Old School Wild Carp Fishing at Its Absolute Best 🇬🇧➡️🇫🇷
If you’re a UK angler searching for something a little more real… something away from the busy, over-stocked commercial venues… then Les Etangs des Chantereine – Back Lake could be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
Set in the Champagne region just 2.5 hours from Calais, this is proper drive & survive carp fishing — raw, untouched, and full of mystery.
No crowds. No distractions. Just you, the lake, and the chance of a fish of a lifetime.
Often described as a “pot of gold at the end of the rainbow,” the Back Lake offers an authentic carp fishing experience that’s becoming increasingly hard to find.
The Lake
The Back Lake is a 36-acre wild carp water, packed with features and character — the kind of lake that rewards effort, watercraft, and patience.
- 36 acres of natural, untouched water
- Depths ranging from 1ft to 24ft
- Sandy gravel lakebed with weedy areas
- Plenty of underwater features and hidden spots
- Just 7 spacious double swims
- Maximum 12 anglers at any one time
This is not a runs water — it’s a thinking angler’s lake. Find the spots, put in the work, and you’ll be rewarded.
The Stock
The lake holds a strong head of quality carp, with plenty of room to grow:
- Carp to 54.9lb
- Plenty of high 20s and 30s
- A selection of 40lb+ fish, all growing fast
With low pressure and a natural environment, these fish are hard-fighting and in superb condition — exactly what you’d expect from a wild French venue.
Facilities (True Drive & Survive)
This is where the Back Lake really stands apart — it stays true to its old school roots.
- Portaloos on site
- Shower available at the owner’s nearby house (€5 per use)
- No electricity
- No running water
- No food packages
This is proper back-to-basics carp fishing — ideal for anglers who want to fully switch off and focus purely on fishing.
Bait & Approach
- No on-site bait available
- Anglers must bring their own bait and supplies
This gives you complete freedom to approach the lake your way — whether you’re fishing light and mobile or settling into a longer campaign-style session.
Rules & Fishing Info
- Saturday to Saturday bookings only
- Arrival from 12:30pm
- Departure by 12:00 noon
- All rubbish must be removed
Fishing & Safety:
- Recommended minimum 18lb mainline
- Bait boats allowed
- Rowing boats permitted (bring your own, use at own risk)
- Life jackets are mandatory at all times when on the water
- No life jacket = removal from the lake (strictly enforced)
- Life jackets are not provided
Location & Travel
One of the big advantages of this venue is how easy it is to reach from the UK:
- Just 2.5 hours from Calais
- Located in the beautiful Champagne region
- Local amenities just 400 yards away
- Supermarkets
- Restaurants
- Takeaways
You get that remote, wild feel — without being completely cut off.
Year-Round Fishing
Unlike many venues, the Back Lake is open all year round, including winter.
Perfect for anglers looking to:
- Avoid peak season crowds
- Target big carp in quieter conditions
- Experience the lake in different seasons
Who Is This Lake For?
This venue is not for everyone — and that’s exactly why it’s so special.
The Back Lake is perfect for anglers who:
- Love old school carp fishing
- Enjoy finding fish rather than being shown them
- Want peace, space, and solitude
- Prefer wild, natural venues over commercial lakes
- Are comfortable with a drive & survive setup
Book Your Session
If you’re ready to experience true wild carp fishing in France, this lake delivers something genuinely different.
👉 Read more and book your trip through Angling Paradise here:
https://anglingparadise.com/les-etangs-des-chantereine-back-lake/
⚠️ With only 7 swims and a 12-angler limit, availability is naturally limited — early booking is highly recommended.