News From Lac Cimes
Where Did That Week Go
The last week has flown by and we were sorry our guests had to go as we all had a great time. The weather for the first 3 days were difficult for fishing and then a change in the weather produced some great fish with Andy and Jay achieving new PB's. Andy's best of the week was a 40lb12oz common while Jay bettered his dad with a 41lb14oz fish. This meant an average fish weight over the week of 36lb. We did have a manic afternoon on Thursday when they had 3 takes at once so alarms were going fish being fought so a lot of excitement, then fish were boshing throughout.
After their departure on Saturday it was time to get on with some jobs over the weekend. Firstly we started work on the new hot tub building, the old roof has been removed and the walls cleaned ready for a new roof. Next job was to sort the drains out which have been a bit slow working but with a bit of digging and new pipe work put in place it's now all good. Sunday we decided to have a fish ourselves before resting the lake and managed 2 fish, a 24lb mirror one of the new fish put in January and a 33lb8oz mirror.
With no guests for 2 weeks we hope the fish will spawn and going by the activity today we might be right !
The picture below father like son !!
Lovely New Guests.
This week we welcomes Andy, Marie and Jay for a week with us. Unfortunately the weather wasn't kind to them for the first 3 days but it looks better for the remaining 3 days. At least they have both had some action with Andy first off the mark with a 33lb5oz mirror under the far bank tree line and then Jay followed up with a 32lb15oz mirror and then a 41lb14oz one both were PB's so he's had two soaking's so far. The water temperature is rising slowly and today is 16 so hopefully they get a bit of action soon.
Again we are lucky to have such great guests at Lac Cimes and hopefully they will return in the future.
Thank You Olly Glad You Enjoyed Your 4 Days.
More New PB's
We welcomed Rick and Sharon last week to Lac Cimes for a week on the lake and they were rewarded with new PB's as 5 of the 7 fish were above their previous best. The fish caught were 2 at over 40, 3 mid 30's and 2 high 20's. The weather was a bit up and down and the storm on Saturday evening was a bit of a shock as the lake rose a few inches !
The new lodge is proving a big hit especially in the rain. Rick found that wafters were doing the trick in one place and then when he moved positions a snow man done the business.
A Christmas Present
Wednesday afternoon Olly and Deeanne flew into Limoges where we collected them for their four day stay with us, it was Olly's Christmas present from Deanne.
After walking round the lake looking at the spots to fish and viewing the accommodation it was time to get the rods out.
By the evening the first fish was on the bank a lovely common named spike ! a great start and things just got better each day. He had 20's, 30's, 40's and to top it all a 51lb 4oz mirror a new PB for Olly.
So four successful days and already planning a return trip. The fish started being caught on Pineapple pop ups 12mm and then the three biggest fish were on a 12mm spicy red fish pop up topped with a manila flavoured one. A mixture of maize and pellet in the bait boat with a scattering boilies around each spot done the trick. Sticking to these spots throughout the week was the key to success.
We seem to be so lucky to have fantastic guests each week, thank you Olly and Deanne for making the four days such fun. Give our best to Mike and Trev when you see them and wind them up about not being in the 50 club !!!
Birthday Fish For Dave
It was Dave's birthday on his last day with us and eventually got a fish as a present, a 37lb4oz mirror. This fish was caught by Stan last September at 32lb so has a weight gain of 5lb since then. Dave had another fish later in the night so ended on 13 for his few days with us. He's already planning to return at the beginning of September this year to get that lake record !
We had great fun with Dave, Chrissy and of course Reggie the talking dog ! and extra hands made the pool go up quicker. For those who follows what's coming out , the majority were caught on either yellow pop ups or double corn paste.
As you have read the pool is installed and is now filling so the next job is to start the hot tub building which needs a new roof and quite a bit of other work but hopefully will be completed in the next few weeks.
So looking at what has come out recently and the weight gain of the fish we have definitely made the right choice of pellets and have the correct feeding programme.
No Sleep For Dave
Dave, Chrissy and Reggie the dog arrived late Sunday so never got the rods in until Monday lunchtime and 30 minutes later the first fish was landed. During the night Dave sleeping in the new lodge got very little sleep as he landed 4 more fish and then another one early morning. Last night was just as busy, at midnight he landed a common at 46lb and at 3am another at 35lb 8oz so in less than 48 hours Dave's landed 8 fish, yellow 12mm pop up done the trick and others on double maize .
Fish and Houses
Barry ended up fishing a few hours each day after house hunting and landed 3 fish all commons with a total weight of just over 80lb so he was well happy and no doubt be back soon to look at more houses in our area.
After we said goodbye to Barry and Janette it was time to get strimming and grass cutting to get it tidy for Dave's arrival sunday. We also had to get the waders on to remove a few branches that could cause problems if a fish took off into the area, when removing we found lots of old line in the trees , bad casting I reckon !!
Back Again
Barry and Janette have returned for their third visit in 5 months house hunting with a spot of fishing in between and Barry soon had a lovely common on the scales on a pineapple pop up under the far bank.
Another Good Review
I would like to thank Sammy and James.
At lac Cimes carp fishery. What a stunning place to stay everything looks brand new ..this has to be one of the best kept places I have ever fished .if not the best .I would highly recommend it to friends and family. And to anyone looking for a family fishing holiday. Very helpful. People. We only stayed for three days. And caught two fish .maybe would have have caught a lot more but the weather was against us. And may be a bit early in the season. I will definitely be going back this year with my partner..
A Quick Visit
We had Mike and Dave visit us for a few days unexpectedly and what stick they gave each other ! They did manage a couple of mirrors so went away very happy and are looking to return later in the summer. I have never known so much banter on a fishing trip.
Work is just about to start on the new plunge pool and straight after that the new hot tub building so no rest in sight ! We aim to have all projects completed by the end of May.
Ups and Downs
A lot has happened since our last update. Well the fishing chalet has had Sam's finishing touches put on it with new bedding, pictures up and other bits and bobs. There's new lights at the swim and the gite so you can all get better photo's at night !
We've also been busy round the lake, first a tree had to be felled as it was going to fall in the lake soon, then we have repaired the bank between the swim and the main house and put new steps down to the lake.
The swimming pool is on it's way so that's the next project !!
The grass has been run over with the mower so we've caught up with a few jobs.
Other projects are rebuilding the area by the gite to provide an area for the hot tub and improving the parking area. So plenty to keep us busy.
On the down side Dave who was meant to be here this next week has got Covid so can't travel so we are down on our target for March, get well soon Dave we will fit you in later in the year. We keep thinking the last few weeks available will go but people keep pulling out but we keep trying.
A First For Lac Cimes
We had Terry and Fay staying over the last few days who had a fun few days and as it was a leap year Fay proposed to Terry who eventually realised what was going on ( lol ) and said yes ! So congratulations to both, I reckon the stag party should be carp fishing Terry.
With no one here this week it's time to catch up on a few jobs, one being putting in proper beds and new mattresses in the chalet at the swim and if it dry's up tidy up the grass everywhere.
All Finished
The new swim chalet is now finished and ready for the new season. It is complete with two sleeping area's each with a bed ,sleeping bags and pillows and a large seating area with power points and lights so no need for cold damp bivvies !
Barry and Janette came back for a few more days house hunting and Barry fished between visiting local villages for houses and managed a 25lb8oz stocky caught on a spicy fish pop up.
Fishing While You Work.
We are making progress with the new fishing lodge, all the sides and partition are now completed and we need a dry couple of days to erect everything. While building we had the rods out and we were rewarded by a 51lb4oz mirror about 4-30pm and after a good 30 minute battle she was in the net, a very satisfying day and a new PB for me !
Flights.
We now do transfers from Bergerac airport as well as Limoges as there are daily flights from Southampton to Bergerac, there is a small charge for this service. So now you can fly from Manchester, Stansted, Gatwick, Bristol (June onwards ), Leeds Bradford and East Midlands to either Limoges or Bergerac. I hope this information helps everyone.
Catch Up
The last few days we've had Jody and Cameron staying with us as Jody had booked a fishing trip for Camerons birthday and he was rewarded with a PB common of 39lb6oz named scar who's been out a few times recently.
Dave caught a third fish on his last day with us, a great job on the roof, thank you Dave.
With a clear week it's time to crack on with the new building, will keep you posted on the progress !
Due to a cancellation ( they are coming a different week ) we have a week available in march which is at a reduced rate as deposit paid.
Roofing and Fishing
We have Dave over for a few days to repair our roof and in return he's fishing the lake with some success, as he's had a couple of good fish already with two mirrors of 28lb and 36lb and still a couple of days to go !
Another Very Happy Customer
Just like to thank pally and Ash for all their help this week after a shit start to the french trip we met an amazing couple in a supermarket who helped us out after our camper van broke down in France. They gave us some where warm and comfortable to sleep for a week and an amazing lake to fish although conditions were tough cold and snowing they still gave us the opportunity to try bag some incredible fish. And what an amazing fish I caught first night and only hours after setting up I caught an amazing 50lb 12oz mirror. It was far to cold to get into the water to hold and release the fish but under guidance of the owner we had her on the bank and she was incredible, without all of Sam and James's hospitality and kindness this would never of happened. We now have an amazing new friendship and cannot wait to go back over for a planned trip to fish and spend some time in the warm weather hopefully catching fish and having an amazing time with them both. Thanks again to them both we really must of had someone looking down on us that day and what a special couple and complex we found in ❤️ Lac Cimes Carp Fishery
Two more mid 20's
winter fish 23/1/24
Jobs To Do
Before the season kicks off we have a few jobs that need completing over the next few weeks. We have started repainting the gite with the bathroom completed already. This we have to fit in around bookings for the gite. So bedrooms are next when it's available. The wood has been ordered for the new chalet at the swim so no more sleeping in the bivvies ! We are quite excited by this project as it will be a big improvement in all weathers.
We are looking into having a swimming pool ready for the summer months so another improvement.
The new fish were delivered early January and with the feed going in, the weight will be piling on, again these fish came from true wild virgin stock from a 100 acre lake so they will be hard fighting fish again.
Supermarket Meeting
When doing the weekly shop you don't expect to come back with three new fishermen ! We bumped into Alan, Lisa and Ashley in the Intermarche who spotted our jackets with Lac Cimes on and asked about the fishery as they were looking for somewhere for a few days. They followed us back and couldn't believe their luck, as it was just what they wanted, they set up mid afternoon and by dark Lisa had a 50lb 12 oz mirror on the bank a new PB and then tuesday Alan had a 34lb 5oz mirror and this despite the freezing conditions. So come on Ashley !!
Even luckier was they had the use of gite as their camper van struck a machanical problem and had to be recovered.
A Happy Christmas
We wish all our clients over the last year as well as everyone who's looked at the website and facebook a very happy christmas and tight lines for 2024.
Every guest since we took over has been fantastic company to be with and whether catching fish or not all had fun and enjoyed the surroundings.
We've had some great highlights over the season, a 51lb fish the first week of the season in March, the common record went higher in May, bag totals smashed, to many PB's to mention and the fish are still piling on the pounds ready for 2024 so hopefully see you all again next year.
Winter Fishing
Barry and Janette arrived with us friday afternoon just for a winter break from Brittany. Barry set up just two rods mid afternoon and managed a 37lb6oz common just as it was getting dark. A yellow pop up done the trick. Hopefully he nails another one over the next couple of days. The fish seem quite active this week as a few have been coming out the water.
Water, Water everywhere
We've had a lot of rain the last few days so it was a good job we cleaned all the inlets and outlets Saturday, everything was rodded through and new covers made to stop leaves and sticks finding there way into the inlets and blocking them. The lake has had a good flush through and any leaves on the lake quickly find their way to the outlets.
The fish were fed again today with the usual mix of pellet, maize and boilies and not long after the fish seemed to be busy as there were quite a bit of fizzing.
The gite is ready for Barry's arrival for his five day trip and the weather looks like it could be quite good for him.
Work Completed
After a couple of weeks of hard work we have completed clearing round the lake and dragging any snags out. Although this is done there is still plenty of other jobs to do on our few acres in France. The big project is getting the timber ordered for the new fishing lodge which will be more comfortable than bivvies !!
Any roofers want a free weeks fishing in exchange for a couple of days tiling all materials will be supplied.
What Are We Doing ?
Well with the season over people ask what do we do for three months. Well I can tell you there's not much time for fishing !
Take the last week, firstly we cleaned the roof of the gite and done a few repairs as well as cleaning the gutters and down pipes. Leaves are always being picked up when weather allows and then on the drive we had three dead trees to cut down and clear but more logs for next winter. All the bivvies have been dried packed away and all the tackle has been cleaned and put on the racks. Our major on going job is cutting the reeds back around the lake as well as dragging the bottom to remove any snags, after two days we are half way round.
With all the rain all the inlets and outlets need cleaning every day, but all the time we are working we are learning more about the lake and fish movements as they have been busy boshing about every day. We continue to feed our mixture of maize, pellet and boilies so they pile on the pounds.
We still get gite bookings so there's always cleaning and washing to do. So that's been a busy week and more of the same this week but you never know what's cropping up next !
Records
Well apparently France has had record rainfall in the last two weeks and as you can see from the pictures the inlets and outlets are working overtime. It's important to keep all the grids clear as well as the silt traps. So the lake has had a good flush through and the fish have been very active. The air pipe to the middle of the lake needed some attention so we managed it today in between storms, the depth is at it's maximum which is about 10 feet so glad i stayed in the boat !
Simon now definitely holds the record for the wettest weeks fishing as it rained every day of his week.
A Deserved Fish
Simon and his two young children have endured horrendous weather this week, not a dry day, throw in thunder, lightening and a power cut but still they were always cheerful and enjoyed a couple of days out as well.
Simon at last got into a mirror of just over 27lb and then had a battle with another good fish but it threw the hook after 15 minutes.
Still he's keeping at it !! Nine year old Noah and eleven year old Ruby have been busy catching over 50 fish including some nice perch, keep at it kids.
Wet, Wet,Wet.
Well it couldn't last, the dry spell has come to an end and we've had rain for three days with more to come. Still the lake has filled and the streams are running.
Work still continue's and we have completed the clearing of the bank in front the house, another job ticked off the list, but there are plenty more to do. One of the biggest is the building of a new lakeside wooden lodge to replace the old open sided cover, at least this will be a bonus when the weather is bad and it won't means you don't have to sleep in the bivvies !
We have more dead trees to cut up in the woods, still firewood for next year.
We will keep you updated as we make progress.
A Free Week.
After a hectic few weeks it's good to have a break to give the lake a rest and for us to catch up on some jobs. We've spent the day clearing a few branches from the lake edges which turned out with me getting a soaking !! I was cutting branches from the boat hanging onto trees when the boat moved and I ended up in the lake LOL !.
In 2024 we will be joining forces with Enigma Baits who are a company going places run by two entrepreneurs. The boilies and feed will be available in the UK and France so give them a try you won't be disappointed, we will keep you updated on all the product's available.
Weeks continue to be booked up for 2024 which is great so we must be doing something right. I might get a few hours fishing tomorrow if it's a half decent day as the lake looks in fantastic condition, we have a few jobs in the gite to do but should be able to fish aswell.
Cheeky Session.
What a couple of smashing blokes Stan and Mark, great fun to host and they both said they learnt a lot from their first visit to the lake so will be more prepared for their next trip to us in a years time.
After dropping them off at the airport I sneaked in a session on the lake and got rewarded by landing a 37lb 11oz common just before midnight, again on a pineapple pop up.
Today we welcomed back regulars father and son Ron and Barry for a week, hopefully they will get into a few over the next few days with the pressure due to drop.
We still have a prime week available 19th to the 27th of October as well as a week in November at a very reduced rate.
Off The Mark
Both Stan and Mark have had fish out in the last 24 hours, Mark was first with a 38lb 3oz common from under the far bank and a few hours later Stan's patience was rewarded with a 32lb 5oz mirror from no carp corner pineapple pop up done the trick again surrounded by maize, pellet and scopex boilies.
Stan and Mark
Yesterday we welcomed Stan and Mark to Lac Cimes and it looks like it could be a fun week again. We showed them round and pointed out all the favourite places to try for a fish and i am sure it won't be long before they are into a fish as they have already had a good run.
Howard and Tony our last guests have already been in touch about dates for next year so the diary for 2024 is filling up nicely, where as this time last year we were looking to our first clients on board. Our target remains the same not to fish the lake continually so the fish get a rest at least one week a month.
Tue, Oct 3 at 4:16 PM
Ryan Wales
2 reviews·6 photos
5 days ago
NEW
Me and a friend had a weeks stay at Lac Cimes and I can't speak highly enough about the place, the fishing and the owners; James and Sammi!
Between us we managed a good head of 20's, 30's and two 40's. Each fish was in pristine condition and fought like monsters!
The lake was exceptionally well maintained as was the gite, however we spent most of our time in the bivys and under the pergola which were provided along with any other tackle and equipment which you might need.
James and Sammi were fantastic hosts, You can tell both are very passionate about their business and as far as hospitality was concerned nothing was too much trouble, they brought us from and to the airport as well as other little errands to different shops.
James has fantastic fish knowledge and knows the lake inside out and won't hesitate to put you on the spots if you are struggling.
Wether or not it's your first and 100th trip to France I cannot recommend this venue highly enough.
Review
Tom Jenkins
Years Angling:5+PB:Carp38lbs
Lac Cimes truly is an incredible place. Sammi and James were fantastic to my friend and I from our initial enquiry to arriving at, fishing, and leaving Lac Cimes. Both were on hand for airport transfer, shopping, and any fishing-related advice you might have – let alone their pleasant company! James knows the lake like the back of his hand and will almost certainly put you on fish. To come away with several 20s, a few 30s and a couple of 40s (biggest 47lb) is testament to their knowledge of the lake, fish, and how to snare them – their care and respect for the fish keeps them in immaculate condition. The lake itself is a gem, set in beautiful woodland and full of various features to offer variety in fishing tactics. The facilities were spot on. The gite was equipped with every essential – a welcome package upon arrival comprising a few beers certainly places any apprehension around catching at ease – and the peg was pristine, with fixed bivvies and a pagoda to shelter from those unpredictable though at times welcome storms. We will most certainly be back and look forward to catching up with James and Sammi. The most welcoming, generous, and friendly hosts.
100 Not Out
Not fishing related but my mother reached her 100th birthday so happy birthday mother !
Picture is of her with her card from the King and Queen. Aways interested in what is being caught from the lake and everything connected with our adventure in France.
Set Up
This is the rig that seems to be working out well for most anglers at the moment but will keep you all updated as the rest of the season goes on.
Exciting Last Day.
Tom and Ryan had a great time all week, lots of laughs with this pair who took on board what the information given which resulted in 5 PB's. There were several buckets of water doused over the boys over the days.
The temperature dropped a lot over the week which made the fish get on the munch and the last day was manic for Tom who spent over two hours fighting fish ! Most of the fish were caught on pineapple pop ups and wafters and over the week the fish were caught from all over the far two sides.
The bonus of the week was a good bet on the football came in so the holiday worked out nearly for nothing.
So another very happy customer who is already planning for next years trip.
Over The Rainbow
After the heatwave of last week the storms arrived in earnest with torrential rain sunday evening with at least 25mm falling in an hour. This all delayed Henry and Pat's departure as their flight home was delayed by an hour, it was good having my brother over as it helped catch up on some jobs.
Tom and Ryan have got off to a good start catching four fish and they still have four days to go, the best being 40lb 12oz common and they managed to capture a complete rainbow over the lake the morning after the storm.
The local Quest managed to dig through the main water pipe when clearing the roadside ditches so we were off water for most of the day but I must give credit to them, when the repairs were finished everything was immaculate.
A Bit Behind
Its been a busy few days so got a bit behind with up dating the news page.
Ian an Simon had a tough week with the sun out and temperatures in the high 30's still they both caught some good fish with both getting big common's. As Ian said one common spends more time on the bank than in the lake !!
We had family arrive for a weeks stay which has been good for us, lots of laughs and catching up on news from the UK.
Mike returned for a couple of days and managed a couple of nice fish including a common of 37lb 6oz , again conditions not ideal being very warm and he's already planning next years trip.
Then today we welcome Tom and Ryan for a week so hopefully it cools down a bit !
Patience
Both Simon and Ian were rewarded for their patience today with a common of 36lb 5oz and a mirror we never knew was in the lake of 19lb 9oz.
The weather has again been brutal this week with temperatures in the mid thirties so hopefully the fish will come on evenings and throughout the night. Fingers crossed !!
Change Over
It was a two quick fish this morning for Sam and archie as they were leaving at 10. It ended a really good week for these novice carp anglers who were fishing in France for the first time, so to go away with new PB's was an excellent result. With six fish caught and four more takes it could've been even better. Still you would take two big forties, three thirties and a good twenty !!
Regular guests Simon and Ian are on their way to us for a week but it looks like the weather could be reaching the high 30's again. Always fun with this pair so had better empty the recycling bottle bin !!
A Busy 48 hours
Late monday evening father and son, Sam and Archie arrived and got fishing the next morning and with in an hour Archie had a new PB 30lb 11oz, double his previous best, then the PB was smashed again with a 46lb 5oz mirror and later dad got in on the action with a PB of 39lb 6oz mirror and an hour later the reels ripped off again although this one slipped the hook. All fish succombed to 10mm pineapple pop ups.
A Good Ending
Graham and Amber had a tough week with temperature's reaching the high 30's but ended with six fish with two coming on the last morning when the weather changed after a huge thunderstorm, Graham tried everything to get them feeding, it was good they both got PB commons. Five out of the six fish came in darkness.
Still another happy customer who wants to return next year.
Amber's PB
Another fish in the cool of the night for Amber, a PB common of 34lb 12oz which gave her a really good battle before it came to the net.
New Guest
Last night we welcomed father and daughter, Graham and Amber for a week at the carp. Despite not arriving until quite late with in a few hours they had a good mirror out and then on a very warm sunday morning (33 degrees) a lovely common over 37lb so a good start to the week. The common came from the far left hand side near the lake outlet and the mirror from just in front the silt trap.
One Year
Well where has the time gone, it's a year yesterday that we arrived at Lac Cimes to start our new adventure in France. We have had ups and downs which we expected in the first year and learned a lot and still learning !
We have had wonderful guests from our first last September, Ian and Simon who are back again in a couple of weeks, to Dan and Phil and families who left saturday and everyone in between.
We would like to thank everyone who has helped us get this project off the ground to family and friends and the many people who have given advice and encouragement.
Work continues as we make improvements to the fishing and surroundings and we have many plans for the future. Also in the house we have now decorated 5 rooms so just a couple more to do before we start on the gite in the winter.
It's been great seeing people's faces light up when they get a PB, like Luke who achieved 4 including a 51lb fish and this was in March. Already six have confirmed bookings for next year and the others are just working on dates. We've even got a confirmed booking for 2025 !!
We like to give everyone the best experience possible and nothing is to much trouble, whether it's a lift to the town or just some advice on locating fish !
Off The Mark
Dan got off the mark with a nice mirror of 27lb 4oz taken on a 10mm pineapple pop up, it was a real fighter.
Dan and Phil Arrival
Today we welcomed Dan and Phil and their families for the next week, we hope they enjoy good fishing and some settled warm weather. Phil got off the mark first with a common over 37lb on a snowman set up . It's Dan's birthday so fingers crossed he gets one today as well.
The brand new bait boat works well and is a lot faster than the old one having twin props. So another bit of equipment updated.
I did manage a session midweek and got rewarded with a mid twenty mirror which was another one of the new fish we added.
New Guests
The past week we have had Tim and Pauline staying with us in the gite and they have combined visiting local places like Oradour-sur Glane, Nexon and local markets with some fishing . The weather has cooled quite a bit to what it was, but it's still warm decorating again !! Longing to get another session in at the carp, might squeeze one next week as we have no guests although we do have a lot of jobs to do from deep cleaning the gite to cutting all the grass.
What An Ending
Adam's week ended on a high as on the last morning he had a 47lb 13oz and a 31lb 5oz both mirrors and very hard fighting fish. So he finished with 13 fish with an overall weight of 432lb 3oz so a very happy fisherman !!
Two PB's as well
Most of the fish were caught on bottom baits, with 2 on pink wafters and a couple on pop ups. Adam has already rebooked for 2024. We had good fun over the week and can't believe how fast the time went.
More Fish And Fun
Adam had 24 hours without a fish and then like buses two come along at once, at 12-30 yesterday he had a 26lb mirror and while putting this one back the rod on the right ripped off with another stunning commom of nearly 40lb so that't 10 fish landed with a total weight of 318lb 5oz ! All this with the weather over 31 degrees. He's still got till sunday so fingers crossed we get a few more.
We still have two dates available for this year if anyone is interested, 27th august for a week and there's a week in the middle of October. Next year is filling up quickly with nearly half the weeks gone.
They Keep Coming
The fish keep coming for Adam as in the first 48 hours he's had six fish, the best being a 40lb 6oz common, no carp corner, as it's named keeps producing commons at the moment, so maybe it should be renamed !
The lake is looking well, water level is still above average, no weed to cause a problem and we are on top the crayfish as Adam's not had a bottom bait attacked yet.
Even the weather looks good for the week.
Off To A Flyer
Adam returned for his second visit of the year friday evening and got off to a flyer with two fish within a few hours of arriving catching first a 31lb 8oz mirror around 11-30pm and then a 26lb 4oz fish this morning. Nice to see another one of new stock coming out, as Adam said it really fought well and really beat him up ! So fingers crossed there is more to follow. A red spicy fish boilie done the trick in both cases.
The Tour
The Tour De France passed through the village and I never realised how big this is as there was lots of entertainment before the bikes arrived , the streets were packed with people and all the roads are shut. Lots of shirts etc being given away by the big teams.
Here at Lac Cimes the fish have had a break for a couple of weeks but the gite has still been busy and we are doing more decorating in the house as well as tidying the grounds up, the work never seems to stop.
Updating
We have been busy updating some of the equipment as some bits and pieces were a bit past it. So we have purchased new slings, digital scales, new landing nets and some really nice rods and reels complete with pods and alarms, so no excuses now ! Any profit we make is being reinvested into the fishery to make it the best we possibly can as said before new stock has already been ordered for the winter.
Mike's big common being released back into the lake definitely ready to go !
A Good Fun Week.
We said goodbye to Mike today and Trev yesterday a smashing couple of blokes who enjoy fishing together, lots of banter throughout. Mike had a good end to the session with a PB common of 40lb 12oz so he was over the moon, Trev secured a PB mirror of 36lb so he was a happy chap as well. We look forward to them returning next year for another crack at the bigger fish. The lake went quiet for a couple of days midweek although there was loads of lumps cruising around.
Another Two For Mike.
On a really hot day Mike had two more out, a PB mirror of 36lb and nice common of 27lb which last came out the beginning of April and was 27 then. Hopefully Trev will get a couple today to catch up. They were tempted by a pale pink pop up.
With the weather cooling for the next couple of days lets hope for more action.
In For A Fun Week
Today we welcomed Mike and Trev, I have never met a pair so excited to be here in France fishing, I think they wanted me to drive faster to get to the lake quicker !
After a quick look round it was time to get the rods out and within 12 hours both had fish on the scales with Mike striking first around 8pm with a 26lb mirror and then Trev was into his 35lb mirror at 2-30am which was a new PB.
I can see it's going to be a fun week with this pair. We have been really lucky with all our guests all have been fun but take the fishing seriously and have been true sportsmen with great respect for the fish.
Andy nailed another one taken by the air rator around 4-30am a 25lb 2oz mirror and then he got a soaking from Sharon for his PB on Monday, I think he thought he had got away with it ! Great to have this couple with us and they are in the diary for 2024 already, next year is filling up nicely ! Also thank you for the lovely thank you card really appreciated.
All Change
In the blink of an eye everything changes, just after yesterdays post Andy was into this carp and what a battle to get it into the net. It was a PB of 42lb 3oz a real stunning fish named the "Jimmer". While Andy was playing the fish two more carp came cruising by one another very big common and a large mirror.
Nothing Happening
Well so far this week the lake has been very quiet, Andy is perservering and what makes it even more frustrating I have never seen the carp so active, lots of sploshing and cruising around in full view of us, he has had three runs so fingers crossed the next one stays on. This is why it's called fishing not catching. The weather is not helping as it's been very hot and then a big thunderstorm which triggered the electric trip on the pole by the road. Hopefully things pick up for him the rest of the week. Sam's return tonight might spark them into life, as long as the flight isn't cancelled for a fourth time.
Thank you to Adam for a great picture.
Just typing this and there's a massive splosh right by the house, that was a big fish !
Getting Ready.
Although it's been a quiet week it's still been busy as we prepare to welcome Andy and Sharon for a week. The gite is ready, the grass is cut, the fridge is stocked and the fish have been fed so hope full the weather will be with us and with air traffic controllers strike in France this week we hope they arrive on time as Sam's been stuck in the UK after having flights cancelled twice this week.
Around the lake there's been a few chunks cruising around, standing on a tree over looking the lake they come right below you.
We have a home phone number now which is 0033 587503293 for contacting us.
A Quiet Week
With Adam returning home sunday and no guests till the weekend plus Sammi being back in the UK for a week it was time to catch up on a few urgent jobs around the lake. Adam had a mixed week, what with the diversion of his flights and the weather changing daily it wasn't easy fishing although many other local lakes found the going tough as well, still he had a few fish and he has booked another week in July.
July gaps are now filled so there is a space at the end of August and then a two week gap in October to fill.
We have been so lucky with our guests all have been easy to get along with and are true sportsmen and we would like to thank everyone if you have booked a week with us or even just had a look at us, your support is appreciated.
The 2024 diary is open and starting to fill so start thinking about that next trip to France, we are planning more improvements to make your stay even more fun.
Reminder
The 14th of July to the 23rd of July is still up for grabs nine days for the price of seven or just book the amount of days you require contact us for more details. A good deal is available , the lake is not being fished the 2 weeks before as someone is renting the gite for a few days.
Frustrating
Well Adam arrived safely eventually and it was frustrating for him as his flight got diverted to Poitiers from Limoges. Still we jumped in the van and drove the two hours to pick him up so he got the rods out by 10pm instead of by 5 ! His patience was rewarded with a fish around midnight a 22lb 4oz common. In the morning he knocked out 3 very large tench all on 20mm boilies. The carp where sploshing in the evening again but no more takes until 5am when Adam banked a 26lb 8oz mirror. Adam is going with a bottom set up in the favourite places.
The new rods and reel set ups seem to be doing the trick all things that needed upgraded, Pacific Peche have been a good find as they stock a huge range of tackle and bait and are not far from us if you forget anything when your with us.
The weather is warming up as is the water temperature which was at 26 yesterday.
Cancellation
Due to a serious family illness to one of our repeat guests they have had to cancel so if anyone is looking for a week we have the following dates free, July 14th to July 23rd so you can pick between these dates. We wish them a speedy recovery and will see them at Lac Cimes soon.
Also we are offering day tickets on the weeks we have no guests as we have noticed very few lakes give this opportunity.
It's a busy day.
It's going to be busy today in preparation for Adam's arrival tomorrow. Maize has been soaked and then cooked, the bait collected, the grass will be cut everywhere, all tackle prepared and the gite has been deep cleaned already. Just hope the flight is on time !
We did manage an hours fishing yesterday which resulted in a cracking tench and then the thunder storm arrived.
A little video from Luke and Elizabeth's stay with us March this year.
Ian's other 3 fish from his week, the beard gets shorter !!
Let Down
It's annoying when you book someone in on trust and then they let you down, no phone call, email or message. It cost us a weeks money which is vital to us in our first season so it looks like we might have to change our policy in the future. Someone else could've taken the week which makes it worse but never mind you live and learn.
On a better note, thank you Ian and Christine for the lovely review and we look forward to your return in September to get more PB's !
Ian sent us some fantastic pictures of the night sky over the lake, I know he stayed up some nights just to get pictures of the Milkyway. You just don't realise what's out there until you see pictures of this quality. It's just not about the fishing at Lac Cimes we want everyone going away having a special memory of their trip.
We look forward to welcoming Adam next week so the fish will have had a fortnight's rest to get over spawning which should benefit him. Pop ups seem to be doing the trick either coconut, pineapple or almond.
Resting
With no fishermen this week the lake has had a rest and the fish can complete their spawning in peace something they started a couple of weeks ago when it was warmer. It's given us the chance to clear three more trees around the lake which had died before they fell in the lake. The grass has been cut again, it really does grow quicker than in the UK !
We've got a group of french guests for one night friday and then it's a busy morning cleaning before our fishermen arrive saturday.
On another subject it's great that friends from the UK follow what's happening at Lac Cimes like Andrew and his family, who were great followers of our blog we done on the estate. Thank you for the card it was a lovely surprise.
So although the lake got a rest we never !!
An Exciting Week.
We had a fun week with Ian and Christine, lots of laughs throughout. Ian managed 3 PB's and also now holds the common lake record which now stands at 45lb 2oz !! After a 40 minute battle it was in the net, it just kept making run after run but Ian managed the battle brilliantly and after returning the fish to the water it was time for the carp dance in celebration, the video will be seen one day Ian !!
All the other fish were treated with the same respect and any marks from spawning were treated.
Thanks to both for making it a special week and I know Sammi enjoyed having some female company, a safe trip home and see you again in September.
Another PB.
Ian had a good start to the day with his second PB of the week a 47lb 4oz mirror, looking at the pictures it looks like he's happy ! A coconut popup done the trick.
Ian's third fish since arriving monday a beautiful common just over 39lb which is a new PB, it put up a really good fight before coming to the net, lets hope for more now the water temperature is warming up.
Welcome
Today we welcomed Ian and Christine back to Lac Cimes, they were our first guests when we took over last August so we know we were going to have a fun week ! After picking them up from the airport and having something to eat Ian got the rods out and got set up and was fishing by 8-30pm, by 10-3o there was a mirror in the sling weighing 35lb so an excellent start to the week, picture to follow.
Hopefully the weather will improve as the week goes on and the wind drops and the sun emerges from behind the clouds.
Internet
Last week we had fibre optic internet connected so it will improve your connection, we've tested it at the gite and lake and there is a good signal everywhere, so another improvement completed.
We have a free week until Ian and Christine arrives next Monday so it's a good chance to catch up on the jobs around the lake although it looks like it's a wet week.
The water temperature had just got to over 70 and the fish last night started to show, lots of sploshing and cruising around. I might even get a session myself !
Another Satisfied Customer
Thu, May 4 at 8:58 AM
Just back from our 3rd visit to Lac Cimes, this being the first under the new owners James & Sammie & I must say what fantastic hosts they were!
The weather was very hit & miss & the lake didn’t warm up much to get them feeding but all in all a very good week landing us 6 quality carp the biggest at 36lb.
Will definitely be booking again for next year need to get the home page picture back!!😂😂😂😂😂.
Once again many thanks James & Sammie, great hosts & great hospitality!
PS. Acko says hello! 😂😂
Howard and Tony
Barry's in again
Another fish this evening a 40lb common not a bad first day. A pink pop up done the trick.
Off to a flyer.
Barry had a good nights rest after a lot of extra travelling due to strike action and started fresh this morning and was rewarded with a lovely mirror carp only an hour after setting up definitely one of our new stock fish. It was putting his muscles to the test ! Dad Ron also has been in on the action with a couple smaller fish.
Goodbye, Hello
After a week with us Howard and Tony headed for home, real top blokes and never seen the gite left so tidy ! They have already enquired about another trip.
We found out the benefit of having gaps between bookings as we were able to move our next guests Barry and Ron's arrival a day due to a strike by air taffic controllers and they can still have a full week as we don't have another booking until the 15th so it was brilliant to be able help them out.
The water temperature is going up, as today it was 68 degrees fahrenheit where as last week it never got above 64.
Today a familiar marker for where it was a great catching point for the carp came down, the silver birch had been breaking down slowly recently but today it was down so it has now been hauled out the lake and cut up.
Tony's 36lb common from last week
Double Take.
Howard's fish today is the same fish Tony caught yesterday 4oz lighter, but it put up hell of a fight taking about 15 minutes to get in. Two more good runs followed in the evening.
Today is their final session before flying back to the UK. Hopefully more tight lines boys !
They are starting to come.
The week started slow but it's picking up with four more fish for Howard and Tony, the best being a 32lb4oz mirror with two more good fish being lost in the night. Still there's over 24 hours to go yet and the water temperature is rising so fingers crossed for a big finish.
A Good Start.
Howard and Tony started with a 6lb 8oz tench and then a 36lb8oz common carp a real short fish but very wide and deep, both fish came from under the trees on the far bank , a regular catching place. A scopex 20mm boilie done the trick. The weather looks to improve for the rest of the week and hopefully more fish will follow. Howard and Tony have fished the lake many times before so understand how it all works where the gravel area's are and the shallow feeding places are so are looking forward to the rest of the week. So it's been good to have more information passed on, it all helps us build a better picture of the lake and help us know what else we need to do to improve it.
New Guests
This evening we welcomed our guests for this week Howard and Tony and we hope they have tight lines throughout the week. I think this could be another fun week as we have a mutual friend in Acko! It's a small world when you think we have moved over 500 miles south and a completely unknown guest books a week with us and chatting on the way back from the airport and it turns out we know a lot of the same people through football.
The lake looks good and the fish are moving more as the water warms up. We are still discovering things about the lake and the surrounding grounds, like finding more pipes that help fill the lake and in the woods there are overflow pipes and ditches that all need clearing. Still we will keep you posted on the progress.
Extra Availability
September 24th to October 1st has become available if anyone is looking for a week, the lake usually fishes well in september and october.
Rain Rain Rain !
Our guests for the last five days had awful weather for the last two of those days but it seemed to make the fish come alive with everybody going away with PB's although Dave's was some what different ! In five days 8 good fish came out and it could have been more with James loosing a good fish when the reel jammed and Dave having a couple more bites. The glass recycling dustbin was continually being filled !! Still another satisfied customer who we look forward to seeing again.
Now a deep clean of the gite as it's let out again for a one night stay of another repeat client so we must be doing something right.
Two More
Two more out with Darren nailing a 35lb mirror at 3am and James is off the mark with a 22lb mirror, keep at it boys !!
New Guests
We welcomed our new guests James, Darren, Dave, and family for 5 days fishing and enjoyment. I can see us having loads of fun with this group, the boys have already started catching a few small fish while the carp anglers have all got set up and started looking forward to catching a lump hopefully !! Although they got a good tench out.
We get more worried about them catching than the guests, the lake looks picturesque with the grass all cut the cowslips emerging and the trees are getting greener by the day. The newly planted trees have taken well and some have buds on, so all our hard work and improvements are starting to pay off.
Sam's tan is coming on with these warm days!
A Quick Fishing break.
The last couple of days we've had a lovely couple join us for a fishing break and it was all about the rest and the fishing was a bonus !! Alan managed a 27lb common late sunday night which was an old warrior of a carp and the first time we had seen this particular fish caught, and Victoria enjoyed her time on the bank reading. This couple had a lot of experience running carp lakes and B&B's so it was a pleasure to chat with them and they passed on a lot of valuable information to help improve the Lac Cimes experience and it was great to hear when they left tonight they wish to return again later this season. Everyone who fishes with us we want your feed back so we can improve in the future. A picture of the fish will be sent so we can add it to the growing list of different carp caught.
Work Continues
As the weather warms there is still plenty of work to catch up on until our next guests arrive next weekend. We continue clearing our way through the wood cutting up fallen timber and cutting the ivy away from the trees. Our aim is to have a nice woodland walk for people to use with plenty of wild flowers introduced and bird boxes for the nesting birds. The trees are already coming out in leaf !
The water temperature is rising and so are the fish as they get more active. It was good to secure another booking for this season so the gaps are filling up , we have a three week gap at a prime time if anyone is looking or know anyone looking for a week.
As it got quite warm today 22 degrees I reward myself with a couple of hours on the bank.
Friends
This week we've had friends Frank, lucy and Terry staying with us all helping to do a few odds jobs and fitting in some fishing although the weather has been a bit changeable. The fish have been active evenings sploshing about but they have proved difficult to make contact with. We took them to Limoges to Pacific Peche and Decathlon both good fishing tackle shops as well as taking the girls to the town.
We had a major problem with the drains this week but luckily it's all sorted now although not the most pleasant job!
Just a couple of weeks to let now to complete our target for bookings for 2023 and we have started to receive bookings and enquires for 2024. So get in quickly if you want a week !!
A Crazy Morning
Well what a crazy end to Lukes week with us with two more fish both PB's again and the first 50 of the new season both well deserved. It started with a 43lb4oz common which is a lake record common and then with him packing all his gear away the alarm went off again with a 51lb1oz mirror I am still buzzing and I am sure Luke is as well travelling home. The best bit for me was it was on my reel which is over 50 years old ! A good old mitchell.
Time Flies
I really don't know where the time goes and I suspect Luke thinks the same as his week ends tomorrow. Still two PB's is a good result considering the conditions some days ! The common was 42lb and the mirror was 48lb1oz. It was a pleasure hosting Luke and Elizabeth a smashing couple, great fun and company and hope to see them again in the future, we wish them a safe journey home tomorrow.
We have been busy planting a new area of woodland with a mixture of hardwoods and shrubs something we thought we would do in the future ! We are lucky we have no problem in sourcing new trees as we are surrounded by forests with lots of new trees coming up.
We are also replacing the timbers around the paths, the new sign is up on the roadside and then tomorrow we will deep clean the gite ready for the arrival of freinds Frank, Terry and Lucy late saturday evening.
The New Season.
The new season started saturday with us welcoming Luke and Elizabeth to Lac Cimes and they never had to wait long to get in on the action with a 42lb common first fish out, a new PB for Luke. Not sure who was more excited Sam or Luke ! Hopefully more will follow.
The lake is full to the brim with all the recent rain and the streams are flowing into and out of the lake.
We still have some availability if anyone is still looking for a week.
We Are Ready.
After weeks of work we have got everything ready for our first guest of the new season. We look forward to welcoming Luke tomorrow and we hope he has a safe journey down to us. Yesterday we fed again a mixture of cooked maize, pellets and creamy boilies so another 7kg gone in.
The gite is all ready and the heaters are on !
It's amazing when we look back all what we have done since taking over so i hope everyone will notice the difference although we still have a lot more to do. Some of the plans are to clear the undergrowth in the woods to allow the wild flowers to thrive although this is a long term project. We hope to plant a better barrier of trees on the east side of the lake. The drive and parking area needs some attention as well. We also intend to add 2 monsters next winter which we have already ordered.
We Are Getting There.
With the season fast approaching we are nearly ready, today we cut all the grass and have tidied up round the parking area which needed doing as it dosen't give a good impression when you first pull in. Everything behind the swims has been cut back so everyone will get more sun when it appears !
All the gravel area's have been weeded today as well, the gite is ready after recent guests. The path around the lake is finished and another job we are doing as we go round everywhere is clearing the ivy from the lovely oak trees which are at least 100 years old.
So Luke we are looking forward to seeing you next weekend, I think we are more excited than you are.
A Quick Update.
Sam's happy her new ride on mower has been delivered so she can get busy cutting and tidying up the grass, mean while i've finished clearing the chestnut around the main swim area and behind the gite so more logs ready for next winter. But it wasn't without a hiccup as I somehow slid into the lake and ended up with very wet feet and legs !!Still no harm done and Sam had a good laugh.
Must go we've just had another last minute booking for the gite come in so a quick tidy up everywhere as we deep cleaned after the last guest, it all helps us tick over until the season kicks off.
Latest update
Firstly the week that was available at the start of May has now been taken but there are still weeks available see availability page.
We've been flat out preparing for the new season so we can offer the best experience possible. The gite has been busy lately with several one night stays all very impressed by the accommadation provided giving us excellent scores of nines and tens.
The feeding of the fish has been stepped up slightly as we've had a warmer spell and the fish are definitely more active.
It's hard to believe it's six months since we arrived to start our new adventure in France. The shock of redundancy after 33 years service hit us hard at the time but infact looking back it done us a favour as we now have a better way of life and not working 80 hours a week ! Although it hasn't been easy at times we've got through it and were told we would face a lot of problems in the first year. We have completed a massive list of jobs around the lake, in the gite and our house but we still have plans to implement.
We would like to thank everyone who has booked with us we really appreciate each booking and will go out of our way to make your stay an enjoyable one. Also thank you to the 4000 who have looked at the website please just bare us in mind for the future, we understand there is a lot of excellent venues out there and everyone is looking for different things. Times are hard for everyone at the moment but if we can help out we will.
Tight lines everyone.
Extra Dates Available
We've had a guest had to change the week he was coming to later in the year so we have extra availability in May. So if you know anyone looking for a week we have the following dates now free.
May the 1st to the 14th and the new date is the 27th of May until the 15th of June so just pick the days you want from the above as we are flexible on arrival and departure and don't fish the lake continually.
We have been busy preparing for guests with the purchase of another bivvy as well as more decorating.
The new fish seemed to have settled in well and we are just starting to increase the feed going as they get more active as the last few days we have seen the fish come to the surface several times.
I have just completed new racking for rods, beds, chairs, bivvies etc all made from bamboo, why not use whats free !!
The Work Continues.
The work around all the property continues, most of the work around the lake has been completed, just a bit of tidying up to do. The weather has helped us catch up a bit and at least when it's dry I am not decorating !
We still have work around the gite to do to improve it further as well as the parking area. The woods all need a good sort out but this is all for the weeks when we've not got guests fishing.
It's great we've got a few regular followers seeing what we get up to each week as there is always another job to do, at the moment we are looking for a ride on mower.
We are just trying to get three more bookings for the season this would give us two for most of the months of the summer so if anyone knows anyone looking for a week , we would like to secure one more in May, September and October and if we can do a November week it would be a bonus.
New Stock Arrived At Lac Cimes.
We've had a very busy week at Lac Cimes with new stock arriving at the lake , here are just a few of the fish that went into the lake with fish to 30lb, beautifully marked common and mirror carp. We have named a couple, one is the Spooner and another is big Frank !
Another job we have been on is putting a track along the south side of the lake which was a bit dodgy to say the least with all the tree roots and it being on a camber.
As well as this we've had guests arriving to stay in the gite which was a last minute booking.
It's Snowed At Lac Cimes
We had a dusting of snow last nightand going round the lake early we could track what had visited us last night. A fox had come from behind the gite and went up and down the north bank, a pheasant had been busy as well strutting his stuff and a coypu had crossed the road to visit us.
It's a good job we ordered new heaters for the gite yesterday !!
Available Dates For 2023
We have the following dates available for this season,
April 15th to April the 22nd
May 1st to May the 14th
June 4th to june the 15th
August 18th to September the 3rd
September 11th to October the 1st
October 10th to October 30th
All of November
The Lake Is Full
After all the rain the lake is full and the streams are flowing in and out the lake all the filters have to be kept clean and any debris cleared.
Roof Repairs.
Today it was time to put my roofing skills to the test, we had another leak appear and the problem was some cracked tiles and a bit of dodgy felting done some time ago. So as it was dry and warm we cracked on, lifted all the tiles, replaced the felt and then before starting the process of replacing the tiles they all got cleaned and checked for anymore cracks. The french tiles are very good how they are all grooved out and all overlap and make a waterproof roof. After five hours the job was completed.
There was no time to rest as Sam had started to decorate a bedroom and so I joined her to get the first coat on.
Cleaning Round the Lake.
Since the new year started we've been busy cleaning all round the lake cutting back the vegatation weeds and brambles making good the banks and removing branches and snags from the lake so it should be 99 percent snag free. We found more small inlet pipes which have now been cleaned and now water is trickling into the lake. The silt traps are working well and the stream into and out of the lake is running well. There was a lot more work to do than I thought. Still it's another job ticked off the list.
The weather plays a big part of what we do each day, so if it's wet we head indoors to continue decorating, where as if it's dry I will be up on the gite roof stripping it and refelting !
Christmas Day
There was a challenge on Christmas day as we had a spinning match that lasted an hour and it was a close run thing but James just nicked it 3 perch to 2 although Sam probably just had the biggest fish ! so we will call it a draw. We had great fun and banter throughout the match.
Sam was sporting her new Lac Cimes fleece, the match will resume new years day !
We also have a very large pike which keeps attacking the spinners well into the 20's.
We have to get a lot of jobs done over the next few days, a tree to cut up and all the bank side vegatation needs cutting back ready for the spring growth.
Christmas Greetings To Everyone
We are back at Lac Cimes after 2 weeks in England and it's nice to be back in our home. We have now completed our long stay visas for staying in France. The whole of 2022 has been a time of highs and lows, what with redundancy after 33 years service and so having to move house as the house went with the job, loosing someone very close to me and then we had the high of finding our property in France but then had to deal with everything that goes with moving to France ! Then the blow of Sam's passport not being back in time to come with me straight away.
The best thing that happened in 2022 was our marriage, we had a brilliant day with just a few family and close friends.
We've had to deal with a lot of other things since taking over the lake but at last we hope we have turned the corner and have now got some bookings for 2023 but we still have availability if anyone is still looking for a venue for next year.
So a merry christmas to everyone and lets all hope for better times.
Winters Here.
Well winters here, the leaves are nearly all down, fishing is harder now it's colder but Marcus managed a 44lb mirror and I am still annoyed with myself for loosing a very large fish yesterday it was on for a while and then the hook came out. Still it's a beautiful bright day here and the lake is beckoning again !
Forest Walk.
A picture from our forest walk in glorious autumn colours, the whole team loved it. Then it was back to work ! or can you really call it work.
What a change from a year ago when we were working between 65 and 80 hours a week.
Getting Prepared.
We had to get ready for our guests Marcus and his fishing mate who are arriving friday for a weeks fishing. So we weeded the fishing swim, put the bivvies up and cleaned all the tackle so everything is ready. Fingers crossed the weather stays mild as the lake looks perfect for autumn carping. We hope they have a safe drive down from the north of England.
Thanks to Paul who popped in today to sort the boiler and heating system out for the house, probably be to warm now !
We like to have everything tidy for every guest whether they are staying one night or a week, which means a lot of leaves need raking up, recycling bins to empty, gite all deep cleaned. We did manage a long walk with the dogs through the forest which is looking fantastic in it's autumn colours, we are so lucky to have hundreds of hectares of foresty joining our property that we can wander through.
So another day has flown by.
Gite Updating.
We decided to improve the gite even more after our reviews for comfort on booking.com dropped from 10 to 8 so a new mattress has been installed. We also put some new lighting in the other bedroom, this room will also need updating soon when the budget will allow although we have already improved the bedding.
The maize was cooked up to mix with the pellets and then the fish were fed in the usual places.
The bookings for next year are slowly filling which is encouraging and we've just announced we have special winter deals for the next three months.
The days seem to fly by and we've not had chance for a fish lately !
This weeks news
It's been another busy week at Lac Cimes with three different groups booking the gite so we've had a lot of cleaning and bed changing to do but we are getting into a routine now and each of us know our jobs like Sammi does the beds and I do the toilets ! The good thing is the reviews and scores have been excellent with us getting 10's and 9.5'.
Finally i finished the leak in the lake, as the level rose with the stream now running again i found another one so it took a bit of digging out and sand bagging and then back filling to complete the job. Talking of leaks we've been up on the roof stripping of a large area and then repairing it in between the rain storms.
Feeding Time
sammie was on feeding duty today with help from her team.
Another 10kg of pellet and cooked maize so those carp should be piling on the pounds
I think you can say Sammi is happy to be here !!
Lake repairs
Lake repairs.
Today we said goodbye to our guests who arrived midweek who both caught fish the best being a 39lb common and a 30lb mirror as well as a few smaller fish, two real gents and sportsmen and left the gite immaculate.
I spent the rest of the day repairing a small leak in the lake I noticed a few days ago, only a trickle but it needed attention, when finished you wouldn't had known any work had been done.
Sam put her touch on the gite deep cleaning as we always do between guests and brand new bedding again! Having several sets of towels and bedding takes the pressure off her.
So another busy day and never got to fish !
A very satisfied customer
We stayed at Lac Cimes mid September 2022 as the first guests of James and Sammi in their new venture. How fortunate we were, the weather was ideal & conditions perfect, as was the fishing with 4 PB's - 2 PB mirrors & 2 PB commons. We can honestly say the hospitality and genuine nature of our hosts was exceptional, nothing was too much trouble & we couldn't have been looked after any better. Our thoughts on anything that could be improved upon were also requested, duly noted & appreciated. This was our third visit to Lac Cimes and we can sincerely say our hosts made our stay the best, always available when needed to assist with any request with a smile, yet never intrusive. Lovely place and hosts, immaculate hard fighting fish all combined to make our stay a fantastic one. The non fishers did a little exploring to Chalus which is a lovely little village within walking distance, albeit along the road for a short part. Also Limoges is definitely worth a visit with lots on offer, James went over & above to drop off & collect. A big thank you to our hosts, a great place and holiday we thoroughly recommend. We will be back. 😊
Helping Out
We had a call to see if we could help with allowing two chaps with a few days fishing as they had booked in on another local lake and after 2 days without any hot water or proper beds etc they decided to call it a day and look for somewhere else and we were only to happy to oblige. Father and son, Ron and Barry are a lovely couple of chaps with Ron in his eighties! Barry set up and within a couple of hours had a common 39lb and Ron was happily float fishing missed a few bites and then got a cracking perch. Happy days. Just hope they get some sort of refund from the other place.
Dangerous trees
Today we started taking down trees that are quite dangerous as they are leaning towards the house. But it is good for firewood! We have several more to do that are over hanging the gite, one or two might need expert tree surgeons as they are quite large oaks and chestnut's.
The weather was better than expected so we managed to keep going all day and although the lake looked perfect for fishing we managed to ignore the temptation to finish the job we had started.
Bookings
Bookings for next year are starting to come in for 2023 we have 3 weeks booked up now with a couple more just to firm up on dates. So don't delay if you want a specific week in case it goes !
We keep catching these little critters in our 12 crayfish traps, you can only eat so many!
And the rain pours down at lac Cimes
Another 10kg of mixed carp feed ready for them to get stuck into today
Sam spent a couple of hours on the bank and managed her first lac Cimes fish.
Mean while James is digging out the silt traps taking out over 40 wheel barrows full so they should all work more efficiently now it took several hours but worth it.
Updating The Gite,
Sam has been busy updating the gite with completely new bedding throughout, curtains and towels and the bathroom has been redecorated so it's all fresh for new guests. Talking of new guests we have had a few overnight stays and have a couple more due next week which keeps us ticking over until fishermen arrive next season. Our first guests left a really good review scoring us all tens !!
The electric gates are now working how they should after needing some serious attention making the property more secure for us and our visiting guests.
Around the lake we continue to improve the bank for fishing and the levels have gone up due to some heavy rain the weekend. Crayfish are still being trapped as we struggle to control numbers. Every day we see huge carp leaping out the water especially around the bloodworm bed and kingfishers are sighted daily.
We still have availability for fishing throughout October and November at special rates. Bookings are now being taken for 2023 and we have a confirmed party for next October!!
Simon and Ian's week's fishing.
Our guests have now departed after a successful week's fishing and wish Simon, Michelle, Ian and Christine safe journeys home.
Simon managed 8 fish with a personal best common of 36lb 8oz and a personal best mirror of 47lb 6oz as well as two more over 40lb.
While Ian achieved personal bests as well with a common of 37lb 13oz and a PB mirror of 45lb 12oz, as well as other mirrors over 27lb.
We couldn't have asked for nicer guests for our first visiting party. All were good fun and enjoyed their stay at lac Cimes despite difficult fishing conditions at times. More pictures to follow soon of all the fish.
Ian's in again with a 29 pounder
Simon looking happy with a PB
Simon’s off to a flyer with a 38lb4oz fish with in an hour on the first morning
All tackle and bivvies cleaned ready and waiting for our new arrivals Simon, Michelle,Ian and Christine
The newly cleared north side of lake
News from Lac Cimes.
Each week we will update this page with catch reports, weather conditions and general news from Lac Cimes.
Its been a busy week at Lac Cimes with a lot more clearing up being done with Henry's help as we prepare for our new guests arriving Friday and Saturday. The huge carp have been leaping out the water evenings which is exciting to watch.
We had a huge thunderstorm last night with a heavy deluge of rain which has given the lake new life. We still have availability for October and early November whether it's for fishing or just an autumn break. Thank you for visiting the site and please do so again, for now au revoir!!
This week we welcomed brother Henry and his wife Pat who's come over to help with a few jobs and a spot of fishing! After landing at Limoges airport which is the easiest airport in the world to get through, land then within minutes you are in the van heading for lac Cimes ! After a relaxing evening Henry was up exploring the lake and couldn't resist a flick with a rod before breakfast and within an hour he had hooked a monster carp which he played for 10 minutes before the hook slipped out but we did get some good sightings of it and to think he was only going for a few roach ! So then it was onto bank clearing. More to follow.
We are now settling in well and getting the house how we want it, although at the moment we are lacking comfortable seating!!
The dogs are loving their new freedom although when we have guests they are confined to one area of the garden.
We have been dealing with all the French bureaucracy since moving in but are getting there, and learning the language!!
We are looking forward to welcoming more guests next week.