Heron Lake

Les Etangs de l'Abbaye or Abbey Lakes was founded in 1999 by Sébastien Harle d'Ophove who had a unique aim in mind, to create Europe's first angling centre for both carp and catfish.   The complex officially opened it's doors for business during March 2000 and now provides fishermen with a choice of 6 lakes.

Heron was the second carp lake to open on the complex and at 35 acres, it is currently the largest too. Heron is an English carp fisherman's dream, comprising large open areas, smaller channels, an island and several secluded bays where you can tuck yourself away.

There are 22 swims present with a 17 angler limit, again giving everyone the opportunity to move if they want to? The bottom of the lake is also a lot more undulating than in Fox and it is vital to use a marker rod or echo sounder to discover the best features in any given swim! Heron is the weedier of the 2 and in Summer has large beds of canadian pondweed in most areas of the lake, although like Fox, Heron is incredibly deep as opposed to most other commercial fisheries and this still leaves vast areas of the lake clear and allows you to fish over a firm gravel or silt bottom. Heron does not have any issues with signal crayfish, although as is per our other waters, there are numbers of the much smaller European crayfish present, for the most part though, these are so small their pincers can't do much damage to a boilie, although they can whittle one down through the hours of darkness. In terms of stock, , with an average weight somewhere in the region of the upper 30lb mark.

What set Heron apart until recently, was the chance to angle for an absolute monster, Shoulders, the queen of the Lake, which still holds the overall complex record at a staggering 98lb 4oz! Unfortunately, the great fish passed away early in 2016 , Where Fox has emerged as a venue with an excellent average weight of fish, Heron's stocking levels have allowed a different pattern to emerge. Booking a trip here should see regular action from a bigger stock of slightly smaller carp but as already mentioned, with the chance to bag the fish of a lifetime!
The majority of the stock are between 30-40lb, there are also huge numbers of carp in the 50lb bracket. The difference lies in the fact that Heron possesses a staggering amount of 60lb+ fish !! with fish to well over 70lb so if it’s a PB your after then look no further than HERON , Once more there is a head of abnormally large grassies as well as 2 Carp Argente, one of which has become a bit of a local celebrity as he / she regularly gets 'papped' sunning itself over the bar in Peg 14. Why you might ask? Well, it could have something to do with the fact the fish weighs between 120lb-130lb and is quite a sight in the gin clear water!

Details on the other lakes in our complex can be found here:

Fox Lake - 25 Acres
Kingfisher Lake - 32 Acres
Attila Lake - 18 Acres
Wild Boar Lake - 14 Acres
Frog Lake - 4 Acres (exclusive hire only)

1. Maximum of 3 Rods ONLY, unless you have paid the supplement for a 4th!
2. Fishing is only permitted from numbered pegs.
3. a) NO flat or beanie style unhooking mats are to be used, only high-sided ones such as the JRC XL, Chub Xtra protection or Fox STR are to be used.
b) ALL anglers must carry and USE disinfectant to treat EVERY fish caught
4. NO carp sacks - FLOATING retainer style slings ONLY - Fox STR, Chub Eazi-flow, Venture XL, etc..
5. Landing nets must be over 42" in diameter. NO Keep nets to be used at any time.
6. a) ALL carp over 60lb are to be witnessed, weighed and photographed by a member of the Abbey Lakes staff regardless of time.
6. b) ALL carp over 50lb must be photographed over the water and NOT on the bank please.
6. c) All fish caught are to be weighed and photographed IMMEDIATELY and NOT left in a retention sling until the morning.
7. a) ALL Rubbish is to be bagged and tied securely and left in the rubbish hut located between Attila and Heron lake for staff collection!
b) Under NO circumstances are you to dispose of any excess bait in the margins of the lake or in the bushes around your swim!
8. NO nut baits at all are to be used !
9. Anyone found using their surroundings as a toilet will be asked to leave the complex immediately.
10. Strictly NO treble or 'Bent' hooks to be used on ANY of the lakes, for ANY species.
11. Bait boats are permitted BUT care must be taken to ensure you keep within your swim boundaries. Anyone not adhering to this rule will be barred from using their boat immediately.
12. You MUST remove your footwear prior to entering the sanitary block.
13. You MUST clean the shower block EVERY time you finish using it. Anybody found flouting these rules shall be asked to either rectify the situation immediately or will be asked to leave the complex.
14. Leadcore IS permitted.
15. Barbed hooks ONLY! And a minimum of a size 6, a polite suggestion would be to use hooks of size 4 or above!
16. Minimum 15lb breaking strain mainline
17. Absolutely NO fixed leads to be used
18. Absolutely NO spinning for Predators on the complex, Anyone found to be flouting this rule will be asked to leave the complex!!!
19.Other than Kingfisher lake, The use of rowing boats is Forbidden on the complex! If and when the weed level is up on the lakes, you may use a boat to help land fish but must check with a member of staff! We will announce if and when you need to bring a boat over during the summer months on this website and via our facebook page!
20. Maggots can ONLY be used during the WINTER period
21. Metal framed cradles may NOT be used. Only padded mats with padded sides.

Advice for fishing in France can be found HERE.

GPS:
Lat 49.331298828125
Lon 2.708750009537

ADDRESS

Les Etang de l'Abbaye, Ferme de l'abbaye, F-60126 Longueil Sainte Marie, France

PHONE

+33 344 380 866

EMAIL

info@abbeylake.com

WEBSITE

Lake Website

SOCIAL FEEDS