Lac de Villedon

100 ACRE CARP FISHING LAKE

If you are looking to catch big carp and are experienced enough to take advantage of one of best kept secrets in carping holidays, then Lac de Villedon could be the ideal venue for you. Located between Poitiers and Limoges, Villedon is around a 6.5 hour drive from Calais. At a distance of around 429 miles (691km) this is a venue for the serious carp angler, one who can appreciate the work involved in catching big carp and who are not afraid to fish larger waters. Although Villedon has a high stock level this is a large lake. It’s not an easy venue so don’t expect the fish to jump out at you, but if you get it right the results can be fantastic!
The lake is stunning with around 100 acres of water stretching for over 1.4mls (2km) and in this water swims some of the best carp you’ll ever see! There are over 1,200 carp with an average weight of 33lb and there are plenty of 60s and 70s to fish for – with the fish growing each year! The Dutch-owned lake is very well known in the carp fishing scene in Holland but it’s only recently that the English carper has become aware of its potential. It’s fame is spreading rapidly and it’s becoming one of the most sought-after venues so if Villedon ticks the boxes for you it’s advisable to book early!

ABOUT THE WATER

Featuring many bays and peninsulas, Villedon’s 100 acres (40.4ha) is fed by a river, a constant source of fresh, aerated water. At the opposite end to the river is a large dam behind which you will find all the facilities that the venue has to offer. We’ll discuss these in depth later but they include a restaurant, sanitation facilities, a tackle shop and accommodation. The lakebed is fairly flat and comprises mainly sand with gravel patches and a covering of silt. There are no notable snags and little weed growth. Depths varies from 2-3m at the river end to around 3-4m at the dam end although some of the bays are only 80cm deep, ideal for stalking. A maximum of 30 anglers can fish each week from 18 swims, several of which are doubles and there are even some large enough for 3 anglers. There are no crayfish, but there is chat on the lake. Please consider this when selecting your type of bait. It should be noted that most of the swims are only accessible by boat.

FISH STOCKS

This is a water that houses some big fish, and they’re growing! The water is drained every two years (it’s called a vidange in France) and this enables the management to check the stock. All the smaller carp are removed and released in the Dutch Mirror Carp Project lakes. During several winters tonnes of pike, silver fish and small carp were removed to allow the main carp stock to grow. It is plain to see that this is a well-managed water where the fish are in prime condition and have been chosen for their looks and growth potential. 
The lake record stands at 72 pounds although this is expected to be broken soon. This fish is an amazing mirror carp that is putting on the pounds month by month. Keep in mind there is poisson chat.

THE SWIMS

There are 15 swims dotted around the lake, most of which are accessed by boat (1 and 21 are accessible by car, swim 20 on foot). With a maximum of 26 anglers fishing this gives each angler approximately 3 acres of water to fish. Most of the swims are doubles but can be booked by a single angler too. There are also some treble swims and some can be booked together for larger groups. Swims 1 to 11 are on the northern bank and swims 12 to 21 on the southern bank. 

FACILITIES

There are always at least 2 people available on site to help you out, both with fishing and other issues and the nearest supermarket is around 25 minutes away. A fresh bread delivery service is available and Villedon itself has some excellent facilities including: 
Restaurant:
Villedon now has a newly-opened restaurant where anglers can while away the hours chatting, having a beer or enjoying a meal. There is a full-time chef and you can even order food from your swim and have it delivered to you for a small fee. There is an extensive menu available (both an anglers menu and a restaurant menu). Reservations can be booked in advance. Both the restaurant and the tackle shop accept credit cards.
Tackle Shop:
At the reception area there is a well-stocked tackle shop selling gear from companies such as Korda and Proline. An extensive range of baits is also available including boilies & pellets. This area also houses showers and toilets. Cold drinks are available for purchase as is fresh bread which can be ordered for collection. A freezer is available for bait storage (max 30kg per angler). You can also hire boats and electric motors from here. There are charging points for electrical equipment available. The shop also sells a range of toiletries, clothing, milk etc.

1. The angler should bring a valid booking confirmation.
2. It’s allowed to fish 24 hrs per day - catch and release
3. Boats are included in the price (safety jackets are on board). Own boats are permitted if they are green/grey. The use of life vests is compulsory wile using the boat. Don't use waders or chest waders in the boat for your safety! Bait boats are allowed if you respect the other anglers. Reeling in fish in the boat is only allowed if the fish is tangled in the marker or snags.
4. Swimming is allowed is you respect the other anglers.
5. Allowed rigs: “carp friendly” rigs (safety bolt rigs), micro barbed hooks (max. size 2) and nylon mainline. The hooklink may be stiff or braided, but should allways be less strong than the main line. Rig tube is ok. No lead core, no Safe Zone Leaders. 30 cm tubing on the mainline is compulsory.
6. Not Allowed: carp sacs, bent hooks, braided mainline, particles. Only pellets and boilies are allowed.
7. 4 Rods per angler. Bivvies and tents should be brown or green.
Each angler should have a big landingnet with a min. size of 90 cm, a big weigh sling and Klinic to desinfect the hook wounds. No need to bring unhooking mats, a large unhooking mat is supplied by Villedon.
8. Fishing is only allowed on the booked swims. Max. 2 marker sticks per person (no other markers allowed).
9. Please return the fish carefully to the water. Unhook the fish in the landing net in the water. No 25kg+ fish on the bank.
10. Marking or steeling fish will be reported immediately to the local Police (Gendarmerie).
11. Caravans and Campers are not allowed because the site is not a Camping. Excessive use of alcohol is not tolerated.
12. Please respect the nature and the tranquillity of the site. Keep clean the sanitary building and the swims. Please separate waste in the designated containers.
13. Dogs are allowed. Open fire is not allowed. The use of gas cookers and barbecues is allowed. 
14. The owner can keep the refundable payment if you don’t respect the regulations
15. Arrival between 13:00h - 16:00h. Departure between 09:00h - 11:00h. 
16. The owner and the bailiff can check the hooklinks at any time.
17. The owner is not responsible for theft, fire, injury or what so ever.
18. Each angler should sign the regulations declaring that he/she accepts them.
19. Not all swims have car access.
20. No particles are allowed in the water. 

Advice for fishing in France can be found HERE.

GPS:
Lat 46.262630462646
Lon 0.824559986591

ADDRESS

Lac de Villedon, Moulin de Villedon, 86430 Asnières-sur-Blour, France

PHONE

00 34 651 377 316

EMAIL

thomas@fishermanholidays.com

WEBSITE

Lake Website

SOCIAL FEEDS