Iktus - Come and do battle with Greek Giants
by Gareth Watkins
While angling may not be an Olympic sport the most recent signing to the Angling Lines portfolio ‘Iktus’ will certainly give you the chance to tackle the leviathans.
Most of the commercial sites in France are relatively small and over stocked pools, this venue on the other hand is a large majestic piece of water set in the shadow of the French Pyrenees, near the town of Pau. The carp lake is some 85 acres in size and nearly 2 miles, with depths from 1m to 10m. It is crammed with carp including loads of thirties, forties and some fifties to over 55lb as well as giant catfish and sturgeon. It will offer a challenge to the angler looking for more than a small lake but perhaps not wanting to tackle the likes of St Cassien, Salagou or the Orient.
I arrived at the venue for my first look around and was welcomed by the owner Jérémy Fournier. It was pouring with rain but the lake that stretched out in front of me was breath taking!! In fact there are two lakes the first smaller lake is given over to trout fishing; but it is the second and larger lake that interests us.
After a brief tour of the extremely impressive reception, tackle shop, restaurant and conference centre that has been constructed on site, it was off for a quick tour of the venue in Jérémy’s pick up. Now this is not a venue where you will feel cramped in.. there are only 13 swims on the whole 85 acres so your nearest neighbour will never be on top of you.
The banks vary from wooded areas to sloping grassy banks. You’ll have ample room to set up camp. There is a track that goes around the whole perimeter of the venue. 
Judging by the fish stocks Jérémy has added and the original fish in the venue, it really does offer the chance of some very large fish as well as the possibility of bagging a few as well.
My tour ended with the accommodation which is near the entrance to the lakes, which can be hired separately from the fishing. These luxury units have kitchen, toilets and showers and can sleep up to four to six people.
Finally the venue has a top class restaurant in the main building. It sells bar meals at lunch time and proper French style sit down food in the evening. If you want to treat yourself to some excellent cuisine I can recommend this place. I ate there with my 12 years old son and it certainly got his approval.
This is a fabulous venue, top notch accommodation and some stunning fish. If the drive down puts you of you can fly to Pau and get free airport pick up. Your tackle can be hired on site.
For more info and booking details go to our main website: www.anglinglines.com
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Posted: November 12th, 2008 under Venue News.
Comments: 2
“Most French commercial sites are relatively small and overstocked pools”
Yep, and that is why they are so popular ! After struggling on understocked/overfished lakes in the UK, not many people would want to spend a weeks holiday doing the same thing, I guess 99% of those coming to France would agree ! Of course there are those who will risk a blank week for the chance of a huge fish from a big lake, but having tried it myself I would not reccommend it !
Hi John,
For once I find myself disagreeing with you. The lake in question is a fabulous venue, 85 acres with some really good fish… a superb setting!!
I’ve tried a few of the big French lakes, notably the Orient and have to say my most memorable sessions have been on these venues, where you have to work for every fish, really want to catch.
I see very little challenge in a small stock pond type water. I know people do enjoy these venues and I don’t judge them at all for that, and for the very reasons you cite, (we do after all provide this type of venue for holiday anglers) but it just doesn’t ring my bell… I want a challenge in my fishing, something that makes me think. If it’s too easy I get bored. Each to their own.
cheers
Gareth