Lac Baleine
A premium carp fishing location
Lac Baleine is an astonishingly beautiful 23 acre lake set on 40 acres of land in the idyllic Champagne region, near Vitry-le-François, just over 3 hours from Calais. Spectacular views and a tranquil atmosphere make this a very special lake indeed.
A mature tree-lined lake, excavated over 25 years ago, Lac Baleine consists of gravel and clay. The lake offers a multitude of interesting features: from two islands with overhanging trees and deep margins to depths ranging between 8 to 12 feet depending on the time of year.
Spacious, well-maintained and perfectly positioned, Lac Baleine consists of 23 swims, a mixture of singles and doubles, with a maximum of 14 anglers. This ensures anglers have the freedom to move around while maintaining the secluded atmosphere that makes this such an impressive lake. All swims are accessible by vehicle. Lac Baleine can be weedy from time to time.
The complex has a range of facilities available:
- Showers and toilets
- Fridges and freezers
- Social area comprising of BBQ and picnic benches with spectacular views of the lake
- Solar electricity is present on site for charging batteries and phones
- Weigh station on each swim
- 10 minutes from a range of supermarkets, restaurants and shops
- Fenced with a gated entrance
- Rowing boats to hire
“Was a pleasure to fish such a nice lake with a serious amount of big fish. Can’t wait till the next time.”
– Peter Shaw
“Great lake. Great service and facilitys. Will return to this place.”
– Hakan Olsen
Stock at Lac Baleine
The lake stock is estimated at 350+ carp, with 25+ above 22kgs, 10+ above 30kgs and a current lake record well over 34kgs! Mixture of mirror and common carp, with some stunning scaly mirrors.
No poison chat, crayfish or bream.
Fishery Rules
- Arrival & Departure
Anglers may arrive at the lake from 1:00pm on the day of arrival. All anglers must leave the lake by 10:00am on the day of departure.
- Draw & Swims
All anglers must take part in the Sunday draw.
Fishing is only permitted from the marked swims.
Bivvies must be set up on the gravel areas only.
No “buddy” bivvies between swims are allowed.
- Vehicles
– Vehicles may be driven to swims and parked beside them. Note: swims 20/21/22 are not accessible by car.
– Once set up, vehicles must remain parked. Unnecessary driving around the lake is not permitted.
– Anyone driving off the designated track will be charged for damage, and recovery of stuck vehicles will incur a €250 fee.
– If you are found driving unnecessarily after setting up, you may be asked to park in the main car park.
– The lake management reserves the right to close the track around the lake at any time if weather conditions make it unsafe or likely to cause damage.
- Fish Care
– Unhooking mats, weigh slings, carp care kits, and nets are provided. A €50 deposit is required on arrival. No personal mats, slings, or nets are allowed.
– All anglers must use a carp care kit on every fish, for every catch. All wounds and damage must be treated. Kits will be checked on arrival.
– No sacking or retaining fish.
– All fish must be lifted from the water using a weigh sling – never in the net. Ensure fins are flat before lifting. Always return carp to the water using the sling.
– Carp of 40lb+ must be photographed in the water.
– Carp of 50lb+ must never leave the lake. They must be weighed and photographed in the water using the provided weigh poles.
– Photograph both sides of the fish if possible, and record the weight. This helps us monitor growth and health.
-Any signs of damage must be reported immediately to the bailiff or owner.
- Tackle & Rigs
– Maximum of 3 rods per angler, which must not be left unattended.
– Rods must be fished within your designated swim boundaries (see lake map at the lodge).
– No braided mainline, braided leaders, leadcore, lead-free leaders, or Rigmarole or Fox Copper core. No leaders of any kind.
– Minimum main line: 18lb breaking strain, or 0.38 diamter. Safety rigs only. No bolt rigs
– All anglers must use set ups must be able to drop the lead safely. Any unsuitable set ups must be changed immediately.
– Hooks: Micro-barbed size 2 only. No long-curve hooks, long-shank nailers, or similar bent hooks. No barbless hooks. No set hooks.
– The use of the Magic Twig is banned – anyone found using it will be asked to leave.
– Rigs and lines will be checked before anyone can start fishing and throughout the week.
- Bait
– All particles, seeds, and maize must be purchased from the lake. Any brought onto site will be confiscated and returned at the end of your stay.
– All nuts (including peanuts) are banned.
– Maggots, worms, and snails are banned.
– Plastic hookbaits are strictly prohibited.
– Bait boats are permitted with sensible use.
- Boats
– Rowing boats are available to rent (€50 per week). Only swims 1–4, lodge swim, 18/19, and 23 must rent a boat.
– Life jackets must be worn at all times.
– Boats must be returned in the same condition to the lodge or designated swim.
– No private boats may be brought onto site.
- Facilities
– Kitchen, showers, and toilets are free to use. Please keep them clean after use.
– Bring your own bin bags, toilet paper, and towels.
– A €20 facilities deposit will be held. If facilities are not kept clean, this deposit will be withheld from all anglers on the lake.
– Any damage or faults must be reported immediately to the bailiff/owner.
- General Rules
– Cutting or pruning trees, plants, or vegetation is not allowed.
– Grass, trees, and swims are maintained weekly by staff only.
– No swimming, no fires, no defecating around the lake.
– No drugs permitted.
– Alcohol is allowed in moderation. Any angler seen to be intoxicated will be required to reel in their rods and may be asked to leave the fishery.
– Drunkenness, antisocial, or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated.
– Dogs are not permitted.
- Respect for Others
– Please keep noise to a minimum – sound carries far over the water.
– Anyone breaking rules will be asked to stop fishing and leave immediately without refund.
“We are here to make sure you enjoy your holiday with us. Our rules are in place to protect your safety, the carp, and the environment you’re fishing in. Thank you for your understanding, and we hope you enjoy your stay with us.
— The Carp Vivre Team”
By booking, you accept all rules. If in doubt, please ask.