Oakview Lake Reviews

All of these 5 stars are for real - you'll find the exact same hand-written versions on the bookshelf in the lodge.

Absolutely ecstatic
By Allan Lofty on 22 July 2011

Thank you for such a wonderful venue, the chalet is fantastic, kitchen beautifully equipped and the shower is superb. We would also like to thank you for all your help, providing us with your bicycles and information on the lovely ride along the river, we had a great time there. Kath and I thought UGH! A fishing holiday – we thought we would be in a French Asylum by the Monday, but the holiday came to an end far too quickly, we really enjoyed the complex with all the wonderful wildlife and flora.
The boys thought this was the best by far venue that they had been to in France, and although not that big a catch, the fish they had were in superb condition and gave them a run for their money. All in all the holiday was absolutely lovely. We enjoyed our chats with you both and found you to be really lovely people. We hope the venue continues to prosper as now the girls like it here we hope to be able to arrange a return trip next year. Fondest felicitations, Aaron + Kath + Allan + Linda xx
Allan 3 Mirrors - 34lb, 25lb 4oz and 25lb 2oz, Aaron 1 mirro 26lb 1oz. Only did daytime fishing we did no night fishing. Absolutely ecstatic, lovely hot showers and well equipped kitchenette + cleanliness of the chalet was superb.
This is a beautiful natural looking lake where all fish are in mint condition.
By Dave Seed on 15 July 2011

Fabulous lake, and superb hosts who made us very welcome (nothing was too much trouble). Despite difficult climatic conditions for the time of the year the lake produced excellent fishing. This is a beautiful natural looking lake where all fish are in mint condition. We will endeavour to come back one day.
Thanks for a great week x19 Mirror Carp Ranging from 19lb 4oz to 31lb 8oz Including 31lb 8oz PB (Jackie) and 29lb 8oz PB (Andy).
An excellent venue
By Mick Jones on 8 July 2011

Congratulations to Martin for being an excellent host - cook - and errand boy! A thoroughly relaxing holiday for the two non-angling wives - Looking forward to returning next year. 1 - Common, 7 Mirrors 23lb to 30lb.
The amenities are unsurpassed in numerous years of fishing in France.
By Ray Barnes on 1 July 2011

The amenities are unsurpassed in numerous years of fishing in France. The accommodation has everything an angler or holiday maker could want. Martin and Shirley couldn't have made us more welcome and are always on hand if required, but never intrusive. If you are a member of the group of small minded people who believe size is everything - look elsewhere! This is a venue for people who like quality (and fish to 44lbs are by no means small).

The picturesque setting and beautiful lake are second only to the fish in it. Every fish was in stunning condition and fought magnificently. 1 angler fished days only and 2 anglers fished 6 nights. Total catch was 24 carp (mirrors and commons)average size 25lbs. Moss had the most fish with 14 to 31lb 12oz. Bob's catch included the best fish, a 35lb mirror. Ray had the best moment when he landed a 26lb 8oz mirror to order for the film crew!
This is no ordinary lake, this is an M & S lake
By Bob Carey on 24 June 2011

Martin & Shirley helped us out a lot as usual. This lake is not a hard lake to fish. It's lovely to wake up mornings and find it in front of you. This is no ordinary lake, this is a M & S lake. I found it a bit tougher than last year but always a challenge. The weather was very very hot most days. Fish didn't show much during the hot weather.
11 Carp. 10 x Mirror, 1 x Common from 20lb to 31lb 4oz.
Once again a glorious week at Oakview
By Bob Carey on 17 June 2011

This is our 4th visit. Martin & Shirley very helpful as always and can't do enough for us. Had to contend with my brother-in-law this time and our daughter Alicia. The sun didn't quite shine enough for Alicia but she went home brown.
Ray didn't quite make the 30lb mark so had to hand me 20 Euros. He says he will be back next year to win it back. We will see? 17 Fish from 20lb to 31lb 8oz.
Factilities exceeded our expectations - Marks 15 out of 10
By Vic Priest on 10 June 2011

The weather was very variable during our week with sunshine, showers (some very heavy) and brisk winds. In spite of the fishing being slow, our disappointment was made up by the lake settings and the concern of our hosts for our comfort and well being.
Top marks and we hope to return again soon. 2 mirror carp at 25lb 12oz and 25lb (fishing days only).
It's always a pleasure to fish at Oakview, and this trip was no exception.
By Mick Haynes on 3 June 2011

A great weeks fishing in wonderful surroundings. Will be back next year. Over 1,200lb of fish! Fishing mostly days only 5 x 30's.... 39 x 20's... 9 doubles (15 - 20).
Good food, good weather & good company
By Paul Shaw on 27 May 2011

Fishing not as prolific as previous visits. That aside we have had another excellent week of good food, good weather & good company. Many thanks again to Shirley & Martin/ 2 x Commons 15 & 25lb 6 x Mirrors 19 to 26lb 6oz
Very friendly helpful hosts
By Mark Worlsey on 20 May 2011

A very restful and relaxing holiday. Even the fishing rods had a rest. Great venue with everything you need and very friendly helpful hosts. No catches - fish spawning.
Martin and Shirley perfect hosts and very helpful
By John Hillson on 13 May 2011

Martin and Shirley perfect hosts and very helpful. Shame about the lack of fish caught. We may come back at a different time of year next time. 2 Mirrors (27lb & 21lb).
Special thanks for the amazing food package!!
By Phil Calladine on 6 May 2011

Excellent holiday for people who fish and those who don't. The lake, accommodation and food all first class. Return visit - making arrangements for next visit!!. 8 mirror carp. 25lb to 32.5lb. All excellent condition.
Great venue, great hosts.
By Steve Nichols on 29 April 2011

Very impressive to create venue from scratch - especially as non-anglers. Fish were moody. Fished days only. Highlight was both playing a 30 at the same time on Friday morning. Christine's was bigger - of course! 3 x 30's, 5 others to 27lb.
This is carp fishing in luxury
By Graham Burn on 22 April 2011

We would like to say a very big thank you to Martin, Shirley and Paul for making us all feel welcome, and all the help and advice and bait presentation etc., We all had such a good time we will be coming back next year as this turned out to be more than a fishing trip, but an excellent holiday also. Many many thanks from all of us. The facilities are fantastic.
The accommodation is fully equipped and more than suitable for a full holiday. I would also recommend having the food package as the food is outstanding. Due to serious thunder and lightning at start of our week we had zero fish to record.
We fish lots of venues in France but we are regulars at Oakview
By Jezz Bailey on 15 April 2011

Average carp banked was over 28lbs with almost all fish between 27 and 32lbs. One of my 30s gave me the hardest fights that I can remember. The lakeside lodge is home from home, the food and hospitality are excellent and the fishing is quality.
Extremely hot weather for April, so only only fished some nights and a few short day sessions. Very pleased with average catch of 28lb+. Catch was all mirrors: 23lb 10oz, 27lb 14oz, 27lb 8oz, 31lb 14oz, 31lb 11oz, 27lb 4oz.
Amazing lake
By Martin Brighton on 4 February 2011

Amazing!!! Beautiful weather. Clean cabin. More than we ever expected!. Martin and Shirley made us feel so welcome on arrival So kind and helpful. Fantastic wine and food, thank you so much for making this experience so special. Always there to help. I hope we do come back in May 2011. Thank you for having us can't wait to come back! And thankyou for your efforts! We will miss you!
One x 30lb 2oz mirror (PB) Oakview winter record.
Fish in absolute mint condition
By Ed Lucas on 22 October 2010

Fish in absolute mint condition. They were a credit to Martin and Shirley's care and devotion and a credit to anglers who had caught them before. Martin and Shirley were delightful and very helpful. A pleasure to meet. WE WILL BE BACK!. 7 fish caught. All 20s mint condition. Lovely fish.
Not ideal conditions, but that's fishing
By Stephen Allison on 15 October 2010

Lake and grounds are first class. Martin and Shirley keep them in tip top condition. The fishing hasn't been very productive due to the cold weather conditions (very cold nights and sunny days). It's to be expected. Not ideal conditions, but that's fishing. Martin and Shirley have been excellent hosts and are really helpful and infomative. They offer excellent facilities and we can't blame them for the weather. If it was easy, then there would be no challenge and that's what fishing is all about. I would certainly recommend this venue and shall return.
Winter fishing conditions - 1 X 20lb mirror
Another enjoyable time at this excellent venue
By Jezz Bailey on 24 September 2010

Martin + Shirley fantastic hospitality once again. Gill caught 2 fish, a 26 and a 23 - well done Gill. Brave effort because of her bad back. See u again soon. Luv Jezz + Gill.
31lb 15oz, 27lb 4oz, 26lb 7oz, 26lb 4oz, 23lb 9oz, 22lb 7oz, 21lb 5oz. Average 25lb 8oz. 7 carp by Tuesday, started really well then they just switched off, but that's carp fishing. Facilities excellent. 2nd visit this year and already booked next April for 2 weeks.
A great weeks holiday and fishing
By Andy Butterfield on 17 September 2010

Oakview Lake is an excellent venue with fantastic accommodation and facilities. Our hosts Martin and Shirley (not forgetting Paul & Janice) made us feel very welcome and nothing was too much trouble. A great weeks holiday and fishing - Many thanks. The Butterfields.
14 common and mirror carp between 19.5 and 31 pounds including Joe's amazing two fish hook-up which he landed solo for a total weight of 57lb!! (Mirror 31lb, Common 26lb). The venue and accommodation were excellent. Facilities better than expected.