Carp fishing at Pimprez
Pimprez, Northern FranceLake Description
The well-known carp venue Pimprez is located north of Paris, only 2 hours from Calais. It consists of three beautiful natural carp fishing lakes: the large lake has a surface of 27 acres (11 hectares), the medium sized lake is about 16 acres (6.5 hectares) and the small lake is roughly 12 acres (4.5 hectares). In total, Pimprez has a total fish stock of 1,500 carp. The biggest carp are over the 65lb (30kg) mark.
Owner Jeoffrey has invested a lot over the years to make his property even more enjoyable and better for carp anglers. Everything is just top notch. His bailiff Pierrick, who lives on the property, is available at all times to provide service to his customers. They both speak English.
Pimprez has been exprorpiated by the French state. The carp have been moved to the owner's new venues Natura Carpe and Le Hameau.
The Lake
The Pimprez venue used to be a weedy water, but due to the owner's efforts, small lake and the midium-sized lake are practically free of weed. The large lake still has some weed beds, but these are under control. There are enough open spots to fish well. So the weed is no longer a problem at Pimprez, even in the summer months.
Due to the presence of springs in the lakes, the water level is almost constant, the persistent drought of recent years does not cause a drop in the water level. The bottom consists of sand with a layer of silt, the depths vary between 1 and 5 metres, there are no obstacles, no poisson chat (catfish) and hardly any crayfish.
In July, August and September, there can be weed formation, especially in the big lake. Although the weed is trickier to fish, the carp love it. Often the nice fish are caught in and around the weed.
The Carp Stock
Pimprez has an impressive carp stock. The owner estimates there are around 300 carp in the small lake, 500 carp in the midium-sized lake and 750 carp for the large lake. An average of two 45lb+ carp are caught per day and the record stands at 70lb (31.5 kg) for mirror carp and 59,5lb (27 kg) for common carp.
The fish stock also consists of large pike, some sturgeon between 10-25 kg and some large bream. There is no catfish in the lakes.
The Swims
There are a total of 18 double swims with picnic tables on the Pimprez complex. Cars may be parked at the swims. All swims can be reserved by 1 or 2 anglers.
The Big Lake
Swim 1 features an ecolodge, which is a large wooden tent with two sleeping areas, one with a double bed and one with a bunk bed. There is electricity, a cooker, a fridge, but no running water. There is a tap with drinking water 100 metres away. If you add swim 13 (Plage-bis), ideal for groups of 3 or 4 anglers.
Swims 2 and 3 are bivvy swims.
Swim 4 features a comfortable hut of 30 m2 with two sleeping areas, one with a double bed and one with a single bed and a bedchair. There is electricity, a fridge, a cooker and a fireplace. However, there is no running water. Behind swim 2 is a building with drinking water, a toilet and electricity.
Swims 5, 6 and 7 are bivvy swims on the big lake.
Swim 13 is also on the big lake and is also called Plage bis.
Medium-Sized Lake
There are 6 swims on the medium sized 16 acres lake.
Swims 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 are bivvy swims.
At swim 14 (also known as Plage) there is a 12 m2 wooden chalet with electricity. Very practical to store tackle and bait for example.
The Small Lake
Swim 15: Swim 15 is also called Volière, and is located on the 12 acres (4.5 hectares) lake. This chalet is also 12 m2 with electricity.
Swims 16, 17 and 18 (also knows as "Les Palettes") are bivvy swims.
Sanitary Facilities and Services
At the entrance of the complex there's a clubhouse where you can check in at your arrival. It has a tackle shop where you'll find end tackle, particles, pellets, dips, boilies etc. You can also buy chilled drinks and order food there. A freezer is available to anglers.
The facilities have a separate entrance: there's a sink, a toilet and a clean spacious shower. The shower works with tokens costing €2.50 each. This system avoids excessive use of water and electricity and is justified by high energy prices.
Boats can also be rented on site for 10€ per day and electric motors for 10€ per day.
Dogs are allowed, but there is a charge of 35€ for their stay. Near the estate is a railway line where an ordinary train occasionally passes, not a TGV. The noise of the train is not too bad.
The supermarket is 4 km away.
Holiday home
Located on the big lake between swim 1 and swim 13 aka Plage bis. 4 anglers can fish these two swims. The écolodge is a large tent and features 1 bed ( 140x190), one bunk bed ( 80x190), a fridge, a table (Inside and outdoor) and a gas cook top.
Swim 4 features a comfortable hut of 30 m2 with two sleeping areas, one with a double bed and one with a single bed and a bedchair. There is electricity, a fridge, a cooker and a fireplace. However, there is no running water. Behind swim 2 is a build...
Swim 14 "La Plage" features a simple 12m2 wooden chalet with (limited) electricity. Great for storing your tackle & bait.
Swim 15 "La Volière" features a simple 12m2 wooden chalet with (limited) electricity. Great for storing your tackle & bait.
Key points
- The Lake: Domaine de Pimprez
- Region: Picardy
- Distance: 2 hours from Calais
- Open: All year round
- Depth: 1 (3ft) to 5 meters (16ft), no snags
- Bottom: Clay & sand with layer of silt
- Max. Anglers: 36
- Carp Stock: 1500 carp, up to 30,5kg
- Weed: during warmer months
- Access: All swims have car access
- Price per Angler: 1 angler per swim: € 420. 2 Anglers per swim is 280€ x 2 = € 560 per swim (Saturday - Saturday)
- Price non-fishing guest: 50€ (Saturday - Saturday)
- Lake Exclusive Booking: Large lake € 4000; Middle lake € 3000; Small lake € 2000 (Saturday - Saturday)
Rules - Pimprez
Northern FranceOriginal Rules from Pimprez - Our rules exist to safeguard our fish stocks and ensure that you have an enjoyable visit to Domaine de Pimprez. Please read these rules carefully before you fish, as failure to observe the rules or acting in any way, which interferes with others’ enjoyment or use of the lakes, will result in the offender being immediately removed and banned from the fishery.
For your arrival and departure:
Arrival times: 10 AM till 12 and 2 PM till 6 PM.
Departure: before 10 Am. You must call the baillif at your arrival. If you arrive too early, gate will be closed and you will have to wait.) thanks to your understanding.
Fish only from the platforms provided, please do not fish between swims
All fish must be returned to the water immediately, do not use keepnets or sacks to retain fish
All forms of fixed lead are banned - all leads must be free running
Rods are not to be left unattended at any time or for any reason (3 rods /angler)
Please be considerate when using buzzers; please turn the sound down as noise travels
You must be in possession of an unhooking mat for all forms of fishing.
All fish being photographed must be held over an unhooking mat at all times - photographs should be taken kneeling down under no circumstances should you hold fish standing up
Fish must be weighed using a sling, zipped unhooking mat or landing net.
Do not cut or otherwise damage bank-side vegetation
Do not disturb wildlife please advise a member of staff as soon as possible should any wildlife become hurt or injured, hooked or entangled with line, or if line becomes snagged on trees or bushes or on any underwater snag during your visit in order that this can be immediately removed
Do not light any fires and do not burn the grass when using any form of cooking equipment
The use of BBQ's is allowed only on foot.
Toilets are available close to the lake; please use them
Catch reports and photographs of any notable fish caught would be appreciated for our website and notice board
All nets must be dipped before starting to fish.
All anglers must be in possession of a large landing net, which has at least 36” arms with a deep mesh net - pan nets are not allowed
No braided main lines (except on marker rods) or shock leaders to be used
Barbless hooks only to be used (barbed and micro-barbed hooks are not allowed)
No fish to be sacked at any time, all fish to be returned to the water immediately after capture and photographin
Bait boats is allowed. respect your limit. Dogs are allowed, but there is a charge of 35€ for their stay.
Your own rowing boat is allowed (10€ for all during of your trip)
When photographing fish, support the fish over a large unhooking mat, kneel and never stand up with the fish
When returning fish to the water you must use a sling, zipped unhooking mat or landing net regardless of the distance. Do not carry any fish without the use of a sling, zipped unhooking mat or landing net
Do not driving for going at the shower or Wc ( walking recommended)
if you want to go shopping? The gate is open at 9 o'clock till 18 o'clock. After this hour, gate is closed.
The yellow garbages are done for put all plastic pieces and the big green Box is for Glasses bottle. thanks for the Nature. If you respect all our rules you will receive all my heartfelt gratitude. Jeoffrey MARTIGNY ( 0033 6 09 57 48 76)
Reviews
The swims were about 300 m apart, which made socialising very difficult, (we were on holiday after all). The lake was quite weedy, but nowhere near as bad as the main lake. I'd go back but not for a social holiday. Particles are a must!
The only downside to the trip was the amount of rats in the swims. Other than that, really liked the lake and will be returning again soon.