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.

Another Great Week at Oakview
By Neil Middleditch on 18 June 2017

Thanks Martin and Shirley for another great week at Oakview. Even though some of the fish were still spawning for first two days (crashing around the edges and island), I still managed to catch a few fish, including two PBs. Happy days and see you next June.

Fishing conditions and tactics: High pressure meant clear skies and 30 degree temperatures every day. Fish came on Source boilies over pellet, fished in a line from the back of the island to the far left bank on the edge of the bowl.

Caught 10 carp: 1 x 45lb mirror (PB), 3 x 30s (including a 33lb PB common), 4 x 20s and 2 grass carp (11 and 13lb).

Photos: Camera flash not working properly and all of the fish came at night, so fish photos failed.
A Slightly Different Review
By John Mutton on 11 June 2017

This review will be slightly different. Most people talk about the brilliant accommodation, which of course it is. Everyone mentions the brilliant hosts in Martin and Shirley, which again is right, but I want to mention the reason why I like Oakview Lake.

The peaceful ambience of the whole place, with bird song from morning to night only broken by the sound of bite alarms going off. Well, that is what usually happens, but not this week. When I heard that the carp spawned 2 weeks ago, I thought they would be in the mood for a good munch.

Caught a 39lb 2oz mirror then unfortunately, the carp must have turned into nymphomaniacs and liked sex so much they spawned again this week. Ah well, 'c'est la vie'. Back in France in a months time, so hope that they will have finished spawning by then.
Everything Superb
By Barry Cundiff on 3 June 2017

Once again, everything has been superb. An excellent weeks fishing for Barry and Billy. Shirley and Martin - the accommodation and friendliness from you both has been excellent. Thank you once again for an excellent holiday and see you both next year!!

Fishing tactics: Fished from the back of the island and caught on both sides of the island and the island point, using a mix of baits and wafters over hemp. 48lb 1oz PB for grandson Billy and 21lb 4ox PB for daughter Nicola.

Catch List: 4 x 40s, 2 x 30s, 6 x 20s and 4 grass carp (10-12lb).
Five Star
By Paul Shaw and Jenny Meider on 27 May 2017

Five star accommodation, food, surroundings and of course, our hosts. Looking forward as ever to next year.

Fishing conditions: Slow due to fish spawning for most of the week, but we both still managed to improve our PBs.

Catch: 47lb 6oz (PB), 44lb 4oz (PB) and a 21lb 14oz common (carp spawning).
Amazing. 5 Stars
By Stephen and Martin Beaujeux on 21 May 2017

Amazing. 5 stars. My second time and my Dad's first time. The accommodation is still 5 star and the hospitality from Martin and Shirley is fabulous. The carp fishing has been fantastic with PBs being broken by both of us. We both can't wait to return again.

Fishing conditions and tactics: The weather has been mixed - hot at the start of the week, then rain and hail by the end of the week. Almost all fish came from the bowl using a bait boat. One fish came from the right. Tactics were snowman rig over pellet and garlic surprise. We fished 6am to midnight.

16 carp caught: 3 x 40s, 8 x 30s, 3 x 20s and 2 x grass carp 10lb 8oz and 11lb 8oz.
An Excellent Place to Stay
By Stephen and Kathy Eastwood on 14 May 2017

We have been here before and find it an excellent place to stay and my husband loves fishing here. He achieved his personal target of a dozen fish (visiting local area during the days and fishing late afternoons and nights). The weather was very mixed. So glad though, we are driving down to another gite and carp fishing lake for another week's holiday near Limoges and not going home yet. We love holidaying in quiet, rural France.

Weather conditions: Rain on arrival Saturday, then mix of sun and cloud with NE winds. Tuesday and Wednesday were hot and sunny and wind changed direction on Thursday. Friday sun and heavy showers with wind from the SW.

Fishing Tactics: From the home swim, caught carp from both top corners and left side of the island. When fishing short, strike early (one buzz) and keep line tight. When fishing long, the carp tend to kite, so use the whole bank to get the best angle on the fish.

12 carp caught: 8 x 40s, 2 x 30s and 2 x 20s. Average weight was 3 ounces under 40lb.
The Best!
By Geoff & Becky Matthews on 6 May 2017

Oakview Lake and its facilities are the best! We would only be repeating what has already been said numerous times. The fishing was excellent, as was the average size of the fish - disappointed when we caught a 30!! What you did for us when Jamie was poorly was above and beyond - Thank you. This box ain't big enough to say more - found something to complain about !!!

Thanks again Geoff, Becky and Jamie.

Fishing tactics: Caught all over the lake using boilie or maize. Caught a lot of fish on the left when it was cool and switched to the right hand side where the shallower water warmed up quicker in the sun.

27 carp caught: 1 x 50, 6 x 40s, 18 x 30s and 2 x 20s.
Another Great Holiday at Oakview
By Janet and Phil Calladine on 29 April 2017

Another great holiday at Oakview. Accommodation and food both excellent. Fishing hard this week due to extreme weather but the carp caught were in first class condition.

Our 6th visit to Oakview and we've booked again for 2018 and 2019. Shirley and Martin are great hosts and firm friends now!!

Fishing conditions and tactics: Cold north winds brought freezing temperatures at night. Caught the carp from the bowl swim using Urban Bait Nutcracker boilies over small beds of particle.

Carp caught: 2 x 40s (1 x 42lb 7oz and 1 x 40lb 4oz).
Fantastic Week
By Snelson and Moore Family on 22 April 2017

Fantastic Week. Fantastic fishing. Fantastic food. Fantastic hosts. Couldn't have asked for more. Don't want to go home.

Fishing Tactics: landed most carp from both margins of the deep bowl. Also caught fish in front of the island and in open water near the edge of the bowl. Fished a mix of boilies (Krill, Cell and Nutcracker) over pellet and particle.

21 carp caught: 8 x 40s, 11 x 30s and 2 x 20s. PBs broken 3 times.
Lake Record Goes Twice More With 2 New 50s
By Martyn Tuckey, Mick Jones and Ron Warr on 15 April 2017

Food excellent, accommodation excellent and very good host and hostess. Would recommend to any one who we know to be of good character. We have enjoyed the week and had a great time. Thanks - Ron, Mick and Martyn.

Fishing conditions and tactics: Typical April weather with hot days and very cold nights made fishing erratic. Only 4 carp but average weight was 48lb 4oz. All were caught on Manvilla over beds of pellet, hemp and garlic parti-mix. Used bait boats from the home swims.

Catch: 2 x 50s and 2 x 40s. Catch included two new fifties, two new PBs and the lake record beaten twice.
51lb 10oz mirror smashes lake record
By Pete and Debbie Wright on 8 March 2017

Pre-season and we're house sitting and helping Shirley and Martin to get the lake ready for the 2017 carp fishing season. The weather in France was very mild, so we had also been feeding the fish. Just as well because it turned out the big carp were on the move. We managed a couple of day sessions and had a ball. Beat my PB twice, caught my first (and the lake's first) 50 pounder and bagged a new lake record fish. Couldn't stop shaking after that one!

Tactics: Fished to the far margins, where we had previously been feeding the fish while we worked around the lake. Used the house bait (ASAP and Crunchy Coconut) fished over a bed of pellet.

Catch: 1 x 50, 2 x 40s, 2 x 30s and 1 x 20.

Click the link to see the history of Oaview Lake's first 50 pounder: 51lb 10oz Carp Smashes Oakview Lake Record
Another Epic Week
By Barry Plummer and Simon Watson on 7 November 2016

We had yet another stunning and epic week at Oakview Lake. 6 beautiful carp caught, 3 PBs and Simon caught the second biggest fish ever caught at Oakview at 47lb 14oz. Thank you so much for letting us fish this week. We have had a lovely time enjoying your kindness and hospitality and we can't wait to come back next year. Baz, Dawn, Simon and Julie xxx.

Fishing spots: 2 carp caught on back left of island, 1 fish caught on back right of island, 1 fish caught in mid water on right and 2 fish caught in mid water on left.

Catch: 3 x 40s to 47lb 8oz and 3 x 30s to 39lb. PBs broken 3 times.

A curiosity: Barry's first PB came exactly a year to the day after catching his previous PB at Oakview. Simon caught a 41lb 12oz mirror on the same day too. Simon's fish is the same fish that Barry caught as a PB exactly a year ago at 37lb 11oz.
A Remarkable Experience
By Paul Cooper on 27 October 2016

Paul Cooper reviews the fishing and the carp stocks

After years of knowing Martin and Shirley and having visited Oakview Lake on a number of occasions without having the opportunity to fish, we were given the chance to witness the lake netting (and do a spot of fishing). Over the 4 days of fishing (prior to the netting) we caught some perfectly conditioned carp. The weights were impressive, with the best weighing in at 46lb.

The netting was a remarkable experience where we witnessed some huge carp being returned to the lake after the netting. Most of the carp appeared to be over 30lb, with quite a number being well over 40lb. I never thought I would enjoy fishing a 2.5 acre lake as much as I did. A brilliant water and a big thank you from the two Ps (Paul Cooper and Paul Brooks).

Fishing Conditions: Water levels were about a foot and a half down after a long summer without rain, but even the shallowest section of the lake produced two nice 30s. High pressure in late October resulted in cold nights, followed by foggy mornings and some sunny days.

Carp catches and tactics: 1 x 46, 3 x 30s, 1 x 20 and a 13lb 6oz ghostie. The catches came on Squid and Orange and Wayne Dunn pop ups.

Click the link to see Paul's comprehensive venue review: Oakview Lake Rated Amongst Top Carp Fishing Venues in France
Fantastic Lake
By Martin Butcher and Dave Sellars on 22 October 2016

Fantastic lake, great hosts and wonderful food. Fishing was excellent whist the weather was good, then change in conditions meant the fish started to switch off. Can't wait to come back. Thank you for a great trip.

Tactics: caught from both sides of the lake from the home swims, then moved further round to concentrate on the bowl. Coconut pop up snowman caught the most fish, including 2 new PBs.

Catch: 1 x 40, 9 x 30s and 2 x 20s.
Great Catches!
By Philip, Tracy and James Anderson on 16 October 2016

Thank you for a lovely week at Oakview! We enjoyed some unexpected autumn sunshine and great catches too. The lake fished steadily from Saturday evening right through until Friday evening. Philip and James fished both days and nights until Thursday morning, when James returned home due to work commitments. Thursday and Friday Philip just fished days. Seven forties, with four coming in an eighteen hour period! See you next year.

Tactics: fished from the home swims and caught using a mix of Cell and Active 8 boilies. Main catching spots were under the silver willow (left margin), in and around the bowl and the right side of the island.

Caught 18 carp: 7 x 40s, 9 x 30s and 2 x 20s. Philip smashes his PB with a 47lb 8oz mirror and currently holds the lake record for the most forties to a single angler (6).

Click the link for more details Big Fish Haul Smashes Record. Average Carp Size 38lb.
Lovely Being Back After 4 Years
By Cooper Family on 8 October 2016

It was lovely to finally come back 'home' after 4 years. Martin and Shirley are two of the nicest, friendliest, down-to-earth people we know. From first booking to leaving there is nothing that is too much trouble. We brought 2 sons and partners on this visit and having told them what to expect, Martin and Shirley didn't disappoint. Everything surpassed even what we said.

The fishing was hard as evening temperatures started dropping sharply 2 days before we arrived. It took until Tuesday before the carp came back on the feed and we managed 7 fish in total. We lost another 6 through cut offs and hook pulls, but we still had a cracking week. Darren smashed his PB 3 times and we've already booked for 2018.

Carp catches: 1 x 40, 3 x 30s, 2 x 20s and a 12lb 10oz grass carp.

Tactics: Fished the home swims and night time proved best. All our fish came on coconut crunch boilies with plastic corn.
Great Fishing Venue
By Philip English and Brian Latheron on 1 October 2016

A great fishing venue with the added bonus of excellent accommodation. Martin and Shirley are wonderful hosts, being very friendly and most helpful. We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay and we can't wait to come back next year (and the year after!!)

Carp caught: 5 x 40s, 5 x 30s and 3 x 20s. Catch included a new PB for Brian at 46lb 4oz.

Fishing tactics: fished from the home swims using Crunchy Coconut boilies and fake sweet corn. The right hand spots were in front of the sunken tree, mid water and far margin. The left hand spots were around the bowl and the left side of the island.
Fished Steady
By Jezz and Gill Bailey on 24 September 2016

Fished steady until Tuesday, then the lake switched off - but that's carp fishing for you. Martin and Shirley and new friends Peter and Debbie are absolutely fantastic. The area needs rain, then the lake should switch back on. We found La Pause bar restaurant in Chateau-Gontier (20 mins) is great for a 4 course meal with wine and bread for Euro 12.60.

9 fish caught: 1 x 42, 1 x 37, 4 x 20s, 1 x ghostie, 1 x grassie and 1 pike.

Fishing tactics: fished from the far bank behind the island. All fish came on Coconut Crunch boilies on beds of pellet, hemp and parti-mix.

Owners Note: A huge thank you to dear friends Pete and Debbie Wright, who looked after things so that we could attend our daughter's wedding xxx
Another Great Week
By Billy, Kayleigh and Jimmy Berridge on 21 September 2016

Another great week had at Oakview - a lovely place, lovely people and lovely fish. A change in weather made fishing difficult towards the end of the week, however still had fish to over 40lb. Fishing would have been more productive in the mornings had Martin not insisted on his morning skinny dipping LOL. Love you guys # family.

Carp caught: 2 x 40s, 4 x 30s and 5 x 20s.

Baits used this week were Cell wafter, Krill and Sticky B pineapple pop up.
A Week to Remember
By Bob Carey on 10 September 2016

This holiday had it all; sunshine, rest, dear friends, the legendary Osbourne Carey curry night and a new PB for Bob. He is going home a very happy man.

16 carp caught: 2 x 40s, 7 x 30s, 6 x 20s and 1 teen. Special thanks to Billy and Kayleigh Berridge. Kayleigh landed a 25lb 9oz mirror while Billy was helping to get a water shot of Bob's second 40 of the week.

Tactics: fished boilies over pellet, hemp and garlic particle mix. ASAP boilies caught the most fish. Also used Cell popped up and Coconut Crunch.

Thanks once again to Martin and Shirley for making us so welcome (and for the lovely curry night). You're one of the best. Much love Bob, Viv and Beryl xxx