CARP FISHING IN FRANCE
Welcome to Echo Pool carp fishing in France
Echo Pool is an established carp fishing venue in southwest France, open for over 20 years and known for producing truly exceptional fish. Over that time the lake has held carp to extreme sizes, including a common carp that reached 87lb (now deceased) and mirror carp to 78lb, confirming the long-term potential of the water.
The carp lakes were originally constructed in the 1960s and, until 2004, were operated solely as a small fish farm. During that period they produced classic French Royal carp, which still form the genetic backbone of the stock today and are responsible for the lake’s distinctive, powerful fish.
The main carp fishing lake is just under 3 acres, set within a quiet wooded valley and fed by a constant flow of fresh water year-round. This steady water exchange plays a key role in maintaining fish health and consistent growth.
While the exact stock number is intentionally unknown, most seasons see average carp weights exceeding 45lb, with around 15 fish over 50lb, including four carp above the magical 70lb mark. Despite the lake’s long history, Echo Pool continues to produce surprises, with uncaught fish still out there waiting to be discovered.
What do two highly respected carp anglers have to say about carp fishing in France at Echo pool?
Read on to find out...
Clearly there was something special about Echo or it wouldn‘t contain such big fish for its small acreage. In fact, other than the legendary Redmire Pool, I can’t think of a lake in the history of carp fishing which has produced such colossal carp for such a small volume of water.
​'Simon Crow'
This photograph, originally featured in Carpworld magazine, shows Colin, a common carp that reached 83lb, which at the time was Crowy’s personal best. The capture confirmed the exceptional potential of the lake and the strain of carp it holds.
Sadly, this fish was lost several years ago. However, its near-identical twin, known as “Double Dorsal”, is still present in the lake. Since Colin was lost, this carp has not been caught, although it is regularly observed by both us and visiting anglers. It is instantly recognisable as another huge common carp, distinguished by a two-inch gap in its dorsal fin, while otherwise being almost identical in shape and size.
Echo Pool is also home to a number of very large carp that are no longer being caught, as well as fish that have never been caught at all. During the Covid period, two previously unseen common carp, both estimated at around 70lb, were lost. While this was understandably upsetting, it also provided undeniable proof that exceptional carp remain present in the lake beyond those already known.
As a result, and with the long-term future of the lake in mind, we have chosen to re-evaluate our approach moving forward. Certain traditional restrictions have been reconsidered to allow a wider range of tactics that may help unlock these elusive fish, while still maintaining strict standards of fish care and protection. The aim is to strike the right balance between preserving the carp and giving anglers a genuine opportunity to target some of the largest and least-pressured fish in France.
Echo pool carp lake in France
One of the best in the world !
Beyond producing exceptional carp — including Colin, which we grew from 22lb to a remarkable 87lb 8oz — one of our proudest achievements has been the recognition Echo Pool has received within the wider carp fishing world.
To be acknowledged by Steve Briggs, and to have Echo Pool carp fishery in France listed among the top carp waters in the world, is something we never imagined when the lake was first developed. Seeing our small, privately run fishery ranked alongside iconic UK venues and vast public waters across Europe was genuinely humbling.
Echo Pool was placed at number 13 worldwide, a position that reflects not just the size of the carp, but the history, management, and long-term potential of the lake. For us, that recognition remains one of the defining moments in the story of Echo Pool and a testament to what careful, long-term carp fishery management in France can achieve.
Echo Pool offers one of the most exciting carp fishing experiences in France, combining world-class big carp with scenic, private lake surroundings and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
To learn more about the lake, the fish, and what to expect during your stay, please use the menu above or explore the links below.