It is now November and the end of the 2010 fishing season. As we look back over the year, we have been delighted with the results – plenty of good catches and great times had by many an angler. This year we were pleased so many visitors had personal bests and for the lake, we were also thrilled with the appearance of a 70lb + mirror.

We have high hopes for 2011 being another successful year and look forward to the lake re-opening in April. It was a pleasure to meet lots of new visitors on the lake and we are pleased to have so many returning anglers next year.

We would like to extend our thanks to the last work party who helped with preparations for closedown – Richard, Dave P, Dave H, Edwin, Terry, Josh, Biff and of course the lake staff – excellent work!

Thanks to Biff and the chainsaw gang (!) we have cut down a large number of trees to the entrance of the lake, cleared swims and plenty of weed. Our others helpers did a fantastic job making repairs to cabins and fitting new roofs to all. We are also very pleased with the new landing stages in swims 1&2, 3&4, 5&6 – which also have new steps cut in and down to the landing stages – this will benefit the anglers in those swims greatly. We have added a landing stage in swim 12 , re-built swim 14 and now also have new platforms in swims 13 and 5&6.

There were also some good catches to round off the season for those on the work party – a total of 5 x 30lbs, 3 x 40lbs and 1 x50lb fish were had in total.

Photos from the work party will be added to the website soon.

Calling all Island Lake supporters…………………………….

The Island Lake is due to close for the end of the 2010 season in 3 weeks time. In order to get ready for the 2011 season, a work party will be at the lake from 30th October until 6th November and volunteers are sought to join them. We have spaces for approximately 4 volunteers (either manual or skilled workers) who can work on the lake and assist the maintainance team.

Volunteers can fish the lake for free from late afternoon each day after the work party team finishes. If you are interested in taking part, please contact Mick Bowman on 07908 999 551.

We are pleased to announce that due to the ever increasing success and popularity of the Island Lake, 2011 will bring further opportunities for more anglers to visit another stunning French lake with a difference as we will shortly begin opening up bookings for ”The Cedars Lake” – the Island Lake’s sister site. The Cedars Lake will be open from April 2011 and bookings can be made via the website (currently under construction) or by contacting Mick Bowman on 07908 999551 – more details will be posted later this year once the website is complete. 

The Cedars Lake is more of a runs water and only accomodates a maximum of 4 anglers (plus up to 4 guests), and is set in a beautiful, privately enclosed property for a more tranquil fishing experience with excellent facilities.

Watch this space for more news soon……………………….

Update – One of the lake records has been broken this week with a beautiful 66lb Common carp being caught by Mick Bowman on 8th July 2010.

Two anglers who have just returned from a very productive week’s fishing landing no fewer than 15 fish between them. They banked 4x 30s,7x 40s,3x 50s to 55lb and the big mirror came out at 70lbs.This is the second time this fish has been caught on the same bait in a month where as it usually only gets caught once or twice a year. The two anglers Don and Jason who were both using the Hartford Mix for the first time were very pleased with their results.

                                                                                                                   Well done lads.

BREAKING NEWS…….TWICE IN ONE MONTH……..

The Island Lake were excited earlier in the month (8th May) to report a new lake record, only for it to be smashed in the same week by the same angler! Lucky Elvin managed to pull in a fantastic 71lb Mirror on Friday 21st May. We have been testing Hartford Mix boilies which were used to catch both these fish and will continue to check out the results for comparision when using this bait throughout the summer months before we start stocking it for sale on the lake in 2011. 

Both record fish will be posted to the website soon…….. 

BREAKING NEWS…………..

The Island Lake set a new record on 8th May with its biggest ever catch weighing in at 64lb 6oz – a beautiful common who was proudly caught by one of our regular visitors - congratulations Elvin Balaam.

March 30th
Since the last update, our team of workers have now completed clearing the weed in the lake and things are looking good. The lake has been closed for maintantence work but is now ready for all our guests who will begin arriving from next week. The pictures below show the extent of the work carried out – which will greatly benefit our new and returning visitors.

March 9th
Spring is upon us and we now have a team of workers on the lake getting things ready before we open again for fishing in April. We have taken note of all the comments provided by our visitors last year and have decided to concentrate on removing some of the worst affected areas of weed growth so we can make the fishing more angler… and fish friendly! We will keep you up to date with the progress once the work has been completed.

The cleaning and repair of all log cabins following the harsh winter encountered has begun, including the renewal of worktop counters and cupboards and fridge freezers being added to all cabins that currently have electricity.

It’s a quiet time of year for fishing, but we’re all busy at The Island Lake. We have just added to our stock and taken delivery of some stunning carp. We now have an additional 25 fish – 18 of these weigh in between 33 and 35lbs and 7 weigh in between 35-42lbs. This puts our overall stock up to over 200 fish. We are looking forward to seeing these fish grow as big as some of our original residents. Pictures of some of these new additions are shown above .

Tell the world about your captures! Simply click on the comment button below to upload your best capture, give us some details, and we’ll select some of the best to appear in The GALLERY.

You can always send us an email with your captures to info@theislandlakefrance.co.uk.

Meanwhile, here are some recent pictures of the lake: