*New for 2019*

Birchwater is a stunning 16 acre lake situated just below Limoges. You will find 6 comfortable swims for a maximum of 6 anglers. The lake holds hard fighting carp carp to just over 50lb, with a good head of carp at 25lb+. 

The anglers facilities are very impressive and if you opt for drive and survive everything you need is provided for a comfortable trip. There is a superb spacious covered social area for BBQ'ing and food packages are available too. All this combined make it the perfect set up for a social with friends. 

There is also optional boathouse accommodation, sleeping four, right on the edge of the lake which really has the wow factor.

Whether you're a small group of anglers looking for drive and survive or you are looking to take non-angling family and friends too then this is the venue for you. The boathouse comes with its own private swim (for up to two anglers) directly in front. 

The owners purchased this lake in 2004, having immediately fallen in love with the tranquility of the site. Since then they have created the perfect balance of comfort and modernity, whilst also preserving the natural feel of the venue - this is a top class French carp fishing lake.

"Birchwater is possibly the most atmospheric and beautiful lake I've had the pleasure to fish in France. The fishing was terrific."

Mike Linstead, May '19

This 16 acre French carp fishing lake was originally dug and dammed in the 1930’s. It sits on the outskirts of a small French village with adjoining farmland.  The depth varies from shallows to 12ft at the dam wall and the bottom is varied having areas of rock, gravel, sand, clay and silt. 

It is fed by 3 streams and several springs, keeping a good oxygen level over the hot and drier months of summer.

There are parking spots where vehicles need to be kept, however in dry conditions you can drive to your swims to load and unload gear at the start and end of the trip.  In the wet we will provide transport for your equipment.

There are 5 swims on the lake plus the boathouse accommodation & its dedicated swim for up to two anglers.  They are mostly bark covered and some are large enough to double up.  

There is a small population of crayfish, as with many lakes in France, but these have not caused any issues for anglers. However, it is always best to go prepared just in case - we recommend taking shrink wrap for your hookbaits. 

More information on the swims:

The Boathouse (only available with the accommodation)

If you are fishing here you will have the best view possible of the entire lake so should be able to see signs of the carp.  It is also a prime spot for intercepting their  movements as the lake narrows and an easy cast can get you to any of the spots favoured by the fish.  Close in is a fair depth with a mix of sandy and silty bottom which becomes softer further out.  A longer chuck will get you on to the firmer margin on the far side.

Rocks 

So called for the underground terrain.  Whilst excavating the land the owners had to dig out some mighty big stones, which were used to create the swim.  So don’t go expecting to get your banksticks in here; best use the pod. 

'Rocks' is at one end of the dam and the lakebed here reflects the name with a few boulders around on a firm sandy base that slopes off to silt a bit further out.  The carp love feeding on the areas where the two meet.

Birches 

'Birches' is at the entrance to the top bay where the fish enjoy soaking up the sun and feeding in the silt.  To the left the same drop off as the 'Rocks' can be fished further along its length and a large body of deeper water in front of the dam.  Close in to the right, as the margin drops away, has produced some of the best fish.

The Oaks 

Here a bait boat doesn’t go amiss for dragging your lines out to the tree lined margin on the far side.  The strip of sandy/clay bottom between the trees and the silt is a favourite spot for the lake's residents often producing the commons, why? we have no idea.  The area at 10-20m out can also be super-productive especially in the mornings as the carp patrol around looking for breakfast. *Please note, this swim is only available to fish if the boathouse swim is not occupied on the opposite side of the lake.

The Island

This swim gets its name from a small island that marks the direction of an inlet.  Plenty of varying depth and bottom types here.  Choose from hard gravely, firm clay or silt as spots to place your baits.  Also within reach from here is the start of the causeway - a sunken track-like line of rocky hard bottom, quite shallow, that runs diagonally across the lake.  We think it may once have been a lane that crossed the site before the lake was created.

Dead Tree

A very dead Alder tree to the left of the swim overhangs a margin along which the carp love to patrol.  Stopping to feed  there they sometimes hole up in hot weather under the big Birch to the right.  A short cast out in front will get a bait to the edge of the causeway or the silty channel of the inlet stream.

Stumps

The stumps are no longer there in force but this area attracts a lot of fish and is the shallowest of the lake.  However don’t be put off, the fish love getting up there and in good numbers too.  When they spawn, around March time usually, it’s here they come to do it.

The lake has been fished only very lightly over the last decade or so. However, as you can see in the photo gallery, a lake netting showed there is a stock of approximately 180 carp between 15lb and 50lb+, with a good head of carp over 25lb. There are a further 100 carp being stocked in the winter of 2019 - with 19 already in (see the latest news section) and the rest going in early February.

There is also one catfish, which weighed approximately 85lb at the last lake netting.  

All this combined means some fantastic fishing on a lake that has seen little angling pressure in the past. 

The facilities here for anglers are nothing short of excellent. You also have the option of hiring the lakeside boathouse accommodation, which sleeps four. This comes with its own private swim directly in front of the terrace.

Drive and Survive Anglers 
You will find a modern toilet and hot shower, alongside a kitchen area with fridge/freezer, a separate chest freezer for bait, sink, power points, area to prepare meals etc. These facilities sit approximately 200m from the lake.

For your convenience you will also find a compost loo and wash basin at the lakeside along with a covered area for eating/socials - this provides space for up to 10 people to sit and eat comfortably. 

Optional Boathouse Accommodation
This unique cabin has been recently renovated with care and taste. Perfect for a couple with the one double bedroom, but the property can sleep up to four thanks to a comfortable sofa-bed downstairs.

It is equipped with a kitchen (oven, fridge, electric plate, coffee maker, kettle) and a bathroom (toilet, sink, shower). The double bedroom is in the attic with access by a ladder (see photos).

From the living room is the balcony with an incredible lake view and access to the terrace with garden furniture and barbecue. You have your own private swim for fishing just to the front of the terrace, this accommodates up to two anglers.

The cabin is insulated, heated (electric and wood stove) and has double-glazed windows for your stays out of summer.

The Area
You'll find this venue mid road between Limoges, Brive and Perigueux, at the gateway to the Dordogne. An incredible area for sights and scenery away from the fishing, making it the ideal venue to take non-angling partners too.

If you have any questions regarding the food packages, or wish to place an order, please contact the owner direct. Their email address & phone number can be found on the 'Info Pack' in your Customer Area once your holiday is booked.

Birchwater has a couple of food package options available for a minimum of 3 persons.  Breakfast and dinner can be served at the waterside or by the the kitchen facilities.  Lunch baguettes are served waterside. 

Below are some examples of the dishes served.  Please let us know in advance of any special dietary requirements. 

Breakfast  Baps filled with egg, bacon and sausage. Tea and coffee. 

Lunch  Baguette filled with either cheese, pate, ham and salad.

Evening Meals 

Starters

Oeufs Cocottes (eggs baked with cream) with crusty bread
Tomato salad
Soup of the season with fresh bread
Onion & goats cheese tarts
Smoked salmon souffle 

Mains

Spaghetti carbonara/bolognaise
Lasagne & salad
Burger & chips & salad
BBQ turkey kebab/sausage & merguez, baked spud, salad, coleslaw
Steak & mushroom pie, carrots & french beans
Roast pork & cassolet
Home made pizza
Wood oven cooked chicken with dauphinoise potatoes & veg 

Desserts

Caramalised pinapple sautee with rum
Profiteroles with chocolate sauce
Fruit crumble
Apple pie & custard
Salted caramel and popcorn pots
‘Pain au chocolat’ bread and butter pudding

The full package consists of breakfast, lunch and evening meals. You can opt for breakfast and evening meals only for €125.