Orchard Lake
Availability 3 Anglers
Orchard Lake is a private 1.5-acre lake set within the peaceful Famous Five complex in rural Mayenne, France. Available for two to three anglers, it is an excellent choice for a couple, small group of friends or family looking for a comfortable fishing holiday with plenty of privacy.
The main swim is positioned within 10 metres of the accommodation, allowing anglers to keep their rods close by while enjoying all the comforts of the chalet. The lake has plenty of character for its size, with a small island, established lily beds and natural marginal features. The lake bed is made up of clay, gravel and silt, with undercut banks and troughs that provide interesting holding areas for both carp and catfish.
The venue is regularly maintained and limed annually to support water quality. Orchard was last netted in 2024, when smaller carp below 18lb, catfish below 30lb, bream and roach were removed to improve the overall balance of the lake. The next full netting is planned for 2027, while three to five new carp are added each year to keep the stock moving forward.
A bait package is available to pre-order before travelling, with a range of quality boilies, hookbaits, pellets and prepared particle available through the venue. Boilies are supplied from trusted brands including Woody’s Baits, Karper France and Sticky Baits.
All particles and pellets used on Orchard Lake must be purchased through the fishery. Fresh particle is prepared on-site using locally sourced maize and wheat, helping to maintain consistency with the lake’s feeding programme.
Bait should be ordered at least 30 days before arrival. Tackle hire can also be arranged for anglers travelling light, while the small on-site honesty-box shop stocks bait essentials, end tackle, drinks and snacks.
A full food package can be added to an Orchard Lake booking, making the week simple and relaxed from the moment you arrive. Fresh breakfasts and evening meals are prepared for you, leaving more time to enjoy the fishing and the surroundings.
The package is currently priced at £165 per adult per week, with under-14s charged £120 per week. Filled lunch baguettes can also be ordered, while individual meals may be available with prior notice. Dietary requirements and food intolerances can be catered for when advised before your stay.
Mandatory
- Maximum of three rods per angler
- Minimum 18lb mainline
- Minimum 35lb hooklink
- Rods must be at least 3lb test curve
- Barbless hooks only
- A minimum of 18 inches of rig tubing must be used
- Fish-safe rigs only, with no arrangement that could leave a fish tethered following a breakage
- Bait boats are permitted
- A rowing boat may be available for use at the angler’s own risk
- All carp over 40lb, all grass carp and catfish over 100lb must be photographed in the water
- Keep the swim and accommodation clean throughout the week
- All rubbish, glass and bottles must be placed in the appropriate bins
Forbidden
- No braided mainline, except on spod and marker rods
- No leadcore or leaders
- No curved, bent or long-shank hooks
- No fixed, bolt or tethered rigs
- No plastic hookbaits
- No nuts used as feed bait; hookbait-only use is permitted
- No outside particle or pellets
- No unused bait to be emptied into the lake at the end of the session
- Rods must never be left unattended
| Port | Distance |
|---|---|
| Calais | 329 miles |
| St. Malo | 76 miles |
| Caen | 125 miles |
| Cherbourge | 149 miles |
| Roscoff | 166 miles |
| Le Havre | 186 miles |
| Dieppe | 228 miles |
| Dunkirk | 350 miles |