Etang la Saussaie

A selection of bait if available to be purchased at the lake

Fishery Rules

Arrival and Departure

Access to the lake is permitted from 1:00 PM on your arrival day. All anglers, vehicles and belongings must have left the fishery by 10:00 AM on the day of departure.

Vehicles

• Vehicles may be driven around the lake solely for unloading equipment or when changing swims.
• After unloading, all vehicles must be returned to the main car park and may not remain beside the swim.
• Vehicles must remain on the designated track at all times. Anglers will be charged for any damage caused by driving away from the track.
• A maximum speed of 10 mph applies throughout the fishery.
• A charge of €250 will apply if a vehicle becomes stuck and requires recovery.

Fish-Care Equipment

• The fishery supplies landing nets, unhooking mats, weigh slings and carp-care kits.
• A €50 cash deposit is required upon arrival for the supplied fish-care equipment.
• Anglers must not bring or use their own landing nets, unhooking mats or weigh slings.
• Carp-care treatment must be applied to every fish caught. Any mouth damage, wounds or other visible injuries must be treated.

Handling, Weighing and Photographing Fish

• Fish must not be sacked or retained.
• Fish must always be removed from the water in a weigh sling and never lifted in a landing net.
• Before lifting a fish, check that all fins are lying flat against its body.
• Any fish weighing more than 40 lb must be photographed in the water.
• Fish weighing more than 50 lb must not leave the lake.
• All fish must be weighed in the water using the weigh poles provided.
• Where possible, photograph both sides of each fish and record its weight. This information helps the fishery monitor fish health and growth.
• Anglers are required to participate in the fishery’s weekly catch-recording app.
• Any injury or damage noticed on a fish must be reported to the bailiff or fishery owner immediately.

Rods, Rigs and Tackle

• A maximum of three rods per angler is permitted.
• Rods must never be left unattended.
• Anglers must keep their rods and lines within the boundaries allocated to their swim. Swim boundaries are shown on the lake map available in the lodge, or they can be confirmed with the bailiff.
• Braided mainline, braided leaders, leadcore, lead-free leaders, Rigmarole and Fox Copper Core are prohibited.
• Leaders of any type are not allowed.
• Mainline must have a minimum breaking strain of 18 lb or a minimum diameter of 0.38 mm.
• Only safe rig arrangements are permitted. Bolt rigs are not allowed.
• Every setup must allow the lead to discharge safely. Any rig considered unsuitable must be changed immediately.
• Zig fishing is prohibited.
• Only size 2 micro-barbed hooks may be used.
• Barbless hooks, long-curve hooks, long-shank hooks, bent hooks and set hooks are not permitted.
• The Magic Twig is strictly banned. Anyone found using one will be required to leave the fishery.
• Rig and line inspections will take place before fishing begins and may continue throughout the week.

Swims and Bivvies

• Fishing may only take place from the clearly marked swims.
• Bivvies must be erected on the designated gravel areas.
• Placing a “buddy bivvy” between two swims is not permitted.

Bait

• All particles, seeds and maize must be purchased directly from the fishery.
• Particles, seeds or maize brought in from elsewhere are not permitted. Any such bait will be held by the fishery until departure.
• Nuts of every kind, including peanuts, are prohibited.
• Maggots, worms and snails must not be used.
• Plastic hook baits are not allowed.
• Bait boats may be used, provided they are operated sensibly.

Boats

• Two boats are supplied for releasing snagged fish, with one positioned on each bank.
• Before using a boat to free a snagged fish, anglers must contact the bailiff.
• A life jacket must be worn whenever a boat is used.
• After use, boats must be returned to their designated locations in the same condition in which they were found.
• Privately owned rowing boats are not permitted at the fishery.

Facilities and Cleanliness

• Anglers may use the kitchen, showers and toilets without charge.
• Please bring your own bin bags, toilet paper, kitchen roll and towels.
• All facilities must be cleaned and left tidy after use.
• A €100 deposit will be retained and returned at the end of the stay, provided the facilities are clean, undamaged and in good condition.
• Fishing equipment and bait must not be stored inside or around the communal and social areas.

Grounds and Behaviour

• Anglers must not cut, trim, prune or otherwise interfere with trees, plants or other vegetation.
• Maintenance of the grass, trees and swims is carried out weekly by fishery staff only.
• Swimming is prohibited.
• Fires are not permitted.
• Defecating anywhere around the lake is strictly forbidden.
• Drugs are not allowed on the premises.
• Alcohol may be consumed responsibly and in moderation.
• Anyone considered intoxicated will be instructed to reel in their rods and may be required to leave the fishery.
• Drunken, threatening, disruptive or antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated.
• Dogs are not permitted.

Rubbish and Waste

• All rubbish and waste must be removed from the fishery when you depart.
• A €100 deposit per party will be held and returned, provided every swim is left clean and completely free from rubbish or waste.
• Departure-day swim inspections will begin from 7:30 AM.

General Conditions

• Please be considerate of other anglers and keep noise to a reasonable level, as sound travels easily across the water.
• Anyone who fails to follow these rules will be instructed to stop fishing and leave the fishery without receiving a refund.
• Making a booking confirms that all members of the party accept and agree to follow these rules.
• Please speak to the bailiff or fishery owner whenever you are uncertain about any requirement.