Details of your catches:

We'd had a very busy year so just wanted somewhere nice to relax and do a spot of fishing. Bears lake fit the requirements perfectly. The apartment was quiet and allowed my partner to sit back and do some reading. The large TV was great to connect to my lads Nintendo Switch. The lake was stunning and allowed me to chill out and catch some nice carp in beautiful surroundings. I had 12 carp and lost one just fishing short day sessions. I caught commons of 11, 23, 23, 24 and 30.8lb. And I caught mirrors of 22, 29.8, 29.14, 37.8, 43(twice) and 43.10lb. I probably could of caught more than this if I had moved about a bit but I was quite happy to relax and fish my spots. With flat calm sunny days and cold starry nights the weather was not the best and a lot of fish had been out the week prior to us arriving. Fishing had slowed but I still caught ample stunning carp.

Your best tactics/bait/rigs:

I fished simple running clips with coated braid slip d rigs utilising either a single bottom bait or snowman presentations. Feeding RG Baits vitalac boilies over the top, little and often.

Were the facilities what you expected?

The cottage was stunning and had everything you needed for a weeks fishing. It was a little rough around the edges as Martin the owner(a very pleasant and hospitable chap - sound guy!) had only just bought the house but he was aware and on with what needed doing. The local area is very quite but the Intermarche at Nontron can supply you with plenty of decent food for the week. We also visited the Grotte de Villars caves and garden, these were spectacular and very reasonably priced - well worth a trip.

Were you happy with them?

Yes, the facilities were good enough for us.

Would you recommend the venue to a friend?

Yes, I would definitely recommend Bears lake to a friend. Beautiful location with some stunning carp.

Would you recommend the services to a friend?

Yes, I would definitely recommend Angling Lines Services to a friend and have done on many occasions. This is the 7th trip with Angling Lines and have been pleased with all of them. Top angling service!

General Comments:

Bears lake is a little gem.

Details of your catches:

There were two of us fishing for the week, fishing from the middle swim, one fishing towards the dam wall end and one towards the shallower end. In total we caught 51 fish, carp up to 45lb and also a catfish of 45lb. All fish were in excellent condition with a varied catch of common and mirror carp.

Your best tactics/bait/rigs:

Nothing overly complicated. We used lead clip set up when fishing towards the dam wall as the bottom was siltier and more leaf debris. We used an inline lead set up on the shallower harder areas. Shorter hook links seemed to be better. We simply found spots and regularly spread boilies around. We initially caught during the day however once they became aware of our presence we mainly caught during the night. Stalking off the dam wall during the day when the spots were quiet was very productive.

Were the facilities what you expected?

Facilities were excellent. We stayed in our bivvy however we had the use of the apartment in the house which was extremely clean and well equipped. This had two bedrooms with one double bed and 2 singles, kitchen, lounge area and bathroom, all very comfortable. Freezer space was available along with fridge which had been stocked with complimentary water, soft drinks and some beer which was a really lovely touch. Nothing was too much trouble for Martin the host. He was always on hand if we needed anything. Martin gave us our own privacy even though he lives on site. We questioned why he hadn’t joined us for a beer however he was respectful of the fact we were a couple and provided us our privacy. However I have no doubt he would join a group of guys fishing for some banter and a beer! Martin is very laid back, he was happy to leave us to our own devices but would happily share any advice and support if required. Martin’s main focus is to ensure you have a really good time and fully enjoy your time at the lake. The lake is extremely quiet and tranquil with no light pollution, it gets very dark at night with amazing views of the stars!!!! We didn’t use the food package however judging by previous comments and the conversations with Martin we would seriously rethink this next time! Having the accommodation is a great asset to the Lake especially for anyone fishing with family that would like a little bit of luxury or in bad weather which provides some additional comfort particularly for winter fishing.

Were you happy with them?

Extremely happy with everything.

Would you recommend the venue to a friend?

We would definitely recommend Bears Lake to anglers that would like to fish an easier water with a good stock of quality carp. Fishing from one swim wasn’t a problem as the fish moved around, unlike some other waters where you may need to chase the fish. We didn’t feel the need to change swims during the week as the fish moved between the shallower and deeper water. Although there are no doubt similar sized lakes closer to Calais we felt travelling the extra distance was worthwhile for the larger catch rate and quality of fish. Lakes closer to Calais are likely to be more heavily fished and potentially not providing you the quantity of catch and the quality of fish that you will achieve here.

Would you recommend the services to a friend?

Yes definitely. We had to make a couple of changes to the ferry times and they were very obliging and efficient. We were kept well informed throughout the booking process.

General Comments:

We travelled with our dog Coco which was a first experience for us. Bears Lake is fenced all the way round and we found it to be very secure. Martin was very laid back and accommodating of Coco, we felt comfortable to allow her to be off lead during our stay.

Details of your catches:

We had a over 40 carp and 1 catfish. We didn't fish nights, bringing the rods in around midnight and starting again at first light. We had 9 x 30s, 2 x 40s and the rest were mainly mid to high 20s.

Your best tactics/bait/rigs:

Fishing to the far margin with a constant scattering of boilies to keep the fish feeding. We also had some success stalking along the dam wall with single hook-baits over pellet. We used the boilies sold on site which seemed very good quality. Rigs were kept simple.

Were the facilities what you expected?

The apartment in the house was perfect. The kitchen had everything you needed. There was a fridge with freezer compartment in the apartment and a larger fridge/freezer than could be used in storeroom of the house. We hired bivvies and bed-chairs which were great and saved us space in the car.

Were you happy with them?

Yes, very! Martin (the owner) was very helpful and gave us advice when needed. He lives on-site but left us to get on with things but made it very clear he was there if we needed anything.

Would you recommend the venue to a friend?

yes

Would you recommend the services to a friend?

yes

General Comments:

There was also shops we could go to for supplies around a 15mins drive away. Overall a great trip at a very pretty lake. Good average size of fish and not too hard to catch. It was just what we were looking for!

Details of your catches:

27 fish to 43lb

Your best tactics/bait/rigs:

Simple rigs using Martins Boilies fished tight to the trees opposite.

Were the facilities what you expected?

Very nice apartment with everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Were you happy with them?

Absolutely

Would you recommend the venue to a friend?

Yes

Would you recommend the services to a friend?

Always do

General Comments:

A great peaceful weeks fishing Only fished days & lost a couple of days due to torrential rain so overall was very happy with my catch rate. Martin is a great host & eager to help if needed Hopefully will be back in 2025