Angling Lines blog

In my previous article I chose April as the best month for fishing at Oakview in 2009. The summer months were easily the best for the number of runs per angler and obviously for the weather, which was glorious in 2009.

39.08 April Cracker!

So why April in particular?

EXCITEMENT is the word that best sums it up I guess. For a few short weeks every year, a number of factors all come together at the same time. I call it ‘the angler’s magic window’ and it can start to open at any time from mid-March…

•           The winter rainfall has given the lake several complete changes of water and the water quality is at its best

•           The spring breezes help to ensure that oxygen levels remain high

•           The sun is strong enough to warm the banks and the water temperature starts to rise

•           The hunting season (la chasse) is over and the roe deer lead a host of other animals out of hiding

and put on a display for the visitors

•           AND THE CARP GO ON THE FEED.

For the carp, it’s simply a race against nature. They need to eats loads and quickly in order to build up their strength before spawning. For the anglers the magic window opens up on lake records, PB’s and action packed fishing. continue reading…

When’s the best time to fish in France?

Here’s the experiences of one lake owner, Martin Barker at Oakview;

Every angler who fished Oakview in its first year will know that we keep detailed catch reports. So what’s the best time to fish? – well, that depends on what you prefer really. Here’s a month by month account of the fishing:

March If it’s excellent value you are after. First three weeks are half price with a great ferry discount too. Weather is often cold and sometimes wet and windy but you can always retreat inside the luxury lakeside lodge. Fishing – no idea. You would be the first ever anglers to fish here in March. continue reading…

Paul asks;

What month would be best to book for fishing in France?  

I think you could ask this question of 100 people and get a different answer each time. Usually April through to October is the main season.  March and November can be less reliable due to the weather which will affect the water temperatures and consequently the carp feeding patterns.

The best months if you go by popularity are May, June and September. However, most venues genuinely fish well all year. Of course sudden weather changes at any time of year can slow or stop dead the carps willingness to play!  And unfortunately through climate change we have seen some bizarre weather at odd times. I remember distinctly choosing sunny August for a trip to the south of France and it rained heavily non stop all week when usually it would be 30 degrees!

The fish are naturally on the feed as the waters start to warm up so if March is very mild that too can still be a good month. There are so many factors beside the weather as the carp stocks themselves have a big effect as does the size and the depth of the water.  Some lakes take a long time to warm up and others don’t. Drought years can also have a detrimental effect as can too much rain. The elements go on and on.  A lake with a good flow through of river water has less fluctuations in temperature over all and so earlier and later months can be better on this type of lake.

Top tip for picking the months to fish is simply to look at the feedback for the lake you are interested in & you’ll begin to see a pattern of which months the lake performs its best.  On many lakes our feedback goes back for years so you’ll deffinitely begin to see patterns.  This can give you all the confidence you need.

Here at the Angling Lines office we’ll happily answer any questions you have regarding any of the lakes and the pro’s and con’s of booking each one.  All you need to do is ask!

Hope this helps,

Bridget.

I got a great text message from my friend Shaun Harrison to today:

“My favourite week of the Year for catching, been horrible not being able to fish it for the last three years. But made up for it now with a 29lb 15oz and a 35lb 6oz on Surf’nTurf (Note: New bait he’s testing) this morning. Shaun”

First off congrats to Shaun for two cracking carp, wish I’d been there with a camera. Looks like he’s onto another winning bait.

All this got me thinking, this really is the best time to catch our favourite species. Haven’t we all done well at some time at this time of the year? Mr Carp, as masters of their universe, knows only too well that Winter is just around the corner and before no time pickings will be hard.

I often find it odd that there are so many anglers crowding the banks and venues in the summer, yet come autumn, when perhaps the weather and conditions makes it more challenging, rods are hung up for the year and it’s slippers in front of the TV time for the next 6 months.

September and October has indeed been the best time for me since I was a boy. This has been extended somewhat into November since I’ve been in France, but I have always had my PB’s at the backend of the year.

continue reading…

by Bridget Keep

Spring 2008 has left anglers facing some unprecedented high water levels on many lakes and rivers both here and abroad. The rainfall in France, similar to Good old Blighty over the last 3 months, has been high and continual.

So what can we do when faced with more water than we bargained for?

The first thing to remember is the carp are still in the lake and usually still wanting to feed. Whilst sudden influxes of cold water can slow down the carps metabolism, in most cases the water is still overall warming up, with day and night time temperatures picking up as the season goes on. So look to the margins & other shallower water areas where the water is warmest because this is undoubtedly where the carp are likely to be.

continue reading…