The banks have been left as natural as possible but carefully cut into it are 14 swims, several being double, with a wooden cabin in each swim.  A track around the lake makes easy access for vehicles to every swim.  

The swim cabins on one side of the lake all have electric to them with the remaining cabins planned for electricity by the end of 2008. They are equipped with two single beds, a bedside cabinet and gas heater. Outside there's a terrace area with a pub-style wooden bench and parasol. However, the cabins are not accommodation standard - more designed to give anglers shelter in bad conditions and somewhere to store tackle. If you take a non-fishing partner and they are expecting accommodation they could be disappointed.

There are two clean shower and toilet blocks on site. The swims which are furthest from the shower block are provided with a mountain bike to make the trip a little quicker… but of course you could always be lazy and take the car! The site does not receive mains water but does have electric installed to the shower block. Currently water is pumped from professionally constructed fresh water bore holes. It can sometimes have a cloudy appearance and cannot be considered as drinking water so we recommend you buy bottled water from the local supermarket.

The lake is fairly weedy so strong tackle is required.  Poisson chat can be a problem in some of the swims in the summer months - be prepared to net your baits or use particles.  Boats are available on-site and bait boats are also allowed.

Show me more pictures of the lake.

Show me some pictures of the facilities.

Show me a map of the lake.

The current owners, Tommy & George Young, purchased Island Lake in 2003. Before then it had been unfished for many years, allowing the original fish to grow to an incredible size – the first few sessions produced carp to just under 50lb. Recent additional stockings means it now has a stock of around 200 mirrors and commons, the vast majority being over 25lb... in fact the lake contains more 30's than it does 20's! There's a very good head of 40's and most weeks see several fish of this size on the bank. In 2008 there were at least 8 x 50lb+ fish landed, culminating in the lake record mirror of 59.08 caught in September 2008.

When Island received a consignment of 30 new fish in 2006, Angling Lines were there with the video camera to film the event. Many of these fish are now the real biggies coming out.

Click here to see a short video of the stocking.

Show me more carp.

So if you’re looking for a session on a well stocked specimen lake, with a bit more comfort than just a bivvy, then Island Lake could be for you.

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.