Introduction
Nestling in the northern tip of the French Dordogne region, Etangs Des Papillon lies tucked away from civilisation amongst dense chestnut and oak forest. Owned and developed by Exclusive Angling Holidays since 1993, the lakes are run as a Carp and Catfish fishery for tourists from all over Europe, though guests are predominantly British.
History
Dug in the 1960’s as part of a ballast extraction for nearby road construction, the Etangs Des Papillon complex comprises of 4 lakes that gently cascade down a valley. In total there are thirteen lakes, one above the complex and the rest below.
Features
Of the 4 lakes owned by Exclusive Angling Holidays, 3 are used as commercial fishing lakes whilst the fourth is kept as a separate stock pond. The uppermost lake is named ‘Rouge’, and is roughly 4.5 acres in size. A fascinating lake with myriad features to fish, Rouge is set up as a specimen lake.
A short walk down from Rouge leads you to the banks of ‘Vert’, a small 1.5 acre L-shaped lake with a small island and depths ranging from 2ft to 10ft+. Vert feeds both the stock pond and the final lake in the complex: Bleu.
Bleu is another very special lake, named after the huge banks of wild Bluebells that grow as thick as grass beneath the oak and pine trees. The lake is Teardrop-shaped with an island that creates a wonderful shallow bay to complement the lillies and reeds that create an asthetic feast.
Stock
Rouge contains Carp to 49lbs 12oz, and at all sizes below. There are a handful of 40lb+ fish, several thirties and countless 20lbs+. Below this are a number of pristine, homegrown fish that grow rapidly in the rich water.
The Catfish in Rouge are something of a phenomenon. Introduced in the mid 90’s by the late Bob Baldock, the population has flourished and now Catfish range from a few ounces to in excess of 100lbs.
Vert is a pure runs-water if such a thing ever existed. There is a large head of Common and Mirror Carp up to 20lbs that will pull your arm off before they submit to the net! Above 20lbs, there are many known Commons and Mirrors, and each year Carp in excess of 30lbs are caught. Catfish are present up to the 50lbs mark
Bleu is best described as a runs-water with a good chance of a lump! Heavily stocked with Carp as beautiful as their surroundings, Bleu is home to several Carp that, at their heaviest weights scrape 40lbs. It is reknowned amongst regular guests for it’s ballistic Commons that run to over 30lbs and show no sign of slowing their growth.
Bleu has the potential to cause a Catfish upset, by stealing the record from Rouge. It is home to some enormous specimens that have yet to be tamed by rod and line. As ever, there is a broad distribution of sizes with the largest banked specimen weighing in at over 90lbs.
Ownership
For all booking enquiries please see http://www.exclusiveanglingholidays.com.
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