PRIVACY POLICY – We do not collect your data, do not use cookies and will not share your name or email address with any other party, any information you send us will be used solely in order to reply to you.
where dreams come true
Join the list of our guests that catch amazing pristine carp in a truly beautiful place. Plenty of big and up & coming fish to catch. Our average weight is 35lbs with fish to mid-fifties. Only lightly fished with around 12 groups per season these fish are rested and ready to do battle
quality facilities
At base you have a heated shower room and W.C, whilst bankside at the Anglers Rest you can relax and have a social, recharge batteries, connect to the Wi-Fi and grab a cold drink from the fridge. For extra luxury why not take the boathouse with a choice of private swims.
service you always wished for
Choose to drive and bring your own gear (bivvy supplied); or fly (with airport transfer) all tackle supplied. Have the whole lake to yourselves with an exclusive booking. We’ll be there to help in any way we can; our job is to give you a trip of a lifetime.
the fishing
Birchwater has still only been relatively lightly fished with an average of 12 weeks per year since the main three stockings of carp. These fish are young hard fighting mirrors and commons that run to the mid-fifties at present. With around 300 carp the action can be hectic and it’s not unusual for a group to land upwards of 30 carp in a week, some memorable weeks have thrown up totals of 67,74,75 and a new week’s record of 85 fish on the bank. Most of the fish caught are pristine and that’s how we want to keep it. The Fishery closes after spawning for the hot summer period to allow the carp to recover stress free.
The Fish don’t give up easily and as Paul said ‘They fight like Titan Warriors’. If you are looking for real carp fishing for pristine big carp, then we have what you want here at Birchwater.
Whilst we have a lot of big fish to catch there are also many fish in the 25-35lb bracket which provide a lot of runs to keep everyone happy. Many of these were spawned in the lake 2018 and are reaching weights of 30lbs now.
With an exclusive booking the fishing is all from one side of the lake and whilst every swim has a large expanse of water, it’s also easy to get together for a social at the bankside Angler’s Rest situated centrally. This gives a place to eat and grab a cold drink and take advantage of charging points, whilst leaving your lines in the water. Come and have a chat and beer whilst your food is getting prepared.
All swims have bivvies set up for you to use, and all nets, slings and cradles are supplied by us; cutting down on the gear you need to bring. Hire of bed chair, chair and bivvy table is also available along with a full tackle set up as well as bait boat option.
the lake
“Birchwater is a 6 hectare spring and stream fed lake with a maximum depth of 5m, some shallows and a mixture of hard and soft lakebed areas. There are 6 swims, with 2 doubles and The Boathouse has 2 private swims A+B. You can relax on the deck listening to the carp crashing out. Speaking English and French there is always someone around to help; maybe to point you in the direction of a hotspot or to take some photos of your new PB. Birchwater is in the green and rolling landscape of the Limousin region, on the border with the Dordogne. It is surrounded by woodland and pasture and you quickly find yourself appreciating the environment and noticing the sights and sounds of being in the middle of the countryside, big skies and the stars at night are amazing. Looking forward to welcoming you here to Birchwater very soon”
the facilities
the Angler's Rest
Tucked away around the back of the lake, it’s a large deck area with simple facilities, a space for anglers to get together for breakfast, a beer, lunch or dinner, watch the sun go down, share stories and generally chill out.
BWHQ
The beating heart of the operation, bait and equipment store, kitchen, shower and WC with central heating and drying facilities. Security boxes and charging points, fridge and freezers
the Boathouse
Lakeside, self contained accommodation for a bit of extra comfort, use it as a base, perfect for non-anglers to have a holiday whilst keeping an eye on events on the lake
accommodation
the old stone boathouse..
..has been at the lake for years, recently renovated to provide modern home comforts with a fully equipped bathroom and kitchen, a double bed and a hammock at the top of the stairs, a wood burner in the lounge area where there is also a comfortable sofa bed and a bbq on the deck. There are 2 swims at the cabin plus the pontoon. Appreciated by non anglers and anglers alike, the cabin can be a welcome bit of comfort.
Depending on your set up, bed linen, duvets and pillows, towels and tea-towels can be provided. There is a cupboard with a few essentials provided like tea, coffee, S+P; washing up liquid and shower gel and loo rolls. Music can bring you your meals here too.
The lake is on the edge of the Corrèze, Haute Vienne and Dordogne. Take a day trip and visit a local chateau, canoe down the Dordogne river, visit Sarlat or the caves at Tourtoirac, do a bit of shopping in Limoges, Brive or Perigueux and pick up some porcelaine or an apple tart to take back to the cabin in time for tea.
There’s plenty to enjoy at the cabin if you don’t fish, no need to go anywhere… Accompany your angler and enjoy time to yourself, read, paint, walk round the lake or take the lanes into the village and back. Keep your eyes open and you might catch sight of the Kingfishers, Osprey and Egret that visit the lake. Or let them close and enjoy a peaceful siesta.
booking
We have 3 main booking options ⇩, but please don’t hesitate to contact us if you don’t see what you’re looking for. 2024 prices per week start from £250 per angler.
Bivvies are set up in all swims along with nets cradles slings etc and included in the holiday price.
For a maximum of 6 Anglers
Drive and survive £300 per angler/week.
Lake exclusive £1500 / week
Make you own way here, stop off on route, bring your own equipment. We are a little over 6 hours from the port of Le Havre and 7 hours from Calais. Option for exclusive use of the lake and choice of food package.
If you’d rather not drive, we can pick you up from the airport and sort you out with all the kit you will need for your stay. Limoges airport is an easy 50 minutes away.
What’s available on site (save space in the car)
Bivvies are set up in all swims along with nets cradles slings etc and included in the holiday price.
Other Rentals
Bed chair, Easy Chair and Bivvy table pack £50 week
Full set up: The above plus rods, reels pod indicators in short all you need except terminal tackle and sleeping bag. Pack £120 week
Bait boat £80 week
Bait Boat with Addition of auto pilot £100
Book the boathouse and its’ 2 swims to either side, options for exclusive lake use and catering – dinner served on the boathouse deck.
The best of all worlds – exclusive use of the lake, the boathouse, fully catered, pre-baited swims, plus airport transfers and kit hire if you choose to fly. Day trips and shorter outings for non-anglers can be arranged.
To make a booking enquiry don’t hesitate to get in touch with:
..the dates you’d like to come
..how many people you’ll be
..how you’ll be travelling
..if you’d like the boathouse
..whether you want catered
..and if there’s any kit you might need..
* call Music on 00 33 (0) 640 30 70 90 for a chat
* email with your enquiry to info@birchwater.co.uk
* or send us a message using the form below :
LATEST :
ESSEX CARP SHOW date changed to 3rd & 4th February 2024 at North Weald Airfield, Merlin Way, Epping,CM16 6HR. 9am-4pm both days.
Come and see us at Stand 105, just inside main entrance 2. Music and a group of anglers that know Birchwater will be there to answer any questions you might have and take your booking. Plus there are competitions for a free holiday and tackle…
Road Directions
Entry to the show and North Weald Airfield is via the A414 from the M11 or Ongar Chelmsford directions. There is no direct access from North Weald Village itself.
Public Transport Directions
London Underground – take the Central Line to Epping Station, this is the closest station.
British Rail to Harlow Station from Liverpool Street or Cambridge via Stansted Airport.
where we are
Get in touch with any questions you have, leave your phone number in the message for a call back:
what they say
"71 fish (wow) up to 49lb with an average weight of 34lb , for over 10 years we’ve been looking for a venue that fulfils everyone’s wants from a fishing holiday and we all agree we’ve now found it and will be returning year after year now. …you have no idea what size fish you’ve hooked until its on the bank as every single fish wants to fight you all the way in… Can’t wait to return next year to see the growth of the fish but I have no doubt we will be in to the 50’s this time next year and plenty of them. Can’t thank Music enough for the way he looked after the group and consider him a friend for life."
Kevin
Spring 2023
"Holiday 26th March 2022 a great holiday had by all of us, we fished 5 nights and 5 and half days and had 42 fish to over 41lb. Accommodation is first class very clean and everything you need for your trip. Very comfortable and great location on the lake. Plenty of walks for the two girls who were non fishing guests and very very relaxing. Hope to see you all again and Music was a very good host and very helpful. "
Paul
Spring 2022
"Thanks again for a great week mate. Perfect hosting and an awesome venue and boathouse. 💪 "
Daniel
Summer 2023
"100% recommend, it's a lovely lake and accommodation - Music the owner is brilliant really nice guy, there to help if and when needed"
Vernon
Summer 2020
"The fish just kept on coming.. what a week and what a lot of beautiful carp...see you next year."
"From the moment we arrived the location, the setting, the weather and the owner were first class"
Andy
Autumn 2020
"Facilities at the lake are excellent and are suitable for anglers of all different needs.
The food package is highly recommended as the owner goes above and beyond to satisfy everybody's needs and wants"
Christopher
Autumn 2019
"Had a amazing week fishing. My wife loved it as a non angling guest. The boathouse really is the best accommodation on a fishing lake I have ever seen. In beautiful surroundings and the fish put up a hell of a fight.
Music the owner is a really nice guy who can't do enough to ensure you are enjoying your fishing holiday"
Paul
Summer 2019
"Hi Music , I’m back to normality now but I’ve realised I really love fishing again and I owe that to you , I’d like to say a massive thank you for making my Dad Clay and myself feel so welcome and being in general real nice bloke." Sean.
Sean
Spring 2023
"Birchwater is possibly the most atmospheric and beautiful lakes I've had the pleasure to fish in France and spending the week in the Boathouse accommodation made it all the more special. The fishing was terrific, the carp are in excellent condition and fight incredibly hard"
Mike
Spring 2019
"Had the best time perfect fishing for two couples…The boathouse was fantastic as was the food…Already booked for next year"
Paul
Autumn 2023
"Surpassed all our expectations, everyone caught fish and plenty of them…75 fish in the week including some real lumps."
Danny
Autumn 2022
"The facilities were top class. Lovely shower and all you need for a weeks fishing. The food was incredible and really good value"
Martin
Spring 2020
"The boathouse had everything needed for my family…Two of us fished the others just chilled. It was perfect and some big carp caught as well."
Ian
Summer 2023
"The boathouse is a dream set right by the lake with a view to relax to in the morning with the sun on you and into the evening watching the sunsets"
Vernon
July 2020
"We caught 49 fish in total…average weight over 30lb…I can tell you that we all had a great time, thank you for looking after us so well, for me it was “a holiday of a lifetime'.”
Gordon
Summer 2023
"Nothing was too much trouble for Music and we have left with great memories, a new friend, smiles on our faces. We look forward to returning back soon"
Andy
Autumn 2020
"If you wanna catch hard fighting fish from a lovely established lake, with freindly, helpful, tips from owner, this is your place. Loads of wildlife to keep you entertained as well"
Garry
Summer 2020
your host
…Carpentry, music, sailing, skiing, but always fishing, always always about the fishing for Music.
Having started fishing as a nipper in Hertfordshire with his Grandad… well of course there’s lots more to tell, to find out the rest you’ll have to come and have a chat over the rods…
EXTRAS
Rules
Food
Bait
EXTRAS
Click on the tabs. Please ask if you don’t see what you are looking for:
either use the contact form above
email: info@birchwater.co.uk
phone Music on +33 (0)640 30 70 90
Rules
Arrival time – 2pm
Swim draw on non-exclusive weeks (excluding those who have booked the cabin which comes with its own 2 swims) – 3pm
Departure time – no later than 10am
We are sure that most people don’t need this list of rules, most are common sense and courtesy:
- Respect the environment and those around you
- Maximum of three rods per angler, to be attended at all times (50m limit)
- Minimum of 15lb mono, no braid or lead core
- All rigs to be ‘safe’. These will be checked
- Micro barb hooks only. No bent hooks
- Particle and boilie to be supplied by us. Pop ups and hook baits allowed.
- No boats or swimming. Bait boats allowed
- Use only toilets provided
- No rubbish to be left around, bins are provided and recycling must be sorted.
- Nets, mats and slings are supplied by us. Please don’t bring any
- All fish to be handled as much as possible in the water. Fish to transported to and from cradle in safety slings. Never stand up whilst holding fish
- Anyone new to carp fishing or catching big fish please ASK for advice, we are happy to help
- No pets
- No fires
- Respect noise levels
- Consume alcohol in moderation
- No responsibility can be taken for any theft or damage to property on site
- Failure to comply with the rules will result in you being asked to leave without a refund
Food
Here are some examples of the food served here at Birchwater. Please let us know in advance of any special dietary requirements.
Breakfast Baps filled with egg, bacon and sausage. Tea and coffee (served bankside)
Lunch Baguette filled with either cheese, pâté, ham and salad (served at BWHQ, bankside or at the Angler’s Rest)
Evening Meals (usually served bankside):
Starters
Oeuf Cocotte (eggs baked in the oven with cream) with crusty bread
Tomato salad
Soup of the season with fresh bread
Onion & goats cheese tarts
Smoked salmon soufflé
Mains
Spaghetti carbonara/bolognaise
Lasagne & salad
Burger & chips & salad
BBQ turkey kebab/sausage & merguez, baked pot, salad, coleslaw
Steak & mushroom pie, carrots & french beans
Roast pork & cassoulet
Home made pizza
Wood oven cooked chicken with dauphinoise potatoes & veg
Desserts
Caramalised pineapple sautéed with rum
Profiteroles with chocolate sauce
Fruit crumble
Apple pie & custard
Salted caramel and popcorn pots
‘Pain au chocolat’ bread and butter pudding
The full package consists of breakfast, lunch and evening meal and is priced per person for a minimum of 3 people.
The cost for the Full Food Package for the week is £250
You can opt for Breakfast & Evening Meals Only for £210
Bait
We now supply all bait used at Birchwater. We high grade boilies, along with pop ups, wafters and glugs, as well as particles on sale. The health and growth of our beautiful carp is of utmost importance so we make and prepare everything on site to be sure that what is going in is of top quality. These baits have proved themselves with all the best catches having been taken on Birchwater baits. All baits are very reasonably priced and we ask you to order in advance to ensure total freshness.
Boilies made by and unique to Birchwater – £12.50 /kg
Pellet made by and unique to Birchwater – £25/10kg bucket
Particle Mix – £20/10kg bucket
(buckets to be returned)
Birchwater social
the merch
Keep your Birchwater memories alive, pick up your hoodie and t-shirt while you’re here, if you just can’t wait or you can’t imagine life without one then get in touch and we’ll be very happy to put them in the post to you.
Birchwater Hoodie
Really comfortable, will definitely become your go to in a colour that goes with everything
S – M – L – XL – XXL : 35€
Birchwater T-Shirt
With our logo loud and proud, in classic, quality 100% cotton, washes well
S – M – L – XL – XXL : 15€
