La Botte

La Botte is our best big fish runs water on the Domaine de Goncourt complex. The lake has an incredible amount of big carp swimming in it with some incredible catch reports each week.

The lake has already seen a few changes not only with the size of the fish but also with a perimeter roadway around the lake and  new shower and toilet facilities in 2018.

La Botte is a 35 acres landscaped gravel pit with a large central island offering each angler a very different area to fish to from their chosen swim. The lake can be booked on either an exclusive basis or by individual anglers giving everyone the opportunity of fishing this incredible fishery which is sure to stay a firm favourite with the army of anglers already fishing it. The Lake contains some very large carp with at least 1 common carp at 66lb 8oz with another 3 60’s to back this up, at least 35 fish over 50lb  and well over 120 40lb fish as backup to the already impressive stock. While you are waiting for these to make an appearance there are over 300 30’s which allow you to have plenty of rod bending action during your stay on La Botte. The current common carp and lake record stands at 62lb 8oz. 

La Botte suits all types of angler from the angler requiring action throughout the week catching the numerous 30’s that inhabit the lake right up to the seasoned specimen angler looking to break their personal best. La Botte contains some very large common carp which are targeted by everyone fishing the lake. 

The lake also contains Grass Carp to 50lb, Koi Carp to 30lb+, Pike to 30lb+, Catfish to 183lb and Sturgeon to over 60lb. La Botte is a great venue to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the Champagne region and get a bend in your rod which just maybe a new PB.

The use of boats are permitted but you must use a life jacket at all times. Bait boats are also allowed on this water.
The lake also contains a true character in the form of one of  the two resident sturgeon called “Ricky”. For the anglers who have already fished La Botte he needs no introduction but for those who haven’t, well lets just say I’m sure you will get to know him by the end of the week while you are fishing the lake. 

All the facilities you will need are available within the lakes grounds with toilet and shower block near the entrance to the lake. There is also a lodge, which has kitchen facilities plus fridge and freezers to make sure that you bait is kept fresh during your stay on the complex. 

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

Charlie Lake - 24 Acres
JB Lake - 40 Acres
King Lake - 15 Acres
Pascale Lake - 7 Acres 
Robin Lake - 14 Acres
Les Saules - 9 Acres
La Traque - 12 Acres
Woods Lake - 20 Acres 

Domaine de Goncourt does not allow the use of any type of nuts on the complex. This includes commercially prepared nuts and particles. This decision has been taken on a fish welfare basis along with poorly prepared nuts and particles by anglers that have been used in the past. If we find anyone using nuts on the complex then the whole group will be asked to stop fishing and leave the complex. No refund will be given due to this rule being broken by the a party member.

1, All anglers must meet at the lake you have book no earlier than 12.00pm on the Saturday of arrival. Cars must NOT be parked in front of any farm gates or block any road access on the complex. Departure time is 10am on Saturday and all anglers must have left the complex by this time. Pascale will arrive before 10am. You must not go onto any of the lakes before 12pm.
2, No anglers will be allowed on the lake before 12pm.
3, Maximum of 4 rods allowed except on La Traque where only 3 are allowed.
4, Minimum breaking strain of line is 12lb. We recommend 15lb and above due to the size of the fish.
5, Maximum hook link breaking strain to be 25lb.
6, No lead core or leaders of any kind allowed on the complex.
7, A lead safety system to be used at all times. No fixed leads allowed.
8, Barbless or micro barbed hooks only. No hooks allowed larger than a size 2.
9, No bent hooks allowed on the complex.
10, Adequate unhooking mats are are required and also a water bucket must be available at all times to keep the fish wet while out of the water.
11, No sacking of fish at anytime.
12, We would ask that the fish kept out of the water for the minimum time possible.
13, Anyone found marking fish will be liable under French law for prosecution.
14, It is advised you have a fish care kit available. We recommend good Koi care products such as NT Labs Wound Seal and Ulcer Swab.
15, No braided mainline allowed. Braided lines are available for use when fishing for catfish only. This will only be allowed when using live or dead baits.
16, ALL NUTS are banned within the Domaine de Goncourt complex. ONLY PARTICLES PURCHASED FROM DOMAINE DE GONCOURT ARE ALLOWED TO BE USED ON THE COMPLEX.  WE DO NOT ALLOW ANY OTHER PARTICLES ON THE COMPLEX FROM ANY SUPPLIERS.16, (a) No shelf life Boilies to be used on Domaine de Goncourt, only fresh Boilies allowed.
17, All unwanted bait to be either taken home or put into the unwanted bait bin at the end of the week. This will be used during the winter months as a supplement to pellet feed that is used. PLEASE DO NOT THROW UNWANTED BAIT INTO THE MARGINS.
18, No rods to be left unattended at anytime.
19, All boats are used at you own risk. You must bring your own life jackets and these must be worn at all time while you using the boat. Failure to comply to this rule will mean that all the boats will be removed from the lake for that week.
20, Bait boats are allowed.
21, The cutting of trees and bank side vegetation is not allowed.
22, No climbing trees, or removal of branches allowed.
23, No litter to be left on the lake. The swims will be checked before departure.
24, Recycling bags must be used in conjunction with the leaflet supplied on arrival.
25, Toilets must be used in all circumstances.
26, No dogs allowed on the lakes. Dogs may be allowed on request to Domaine de Goncourt management. Owners must clean up after their animals in all cases.
27, We would ask that noise is kept to a minimum whilst on the lakes. Loud music and excessive drinking will not be tolerated.
28, No swimming in the lake.
29, No open fires or ground BBQ's.
30, Any anglers found to be breaking the rules will be asked to leave the complex and will forfeit any monies paid.
31, Children must be accompanied by their parents at all times.
32, The party leader is responsible for all loss or damage that may occur during his/her stay on Domaine de Goncourt lakes. On receipt of booking confirmation it is accepted that these rules have been read and will adhered to by all parties concerned.
33, We at Domaine de Goncourt expect all our anglers and none anglers (paid guests) to behave to the highest standard while visiting the complex. We reserve the right to take appropriate action to any person/persons that have not complied with the rules or terms and conditions set out by the owner.
34, The owner of Domaine de Goncourt lakes accept no responsible for injury, loss, theft, fire or damage to any persons or property owned by the party concerned.
35, Non angling guests, wives, girlfriend and partners are allowed and will be charged at the rate set out when the booking is made. All non angling guests will also have to pay €10 for recycling while on the complex.
36, Last rule of the lakes. Please come and enjoy yourself, you're on holiday!

Advice for fishing in France can be found HERE.

GPS:
Lat 48.669700622559
Lon 4.647319793701

ADDRESS

Domaine De Goncourt, 2 Rue Goncourt, 51300 Matignicourt-Goncourt, France

PHONE

+33 6 14 46 49 07

EMAIL

goncourtfishingltd@gmail.com

WEBSITE

Lake Website

SOCIAL FEEDS