Testimonials

What can I say!!

We returned for our second time and had one of our best weeks fishing ever….lots of 30s,40s and 50s!

I have fished lots of places in France but none come close to Archipelago (hence returning), when choosing a fishery in France it’s not only about the fishing, it’s about the venue, feeling comfortable and feeling welcomed. Andy is the best host I have come across and is really helpful re finding spots and putting you on the fish, Ellen is a talented chef cooking a proper dinner and a full English (trust me, you don’t need to bring any food!) and as the saying goes…behind every good man is an even better woman 

We will  % be returning 

Jay Mulcahy

What an outstanding week it has been! Absolute top class as always. We come for the fish but also because of the amazing hospitality from Andy & Ellen. It really is the best Carp fishery we have ever been to and has made it hard to go anywhere else! Cheers and see you again soon!

Darron Mulcahy

First big French fishing trip for my two boys and what an amazing time we had, after having a tough time myself fishing here in May we turned up thinking a couple of fish would be a great result. We were treated to the best fishing session I’ve ever had. 22 fish including 9 over 40lb was mind blowing, the boys were buzzing.

For me this is the best venue, with fantastic hosts in Andy & Ellen. They made us feel so welcome and gave Jake and Harry memories for a lifetime. Oh and of course the food was 10/10, no one does it better.

Thank you so much for a fantastic week, the boys loved every part, especially meeting Bear and Gizmo. They are already asking for the next booking, so we will see you soon.

Chris, Laura, Jake & Harry

Dear Andy & Ellen,,

We can’t thank you enough for looking after us so well & making this our best French carp fishing trip to date.

Fantastic company, food (par excellence) & lake to die for!

See you next year.

Simon, Tom, Paul, Matt, Daisy

Stunning lake and incredible fish. Despite challenging circumstances the three of us had a fantastic time and we thoroughly enjoyed our fishing, but what made the trip was the awesome teamwork of Andy & Ellen. Andy’s unparalleled passion and devotion to the fish and his customers, his friendly help and advice and Ellen’s incredible food made our stay perfect. Memories that will last a lifetime.

Thank you so much.
Look forward to seeing you next year.
All the best from the Cornish lads.

Chris, Justin & not so Slim Jim (Ellens foods just too good)

Great fishing and great hosts whats not to like !
well run fishery definitely recommend it

Steve Hitchcock

Beautiful venue, Andy and Ellen are fantastic hosts. The food was great, Ellen’s lasagna was the best Ive had in years. Need to make sure I dont leave it 5 years to get back this time.

Dave Henderson

Well what can we say…we had a great weeks fishing despite storm Alex and the weather all over the place, we ended up banking some lovely fish and a couple of new PBs. The fishery is by far one of the best visited from arriving to leaving, the venue is well looked after and the passion Andy and Ellen have for the lake and fish is above and beyond. Then we have the food which is 10/10 and couldnt recommend this enough thanks for everything and we will see you next year.
Essex boys!

Grant Brown

Well what can I say about archipelago
Beautiful lake beautiful fish some real special fish in there
But the fishing is not what makes this place so Special the owners take this from a good place to go fishing to a fantastic place to spend your time lots of information and time to stop and talk to you but not intrusive at all happy to help with anything you need always available on a walkie for fish reports and anything else.
I would recommend the food Ive never eaten so well on the bank I eat a lot of food and was full after every meal even bought me a few beers down and a cup of tea after I forgot my stove
Really cant recommend them enough give them a go you wont be disappointed

George Holden

Some kind and amazing words from a true Gent first time with us, Please take time to read all the post below in his own words on our venue makes it worth all the blood and sweat tears !
Thank you
George
Let the unpacking of the car commence
Back from a tough week in France but had some lovely fish from the awesome Archipelago Carp Fishing France first time fishing the lake and I’m already booked to go back next year!!
weather was all over the place from mid 30’s to 8*c at night, and the first time the fish had seen lines in several months. Suppose to be 5 of us, but unfortunately only two of us could actually make.
Week started with a 17lb stockie- immaculate condition (no photos)
But then had a common called “the Barrel” at 48lb 8oz
A lovely NEW PB Mirror called “William” at 53lb
Another Mirror called “Amy” at her best weight ever of 52lb 14oz (get a picture in the clubhouse now as it’s her best ever weight)
Then on the last night, felt like a blank saver even though I hadn’t blanked…
A lovely Mirror at 38lb
It was a great week with a new PB, but more importantly the venue was amazing! The best hosts I’ve met while in France. The food package cooked by Ellen is amazing, will defo not go hungry and Andy is on call 24/7 to come take photos and to help identify the fish whenever you need! Really brilliant hosts and always on hand no matter what
Also proves the hard work he has done feeding them throughout lockdown and no anglers to still have fish coming out at there best ever weights
To think there’s a fish called “daisy” that hits over 73lb at the right time of year, mean something already booked again for next year
What a place, facilities amazing, couldn’t do enough for you! They also have there own in house baits and boilies specially made for them to which work very well on the lake, so no worries about taking stuff with you! All carp care provided, and also hire bait boats if you want to
What an awesome week, thanks Andrew Paul Sutton and Ellen

George Mccarthy

Having flip flopped numerous times about coming due to the ever changing Covid situation, boy are we glad we came. Stunning lake, grounds + facilities, magnificently run by Andy & Ellen.
We’ve just had the best weeks fishing of our lives due in no short measure to the advice + information given by Andy. Help, if needed (and it was) is given freely without a hint of a grumble even at stupid o’clock in the morning! Nothing seems to be too much trouble for a great couple who deserve every success and acclaim this fishery is attracting. We’re no great authority on the numerous carp lakes in France but Archipelago is second to none in our books. We weren’t able to enjoy Ellen’s cooking which receives rave reviews (due to there only being 2 of us) but the cabin provided us with everything we really needed – never seen anything as as good in our previous venues. Toilets + showers are spotlessly clean, although maybe the addition of a stool or chair in there would helpful, just to put some clothes on. The tip to bringing a bike is a great idea so maybe float that one by newcomers before they set off.

On to the fishing at last:
All swims are flat, comfortably sized + offer numerous features with Andy pointing out any hot spots. I’d say a bait boat is a must have here so if you haven’t got one then definitely hire one from Andy & Ellen. Just for the record we had over 850lb of fish from 9 + 10 (22 fish) which included 6 50’s & a few just shy of that. Unfortunately no big girl this week but all fish in great condition which speaks volumes for the amount of work put in here.
We wish you both every continued success + looking forward to 2022 already.

Keith & Dave (AKA the old gits!)

P.S. Regards to Bear + Gizmo

Keith & Dave

Just back from our fourth visit to Archipelago, the second trip since Andy carried out the changes a few years back and wow this lake just goes from strength to strength. No longer a runs water and moderately hard the fish have benefitted superbly from the changes and the lake now boasts a very impressive head of big carp. As a group of four we managed 8 x 50s to 59lbs numerous 40s and 30s and Daisy one of the lakes big girls at over 67lb. Credit where credit is due and Andy and Ellen have improved an already superb fishery into something truly amazing. Being really passionate about his fish Andy is always on hand day or night to help out with weighing, fish care and photographing and has invaluable advice on swims, spots and tactics which he gladly shares with you, to put you more fish on the bank. The Facilities are up there with the best we have ever come across in France. There is a lodge for the anglers which has all the equipment you will need including bait freezer, fridge and freezer for human consumption along with gas oven, microwave, kettle, bbq etc and numerous power points for charging. There is also a permanent outside gazebo again with PowerPoints, picnic table for your usage and a water refill area. The shower and toilet lodge is immaculate with a very powerful shower. We can thoroughly recommend the food package, Ellen is worthy of a Michelin star the food is that good and you are guaranteed not to go hungry. All in all this has to be one of the best fisheries in France, if you are looking for truly stunning surroundings, peace and tranquillity sat by a lake containing some seriously large Carp with excellent facilities look no further. On top of this you have the two most loveliest people who own the place, who will endeavour to make your week the best they possibly can and nothing is never too much trouble for them. Well-deserved 10/10 from us and we cannot wait to return in April.
All the best to you both, Jason Aka Captain Coypu, Rich, Billy n Posh

Jason Aka Captain Coypu, Rich, Billy n Posh

Andy is a great host, happy to come out and photograph fish at any time day or night. He helped us putting us on the right spots and his knowledge and help, Im sure, is the reason I caught such amazing fish. Ellens cooking is amazing, it was like eating in an expensive restaurant. Great venue run by an amazing couple. Trip of a lifetime for me.

Jeff W

After a long journey, we had a lovely greeting and was shown around the lakes and facilities. Lake is just stunning, so well kept, facilities are amazing, food is amazing and Andy is so helpful and shared his knowledge with us all. Ellen slaved away all week supplying restaurant quality food. Thank you both so much for an amazing week.

Robbie Mac