Tucked away in a quiet wooded valley on the Dordogne / Haute-Vienne border, Lac de Lion is one of those rare French carp lakes that immediately captures the imagination.
At 5 acres, this beautiful spring-fed lake offers the perfect balance of big carp potential, peaceful surroundings, and consistent action, making it a superb choice for anglers looking for a lake exclusive fishing holiday in France.
With five known carp over 60lb, a strong head of 50s and 40s, and around 180 carp in total, Lac de Lion is quickly gaining a reputation as a venue where serious personal bests can happen.
For anglers seeking a Drive & Survive carp fishing holiday with genuine big fish potential, this venue offers a truly exciting opportunity.
A Peaceful French Carp Lake Hidden in the Woods
Lac de Lion sits more than a kilometre down its own private track, surrounded by mature oak, beech, and pine woodland.
With the nearest house over a mile away, anglers enjoy complete peace and privacy during their stay — something that is becoming increasingly rare on many commercial carp lakes.
The lake has been owned and carefully managed by Paul and Debs since 2003, when they first purchased the water along with its original carp stock.
In 2004, over 120 additional carp were introduced from a well-known fish farm to strengthen the stock of mirrors and commons. For many years the lake was only lightly fished, allowing the carp to grow on in a low-pressure environment.
Since 2020, Lac de Lion has been opened for bookings, and anglers are now discovering just how special the fishery really is.
A Big Carp Lake with Five Known 60lb Carp
For anglers chasing truly big carp, Lac de Lion already boasts an impressive record.
The lake currently holds:
- 5 known carp over 60lb
- At least 17 carp over 50lb
- A strong head of 40lb and 30lb fish
- Numerous hard-fighting commons
- Unique specimens including koi and grass carp
The current lake record mirror stands at an impressive 66.04lb, landed in July 2024.
Interestingly, one dedicated angler has already managed to catch all five of the lake’s known 60lb carp over several trips — a remarkable achievement that highlights both the lake’s potential and its consistency.
Could you be the next angler to repeat that feat?
The lake record common carp currently stands at 48lb, and with some larger fish still uncaptured or unchipped, there could easily be more surprises waiting beneath the surface.
Microchipped Carp – Tracking the Growth of Giants
Since 2020, the lake owners have introduced a microchipping programme for many of the larger carp.
Fish over 30lb are gradually being chipped, allowing Paul and Debs to track:
- Growth rates
- Weight increases
- Capture history
Anglers are provided with a scanner to record the fish numbers, helping build an accurate picture of how the lake’s carp develop year after year.
This level of stock monitoring is relatively rare and provides valuable insight into the health and growth of the fishery.
Action Fishing with 40s and 50s Caught Regularly
Feedback from visiting anglers has been extremely positive.
Many anglers report that Lac de Lion is one of the most consistent big carp lakes they have fished, with 40lb and 50lb fish appearing regularly in catches.
For some visitors, the lake has even produced their first ever 50lb carp, often after many trips to other waters without success.
With 180 carp in just five acres, there is always the chance of action while still maintaining the realistic challenge that experienced anglers enjoy.
Surface Fishing, Stalking & Alternative Angling
During warmer weather, Lac de Lion offers excellent opportunities for surface fishing and stalking.
Fish can often be spotted cruising close to the margins, and anglers have enjoyed fantastic sport using:
- Floating bread
- Small floats with sweetcorn
- Light stalking setups
One memorable session even saw eight carp caught in a single afternoon from the surface, including fish up to 47lb.
The lake also holds roach, rudd, and perch, providing a fun alternative if you fancy an afternoon with maggots or lure fishing.
The Giant Catfish Surprise
Alongside the carp stock, Lac de Lion also holds some very large catfish.
One particular fish became something of a legend after being hooked several times but never landed — until 2025, when a group of anglers finally managed to bring it to the bank after a mammoth battle lasting over 90 minutes.
The result?
A catfish weighing over 140lb.
To maintain balance in the fishery, smaller catfish under 50lb are removed, ensuring they don’t become a nuisance for carp anglers.
Facilities at Lac de Lion
Although the lake sits in a peaceful off-grid setting, anglers still have access to a range of practical facilities.
These include:
- Refurbished shower room with hot water
- Toilet and wash basin
- USB charging points for phones and head torches
- Outdoor kitchen area with hob, grill, and cookware
- Gas fridge
- Picnic bench and preparation area
- Compost toilet
- Parking area
Because the venue is fully off-grid, there is no 240V electricity on site. Anglers are therefore advised to bring power banks or solar panels for charging bait boat batteries or other equipment.
Paul and Debs live on site and are always available to help with advice during your stay.
Boat and Tackle Hire
To make things easier for travelling anglers, several items can be hired on site.
Available hire equipment includes:
- One-man bivvies
- Bedchairs
- Fishing chairs
- Boatman Actor bait boats
There is also a small rowing boat available for baiting up or retrieving snagged lines, with flotation jackets provided for safety.
Bait Available On Site
To help maintain the health of the carp stock, Lac de Lion requires anglers to use their specially produced pellets when feeding.
Available bait options include:
Particle Mix (Maize, Hemp & Seeds)
10L bucket
Maize
10L bucket
Fishmeal Carp Pellets (9mm)
25kg sack
or per kg
Vegetable Pellets
25kg sack
or per kg
These feeds are designed specifically to promote healthy carp growth while maintaining water quality.
Book Lac de Lion Through Angling Paradise
For anglers searching for a peaceful French carp fishing holiday with genuine 60lb+ potential, Lac de Lion is an exciting discovery.
With:
- Five carp over 60lb
- A strong head of 50s and 40s
- 180 carp in just 5 acres
- Exclusive lake bookings
- Beautiful woodland surroundings
…it offers everything you could want from a big carp fishing trip in France.
Whether you are chasing a new personal best or simply want to enjoy a relaxed week fishing in stunning surroundings, Lac de Lion deserves a place firmly on your radar.
🎣 Bookings are available through Angling Paradise.