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Etang de Vrigny

An untapped virgin carp water! You don’t hear that much these days!

Oh yes, we all know they exist, but hidden away in lower Normandy on a private 1000 acre estate, this one has been uncovered for everyone to enjoy. Etang de Vrigny is 60 stunning acres of truly forgotten, ancient estate lake with a hidden boat house and wild, tree-lined banks surrounding the lake. On the west bank here is a 150m stone peninsula with a hide originally installed for shooting (now a lovely swim).

Stocking records show for at least 20-25 years the carp have been left to flourish untouched. The lake which amazingly, was only used occasionally by a small pike syndicate has almost been forgotten in time, with all previous fishing mainly undertaken by boat as the banks are so wild.

Currently stock wise, there are huge pike, perch, roach and more importantly mirror and common carp, plus a few grass carp.

There will be a vidange this winter to remove any carp under 10 kg. A percentage of roach, a few pike and plenty of perch will be returned. All other species removed.

Total expected opening stock will be 450 carp. Pre-opening, the fish will be fed and left alone for the first spring. We will be opening in June 2025.

We have allocated fish ready to be stocked this winter. The carp ranging from 10kg/22 lbs – 22/23kg 51lbs selected have a high pedigree in character, shape and good growth potential mixed with any original good fish. We will keep anything over 10kg from the vidange we hope to attain 450 carp to open with a mix of 70% mirrors and 30% commons.

With the unknown of a 60 acre lake being left to its own devices we are excited to see what is in the lake.

Carp to approx 20kg have been seen in the water and whilst on site carp topping/moving on the wind or early mornings have also given us an idea that there may be up to 200 carp present.

The lake is still incredibly un-spoilt. As you arrive you will be greeted by a super impressive wild space. Uniquely, the lake is semi-sheltered with dense, tall Oak forests surrounding the lake. There is obviously lots of natural food in Etang de Vrigny including mussels and various sized snails in the crystal clear water. There are lush weed beds on the marginal shelves and the banks are reedy and tree lined, nature at its best.

Etang de Vrigny is spring and stream fed from several sources and constantly flowing. It boasts a very good average depth of 7-10ft with stony edges and many depth changes leading to clay, gravel and silt areas at various ranges.

At the start of the lake we have the 120m stone dam with depths going down to 20ft, a great feature to fish to. This are looks very interesting and will no doubt be a great autumn/winter zone.

Beyond the dam we have a 200m forest section where one of the end swims is now located. The prevailing winds also come to your aid here as the dam lies to the north east, it funnels the southerly and the south westerly winds. Here we will have two double swims to cover this end of the lake. Both accessible by foot or boat depending on the time of year with nearby parking areas.

The central area area of the lake has a wide range of depths from 2.5ft down to 9/10ft. Both banks have gradual marginal shelves and a drop-off at 6/7ft with hard, stony and clay areas which are easily found. Great areas to reach the central areas and intercept any passing fish. These spots are all at casting range if you prefer.

The large bays to the top of the lake are 2.5ft/7ft deep and cover approximately 20 acres. Here the lake bed is made up of clay/stone and light silt. There is weed present here with lush marginal reeds and areas pitted with carp craters.

The peninsula swim has marginal weed beds, reeds, naturally fallen trees and an ancient man made island with 8 feet plus depths at its foot. The island is approx 90m/120yrd out and will be part of a 2/3 man swim. This area will cover approx 20 acres of water alone including the bays as you are fishing from a 320 degree peninsula. There is a small stone shelter here if the weather is unkind, just an amazing spot to spend a week in the wild.

Location

Etang de Vrigny is perfectly located in the Orne region, being 1hr south of Caen ferry port and just 3hr 25mins from the Euro Tunnel. This venue can be easily reached from the UK, Holland and Belgium. The routes are also virtually toll free.

Arriving fresh from the port, the shops are located 12 minutes away from the lake. Argentan is the large town nearby with bars, restaurants and commercial centre at your convenience.

If you are looking for a non-crowded, previously unfished venue with amazing carp in an lovely quiet location with acres of water to discover then Etang de Vrigny could be for you.

In some swims there will be a boat platform for your use. Boats are supplied in all swims. (Peninsula and far bank zones you will have two boats). Bring your own electric outboards. You can also bring your own boats.

The style of fishing here will suit all, although a boat here is invaluable as you have lots of space to explore, choosing spots and baiting up. Bait boats are also permitted.

It is looking like we will have 4/5 swims only, but we will update as the winter arrives.

Newly installed toilets, showers, fridge, freezer and power points are all part of this winter’s works.

Saturday to Saturday bookings, 12.30 start. (11am November – March)
Leave by 11am on the following Saturday.

Intermarché HYPER Argentan
Av. de la 2ème Division Blindée, 61200 Argentan
02 33 35 80 66

Hospital Center D’argentan
47 Rue Aristide Briand, 61200 Argentan, France
+33 2 33 12 33 12