Details of your catches:

This was our second visit to Bears Lake and both times we have been able to catch good numbers, averaging over 35 fish each. The largest being mid 40’s. All of the fish are well kept and provide great sport with good fights to get them to the bank. Grass, common and mirrors the pegs are well placed and provide for a sociable experience with a lovely peaceful outlook.

Your best tactics/bait/rigs:

The best tactic is to listen to Martin, who will give you the best spots and insights to make your trip really enjoyable. We used the bait supplied by Martin so we didn’t have to take any of our own, and simple rigs using either wafted or pop up boilies doing the trick. There was no need for particles or any additives.

Were the facilities what you expected?

The accommodation was really good, 2 good bedrooms, excellent bath room and a small kitchen, although I understand that there are plans to expand the accommodation options over time. There is a cool box available which is really handy to ensure you have plenty of cold drinks on the bank as the venue is a sun trap when the weather is good. The equipment is top of the range with new big pit reels and excellent rods. Bivvies and bed chairs are included in the package as are alarms, rod pods and chairs which means you can really travel light if needed.. as we flew into Limoges Martin also offers a pick up and drop of service which will get you on the bank is super quick time without any hassle

Were you happy with them?

We also opted for the catering package so that we didn’t really need to use the kitchen or worry about shopping. The food that Martin offers is absolutely delicious and huge portions! He is a really accomplished cook and the variety of food was excellent, ranging from chilli, to homemade pies and a brilliant bbq, starting the day with a huge full English really sets you up for day! Martin was also happy to pick up those essential supplies for us (beer mainly!) throughout the week so we could spend more time on the bank.

Would you recommend the venue to a friend?

This is our second visit to Bears Lake and we will be booking again for next year. Anyone who wants to catch lots of fish in a beautiful and peaceful setting while being looked after completely should definitely consider a visit to Bears Lake. We have always flown into Limoges, with the flight taking about 1 1/2 hours but I understand that the drive down from the north is also quite easy.

Would you recommend the services to a friend?

Angling Lines have been fantastic, they are only a phone call away and have always been really helpful, offering impartial advance as a well as taking care of any ferry crossing etc. finding fishing venues in France without them would be that much harder

General Comments:

Lots of great fish, amazing food and a great host all make for a fantastic experience and we are looking forward to returning soon.

Details of your catches:

We caught 25 fish all three of us mirrors, common at smallest was 11lbs to the biggest carp 42lbs, a majority in late 20lb mark, I beat my record twice with a 28 and then a 32lb, the fish were spotless hardly ever a mark on them

Your best tactics/bait/rigs:

Definitely use Martins bait he has as the boilies we took didn't work

Were the facilities what you expected?

Absolutely, the house was amazing and clean and lovely decor, and the shower is lovely too, the lake itself is amazing and is bigger than first thought, the area is lovely and quiet and the views of the stars at night is incredible.

Were you happy with them?

Yes absolutely

Would you recommend the venue to a friend?

Yes indeed

Would you recommend the services to a friend?

Yes

General Comments:

We miss the place already and would loved to have stayed longer. Martin was a lovely bloke and could have a good laugh with, next time we will fly and hire his tackle absolutely as the drive was 13 to 15 hours all in from sw london, we will definitely be back 100 percent.

Details of your catches:

Approx 35 fish including 4 x +40lb. Biggest 46lb 10oz. 10 x 30lb. Reminder being majority high 20lbs.

Your best tactics/bait/rigs:

Plenty of boilies over simple rigs. Majority of our catches were far bank from main pegs under trees. A few from the dam wall.

Were the facilities what you expected?

Yes

Were you happy with them?

Yes, the accommodation was simple but clean and comfortable

Would you recommend the venue to a friend?

Yes

Would you recommend the services to a friend?

Yes

General Comments:

I emailed the owner Martin a few weeks before the trip. Martin made the time to call me on the phone rather than email. He answered all of our pre-holiday questions. Lovely chap and we hit it off from the go. We arrived at the venue and Martin was waiting with a warm welcome. We travelled by car so hired all kit from him. It was all really good kit and more than enough for what we needed. Martin is the kind of host who will give you as much advice and attention as you need but I think he would also leave you alone to your own space if that's what you wanted. Full of tips and venue knowledge. We would suggest using Martin's bait as the fish seemed to love it. We have exchanged numbers and hope to stay in touch. He has a great sense of humour. This was our first fishing holiday and we had the best time. A perfect venue for family with younger fishermen. All completely fenced off and gated and safe. The local area is beautiful but very quiet.

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.