French Fishery receives first Accessible Fishery Gold award.

“Fishy Lake” fishery located in Monsay central France about 40 mins drive from Limoges airport, has received a BDAA Gold Commercial “Accessible Fisheries Award” Category 2; BDAA Trustee and avid carp angler Roger Webb was invited to the fishery by Ex patriot owner Paul Hawkins since 2006 to check out the accessible facilities Paul and his family had put in place to help disabled and non disabled anglers from across Europe enjoy some of the best carp and coarse fishing in the region.   

Roger flew from Luton airport in June on his first ever flight from the UK into some of the worst weather France had seen for 20 years, an hour and half later he touched down in France to be greeted by fishery owner Paul. A short drive through the French countryside they entered the grounds where the three acre majestically stood as the centre piece. Eager to fish the lake Roger was escorted to his pre prepared bivvy where he would spend the next few days as a guest of the Hawkins family.

BDAA had been corresponding with Paul over the months prior to the visit offering advice on access by their trained auditors using the recognised standards developed by the charity, many of the facilities were in already place, and Roger offered first hand advice as a wheelchair user carp angler to enhance what Paul had already carried out. Entrance, parking, building including shower and toilets, ramps, four existing accessible swims etc were all inspected to ensure they met the standards  with additional first hand advice given where required.

Paul is not one to delay anything when it comes to ensuring disabled anglers get the access, work began even whilst Roger was visiting, on the fishing side Roger was able to sample the well stocked carp water with a few surprises with the large tench & roach showing the fishery had more than just specimens to offer.

On Rogers’s return he sang the well deserved praises of the Hawkins family, offering photo evidence of the trip and hospitality shown by Paul, nothing is too much trouble for the guest of the Hawkins family. A fishery definitely worth a visit, no it’s not one of the largest in France but it is one of the most relaxing pleasant atmospheres Roger has ever had the fortune to visit. A well deserved Gold award goes to the proud recipients at Fishy Lake.

Roger is intending to re visit Paul later this year to sample some more of the excellent fishing and hospitality of the Hawkins family, in his words better than many of the fisheries we have in the UK and in most cases not much more in travelling time, Vive la France.  

Disabled guests should always call Paul to discuss their particular disability needs prior to booking.

Visit the web site www.fishylake.net

Further information contact Paul Hawkins +33 254 30 71 55, +44 7976 788145 or +33678 983 004/

email : fishylake@yahoo.com

Accessible Swim Before	Accessible Swim After
Wet/Shower room and accessible toilet in the Hut.
Accessible for all Wet/Shower Room with Sink.	Accessible for all Wet Room.
The cabin has an accessible fully fitted kitchen with cooker, fridge etc You can dine on the patio and view the beautiful scenery that surrounds Fishy Lake.
Eco-friendly accessible toilet with stabilising frame.	Accessible cabin with access ramp.
Access to the lake from the main road is via an all season level track, parking allowed behind your chosen swim.	The swims are all on level ground, easily accessed via a pathway around the lake.
Fly: If you take up Pauls offer to book a visit and decide to fly rather than drive to Fishy Lake, all the fishing tackle you will need for fishing will cost around £8 per day for a 2 rod set up, Bivvies are also included in the price, you will need to bring along your own preferred terminal tackle if you prefer to travel light. Driving: From Calais it’s about a 5hr 30mins drive (365 miles), access to the lake is an all season level track when you arrive at the lake you will be able to drive to your chosen swim and leave your vehicle there. Lake Hire Prices: Drive and survive £225 per angler per week Non fishing guests are FREE (one per angler) per week Exclusive lake hire £800 per week There is also an option for a Food Package which includes; Full English Breakfast including coffee, tea or orange juice OR Breakfast Baguette Afternoon tea consisting of tea or coffee with a slice of homemade cake. Large selection of evening meals, including barbeques and Sunday roasts followed by dessert, accompanied with either a glass of wine or a beer. The food package costs £80 per week per person. Bait can also be bought at the lake (they only allow the use of baits purchased on site) prices can be found on the Fishy Lake Website see www.fishylake.net then click on Prices link.
Roger Webb playing another carp.	Roger with one of the lakes carp.
Picturesque view of the lake.	Secrets of the deep await disabled anglers.