Fishing Rules at Champ Chevaux

At Champ Chevaux Carp Fishing, our fish are in excellent condition — and we’d like to keep it that way for you and every angler after you.

Our rules are based on common sense, responsible angling and the long-term welfare of our fish. Compliance with the following rules is a condition of your booking.

🔄 General Fish Care

All anglers must be prepared before landing a fish:

• Have your unhooking mat, weigh sling, bucket of water and carp care kit close by.
• Always keep fish wet and covered while out of the water.
• Fish must never be placed directly on the ground.

When taking photos:

• Lean over the mat and hold the fish sensibly.
• Stay low to the ground – never stand while holding a fish.
• Use safe, fish-friendly rigs that allow the lead to release easily.
• With modern digital cameras, there is no need to retain fish in sacks overnight — even basic models take great night shots.
• Standing "hero shots" are strictly prohibited.
• Please limit photographs to a minimum and return the fish immediately afterwards. Return fish to the lake as quickly as possible. Support the fish in the weigh sling until it has fully recovered before release.
• In hot temperatures, we would ask you do not remove the fish from the water. You should enter the water to weigh and take any pictures of the fish. During periods of high temperatures, photography should be kept to an absolute minimum. If you are unable to enter the water, for any reasons, please discuss this with us so we can devise a plan for your safety and that of our fish.

📋 Fishing Rules

• Fish must never be lifted from the water in the landing net alone. Transfer the fish from the landing net into the supplied weigh sling while still in the water before lifting.
• Maximum of 3 rods per angler.
• Whilst fishing, do not leave rods unattended at any time. If you leave your swim for any reason, all rods must be removed from the water.
• Only landing nets, unhooking mats and weigh slings provided by Champ Chevaux are to be used. Do not bring or use your own landing nets, unhooking mats or weigh slings. We also provide a tripod and bucket.
• Return fish to the lake as quickly and carefully as possible.
• No carp sacks to be used for retaining fish. Fish must not be retained for visitors or daylight photographs.
• Bait boats are allowed.
• Rowing boats are provided, but must only be used in the event of a fish becoming snagged - life jackets must be worn when using the rowing boats, alternatively come and find Paul, who will help. Boats are for fish recovery only and must not be used to place rigs or bait.
• No raw dead fish to be brought to the lake.
• Braided lines are not allowed.
• Use monofilament line with a minimum breaking strain of 15 lb. Main line must be in good condition and free from damage.
• Quick-release clips and tubing must be used at all times.
• Only prepared particles purchased on-site may be used — this ensures they are safe for the fish.
• Tiger nuts and peanuts are strictly prohibited.
• Micro-barbed or closed-barb hooks only. Max. size 2.
• No bent hooks or tether rigs.
• Test all lead systems to ensure they release safely and easily. All rigs must allow the lead to eject safely should the main line break. Fish safety is paramount. If we believe a rig or lead arrangement is unsafe, you will be asked to change it before continuing to fish.
• Fishing is only allowed from designated swims — stalking is not permitted.
• No leaders of any kind are permitted, including Leadcore, lead-free leaders, tubing leaders or shock leaders.
• No artificial baits (plastic corn, etc.).
• The owners reserve the right to inspect equipment (including rigs) at any time and will ask you to remove or replace any gear deemed harmful to the fish.
• Strictly no swimming in the lakes. Wading is permitted only for landing, weighing, photographing and returning fish. Swimming is strictly prohibited. Wading is at the angler's own risk and only where safe to do so.
• As this is a private, closed-water fishery, national “2 rods at night” rules for public waters do not apply. Each angler is permitted to use up to 3 rods at night.

Spawning

Due to the size of our stock, carp spawning occurs in waves throughout late spring and early summer. The lake will normally remain open, but spawning areas may be temporarily closed and anglers must not target actively spawning fish. In cases of heavy lake-wide spawning, management reserves the right to impose temporary restrictions or closures for fish welfare.

Under 16 year olds

• If a young person (under 16) wants to fish, there is no charge if they fish as part of an attending adult's 3 rod set-up.
• Experienced anglers under 16 years of age, who prefer to have their own 3 rod set-up, are charged at the full rate, however they must remain under the supervision of an adult at all times. If your young person is not experienced, please do not book them to have their own set-up, as if concerns are noted, we will ask you to stop them from fishing, and no refund will be made.
• On arrival at the lakes, you will be required to sign a disclaimer / consent form to confirm you will ensure your young person, is supervised at all times whilst on the lakes, especially when fishing.

🚫 Additional

• Any fish showing signs of injury or disease must be reported to the owners immediately before being returned.
• No dogs allowed on-site without prior written approval of the owners.
• Whilst we want you to enjoy your holiday, if consuming alcohol, please ensure you are safe and always able to maintain safety for yourself and our fish. If we believe alcohol is affecting your ability to fish safely or care for the fish properly, you will be required to remove your rods from the water.
• Disrespect towards the owners or other guests will not be tolerated.
• Any disputes between guests must be resolved calmly and respectfully. Where behaviour affects other guests or the enjoyment of the fishery, management reserves the right to ask those involved to leave.
• No exceptions for artificial baits or banned particles.
• No illegal substances to be used, or on the premises.
• Under 16's must be supervised at all times, no exceptions.
• All items that are the property of Champ Chevaux must remain on site - any missing items will be billed to the lead guest.
• Non fishing guests are not permitted to fish at any time, including as part of another person's 3 rod set-up
• All rubbish must be placed in the bins provided, sorted according to content.
• Ensure the social kitchen is clean and tidy after each use, to prevent wildlife entering. Ensure the social kitchen is left clean and tidy when leaving Champ Chevaux.
• All anglers fish at their own risk. The owners accept no responsibility for loss, damage or injury
• Due to the hot temperatures that can be reached in France, the risk of fire is high and as such, at times you may be unable to use a BBQ or our firepit. When using these in general, please ensure you are cautious and never have either placed on grassed areas. Disposable BBQs are prohibited.
• Cigarettes must be disposed of in the ashtray, and sand buckets provided. Never discard of a cigarette on the ground due to the high risk of fire.
• Drones may only be flown with prior permission from the owners.

Respect for Our Animals & Wildlife

Our fishery is not only home to fantastic carp, but also to a variety of much-loved animals and wildlife, including our dogs, cat, chickens, ducks, goats, and the many wild birds and creatures that share this beautiful environment.

We ask all guests to treat every animal with kindness, patience, and respect. Please avoid disturbing, chasing, feeding, or interacting with them unless invited to do so by us. Remember, this is their home, and we are simply sharing it with them.

We are passionate about the welfare of every animal on the property. Any behaviour that causes distress, harm, or unnecessary interference with our pets, livestock, or wildlife will not be tolerated. If we believe an animal has been deliberately mistreated or put at risk, we reserve the right to ask those responsible to leave the fishery immediately, without refund.

Thank you for helping us maintain the peaceful, welcoming environment that makes our lake so special.

🐟 Respect the Rules — Respect the Fish. Any serious or repeated breach of these rules may result in immediate removal from the fishery without refund.

To help us monitor the condition of all fish, we ask that anglers take a photograph of each catch, and note the weight. This helps us. By fishing at Champ Chevaux Carp Fishing, you agree that catch photos may be used for promotional purposes unless you request otherwise

Before your arrival, you must complete our Booking Form, and this will confirm your acceptance of the Lake Rules and Ts and Cs. You will be asked to sign this on your arrival at Champ Chevaux.

We want you to have a great holiday with us, these rules are here for the welfare of the fish and to maintain a high-quality experience for all anglers. Please follow them carefully to help us protect our stock and keep them in pristine condition for future guests to enjoy.

The owners reserve the right to amend these rules at any time where necessary for fish welfare, weather conditions or operational requirements.