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.

First Class in Every Respect
By Tim and Hugh Strange on 16 April 2016

Our first time at Oakview Lake and it certainly lived up to its reputation - first class in every respect. Shirley and Martin are brilliant hosts and made sure we had a really enjoyable week. The food in particular was excellent. The lodge is extremely comfortable and enjoys a fantastic lake-side location. Difficult fishing for the first few days but perseverance paid off with a PB common and a 46lb 4oz mirror. Great week - Thank you. Carp caught: 1 x 46lb 4oz, 2 x 35lb, 1 x 34lb 4oz, 2 x 28lb and 1 x 24lb.
Highly Recommend Oakview Lake
By Graham Burn Party on 9 April 2016

Highly recommend Oakview Lake for fishing and hospitality. Cold, wet and windy week, but 5 PBs were achieved in all. This is our 4th visit, we enjoy visiting here and we will always come back. Many thanks to Martin and Shirley for a great week again. Tactics: wafter, snowman and single baits over pellet and parti-mix. Catch included 4 x 40s, 3 x 30s, 1 x 20 and a 2lb pike.
Excellent Fishing Session
By Darren and Phil Palmer on 2 April 2016

A 45lb 3oz mirror topped an excellent fishing session and it also smashed Phil's PB. Storm Katie hit with a massive thunderstorm and high winds half way through the week but that didn't stop the carp taking our baits. We are back later in the summer and can't wait. We caught 20 carp, including 1 x 40, 12 x 30s and 7 x 20s.
Fishing Heaven
By Barry, Simon, Julie, Dawn on 7 November 2015

Amazing - 6 Star Fishing Heaven. What else can we say - the lodge is well equipped with everything needed from fried breakfast to dinner for 8. The lodge is very clean, comfortable and warm with hot water on tap. The grounds are well maintained with stunning views. We had an amazing week carp fishing and relaxing. Martin and Shirley are very welcoming hosts and are on hand if needed. We are all looking forward to coming back next year.
Winter catches: 37lb 11oz (PB for Baz), 34lb 3oz, 29lb 7oz, 27lb 12oz, 27lb 7oz, 26lb 14oz.
Cannot fault the venue
By Ian and Andy on 1 November 2015

Great lake, great fish, great people.
Wintry conditions. Fished for pike on bacon and carp on boilies. Caught pike to 5lb 8oz and 2 x carp 27lb 16oz and 29lb 8oz.
We've booked Oakview Lake for the next 2 years and can't wait to come back
By Darren Palmer on 23 October 2015

Shirley and Martin are excellent and their food is lovely - only trouble is my t-shirts don't fit me any more! Fishing was slow due to changing weather but we still managed 11 fish to 42lb 4oz, which we are delighted with.
Oakview Lake accommodation is spotless and we've booked up for the next two years.
Cracking hosts, cracking fish, cracking food and cracking surrounds. Martin even stayed up to greet us when we arrived at half past four in the morning on Sunday. Can't wait to come back.
1 x 40, 5 x 30s and 5 x 20s.
Chilled!
By Andsome Andy on 16 October 2015

Beautiful lodge - spotless. Very relaxed and peaceful. Made to feel very welcome and really enjoyed our stay.
Already planning our next visit.
Old 'andsome was chilled out at Oakview Lake with his lovely wife Jane. Enjoyed visiting the local area and sampling the wine at French prices. Fished the Home Swim on and off during the day and had fun trying to teach Janie to fish - caught a 4lb pike!!!
We have taken these pictures and captions directly from Old 'andsome's posts on his Facebook page (Andrew Zaz Buster Paul). Wicked!
Great Carp Fishing Holiday
By Priest family on 9 October 2015

Great hosts, great accommodation, great view, great lake and great carp fishing. My son and I both caught personal best forties plus several other twenties and thirties - all beautiful carp in pristine condition. What more could anyone ask for.
We treated this trip to Oakview Lake as a relaxing break, only fishing during the days between 11am and 7.30pm. We are confident that we would have caught even more if we had fished at night and/or early morning sessions.
So thank you Martin and Shirley for providing us with a great holiday and may we wish you continued success in the future.
2 x 40s, 4 x 30s and 4 x 20s + 1 pike fished for with luncheon meat.
Caught Plenty of Carp. Very Happy!
By Stephen and Catherine Eastwood on 2 October 2015

Our first visit to Oakview Lake but not to the Mayenne area, which we have visited many times. Generally went out sightseeing mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Mornings were chilly but afternoons were really warm and sunny - 74 degrees. Much warmer and better than we expected expected for autumn.
Fishing wise Stephen caught plenty of carp, including 2 x 40s, so he was very happy with that - half at night and half during the day. We hoped to return but next year looks booked up already. Still, we're off for another week now down near Limoges.
Caught 2 x 40s, 8 x 30s and 5 x 20s
Fantastic Venue
By Duncan de Gruchy on 26 September 2015

Fantastic venue, great fishing, stunning lake, superb accommodation, great food and great hosts. What more can you say!
3 x 40s, 9 x 30s, 7 x 20s and 1 x 17lb ghost common. Total 20 carp average weight 30lb.
Click the link to see Duncan's answers to our most frequently asked question. How Much Bait Should I Use When Carp Fishing in France?
Outstanding Carp Fishing Holiday
By Calladine-Bednall on 19 September 2015

Once again an outstanding holiday. Great hosts, excellent food, fish caught were in exceptional condition. Weather could have been better (heavy rain and storms) but nothing anyone could do about that. See you in May!! Phil and Jan Calladine + Dave and Gill Bednall.
Carp caught: 8 x 30s and 4 x 20s, including 38lb new PB for Dave.
Another Superb Week at this First Class Venue
By Paul Shaw and Jenny Meider on 12 September 2015

Another superb week at this first class venue. Accommodation, food, scenery, fishing and of course Martin and Shirley all brilliant. New PBs for us both just to top it all off (42lb Paul and 39lb 14oz Jenny). Paul's final fish and his second 40 of the week was a mirror weighing 40lb 8oz (sorry, no photo).
2 x 40s, 5 x 30s, 2 x 20s and 2 grass carp.
Had the Best Birthday Ever!
By Robinson-Blissett on 4 September 2015

Couldn't have asked for anything better. The lodge and lake are amazing. We all enjoyed our stay - so clean, all mod cons, comfortable and so welcoming too! Nick and I will most definitely be back, so peaceful and rested! Thank you - Nick's had the best birthday ever!!
21 carp caught: 1 x 40, 13 x 30s, 5 x 20s, 1 x 19 and 1 x 17lb
Without a Doubt Oakview Lake is the Best
By Burgess Family on 29 August 2015

I have been carp fishing in France for 13 years and this year twice. Without a doubt Oakview Lake is the best. Shirley and Martin 100% excellent hosts and accommodation is faultless. We had 23 fish in total with only one night fished by one angler. All except two fish were caught on Oakview's own crunchy coconut bait, so hats off to the guy who makes it. We will definitely be coming back.
23 Carp caught: 4 x 40s, 9 x 30s, 7 x 20s, 2 x 19s and one single. New 40lb+ PBs for Maggie and Anthony.
Brilliant week at Oakview went too quick!
By Bob Carey on 21 August 2015

Another brilliant week at Oakview Lake. Our only complaint being that it went too quick! Bob only fished daylight hours and the weather was perfect. The new house baits are working very well and popped up Cell also worked a treat. Thank you very much Martin and Shirley. Missing you already! Viv, Bob and Beryl xx
19 carp caught: 8 x 30s and 11 x 20s. Click here to watch Bob in action with the new house baits
Another great week at Oakview
By John Mutton on 15 August 2015

Another great week at Oakview. Martin and Shirley are as helpful and friendly as ever. Really enjoyed our chats about wildlife in Africa. The fishing was quite challenging this year but it picked up after the rain mid week. Most fish came from either the far right corner or in open water to the left of the island. Take care on the left of the island, where a small but thick weed patch appears under water for a few weeks in August. Looking forward to our next stay at Oakview Lake. All the best to you both from John and Mal.
Caught 3 x 30s to 39lb 8oz, and 6 x 20s to 29lb 4oz. Fished day sessions only.
Top quality carp fishing with first class accommodation. Average size of carp caught well over 30lb.
By Chris Harrison and Friends on 8 August 2015

Spot on! All of us anglers and non anglers had a fantastic time once again. The carp fishing is top quality and the accommodation is first class. Average size of carp was over 30lb. We're very disappointed that it's already too late to book for next year so we will be getting in quick to make sure we don't miss out again in 2017. Biggest mirror was 44lb and came out during the first night (only managed a picture in the cradle) and biggest common was 39lb.
Caught 3 x 40s, 12 x 30s, 4 x 20s and 1 x 19lb, including new PB and junior lake record for Ben.
Amazing time - excitement and terror in a tranquil setting!
By Peter and Sharon Lang on 1 August 2015

Watch the video here: Pete's Blue Moon Session Wonderful fishing and three personal bests (38lb 4oz, 42lb and 43lb 12oz)!!! Excitement and terror in a tranquil setting. Use of bait boat greatly contributed to our fishing success and advice from Richard (fishing consultant) was much appreciated. The lodge is very clean and well equipped. Always hot (very!) water for showers and washing up. Martin and Shirley are faultless hosts and the meals are scrummy.
Caught 2 x 40s, 6 x 30s and 2 x 20s. Average size 35lb. Thank you for an amazing time.
The lake and surrounding area are beautiful
By Gary Hewes on 25 July 2015

This was our 3rd visit to Oakview and we look forward to many more. Martin and Shirley are perfect hosts. Nothing is too much trouble and we now consider them as friends. The facilities are excellent and extremely clean. The lake and surrounding area are beautiful. Although the fishing was slow this time, the carp caught were in perfect condition.
Carp caught: 6 x 30s, including 2 x 39lb mirrors and 4 x 20s.
We love the place and we booked next year straight away.
By Andrew and Luke Faith on 18 July 2015

Not only great fishing but a lovely holiday. We had a great time and Martin and Shirley were fantastic. Just booked for next year, which will be our 3rd time at Oakview Lake. We love the place.
Catch included 5 x 30s to 34lb, 6 x high 20s and 1 x 18lb.