Article taken from the July 2002 issue of the French carp magazine "Media Carpe"
- by Stephane Gonzalez 
(translated by Gareth Watkins)

Domaine de la Ribiere - The Limousine Miracles

Between the Dordogne and the Haute Vienne, the Domaine de la Ribiere represents a new destination for Carp Anglers, a site that will enchant both fishermen and their families alike. The quality of the fishing is matched by the excellent welcome.

The first glimpse of the lake lying in the heart of a 100 acre parkland between the varying coloured conifers at the bottom of the slopes sets the scene.  Only part of the lake is visible as it is relatively long stretching from east to west. It is fed by springs that form a small stream that provides it with clear fresh water all year round. This top end is quite shallow bordered with rushes that provide the chosen spawning ground for the carp. The presence of weed beds attracts the carp in large numbers and the discovery of a gap will guarantee a few runs.

As is visible from the photos during the vidange (vidange is French for draining - Ed.) the depth increases as one gets closer to the dam wall, and is over six metres at the monk. Also clearly visible is the river bed that crosses the lake from east to west. Whichever peg one fishes this feature is obviously an area one should place at least one line. The bottom is clean, hard and stony along the northern bank. 

The only major snag is the sunken Roman stone bridge. It was submerged during the creation of the lake and is strewn with large blocks of granite. It represents a real magnet for both the crayfish and the carp, but is also a trap for the end tackle of the unsuspecting angler. Care should therefore be taken to use safe rigs that allow the fish to shed the tackle should a cut off occur. It is without doubt though, one of the major hot-spots on the lake. Angling pressure will no doubt change this however.

The bankside of the lake is very well kept and access to the pegs easy. The presence of a large number of tall conifers of various colours adds greatly to the charm of the site. The only slight draw-back (we had to try to find one) is proximity of the road the (N7), that while it provides easy access to the Domaine de la Ribiere can be rather noisy. 

The variety of depths makes the fishing interesting, but the essential element is obviously the fish. And here we are really spoiled. There is a large head of specimen carp that are unusually not only by their shape but their size also. The acidic waters of the Limousine area are not generally noted for the growth of large specimen carp, here the Ribiere is a miraculous venue as it contains original carp in the 40 - 50lb bracket. This miracle can be explained by the low stock numbers of the original fish, that were able to benefit greatly from the abundant natural food available ( essentially crayfish and bloodworm). These large carp were seen during the last vidange and caught during field-testing. They have a very distinctive shape, being at the same time long but fat, representing an estimable treasure and a fabulous catch for those fortunate enough to tempt them.

As mentioned the lake was originally under stocked, but stocking has taken place since to add to the stock and to ensure that there are future generations to come through. There is now a large head of carp in the 15 - 25lb bracket.  There provide a good number of runs and are extremely hard fighting. During our tests this surprised us even from relatively small carp. Their vivacity is likely to surprise the visiting angler. The water quality and abundant natural food plays no doubt an essential role.

As far as the fishing goes, the best is yet to come as the lake has only been open since the beginning of the year. The fish are well spread out and each peg should provide good sport if fished correctly.  Remember to spread your lines out as there is as much chance of finding fish at 100 yards plus as at your feet. 

Bait wise, particles such as maize and hemp work well in small beds. Avoid over baiting as the fish while not yet cagey are wise enough to spook of large beds of particle. The use of PVA bags filled with pellets and cut up boilies, presented at various areas and depths allows you to localise the best areas. Don't forget your spod so that you can bait with pellets and particles at a good range. Boats are not allowed but bait-boats are permitted. 

	Your regular rigs and baits will no doubt suffice as the fish are virtually virgin (but this won't last). All techniques can be tried on this lake, including stalking - Right Eric? Besides the presence of large specimens the miracle of the Limousine lies in the quality of the welcome. Eric, the onsite bailiff, starts your stay by proposing a guided tour of the venue. Indicating the pegs one by one and pointing out the features. You can then chose one of the 18 pegs available with some knowledge. That's not all though, through out your stay he will be on had to help you catch fish. A handful of his own bait, or the indication of feeding fish close to your peg all helps and can make the difference. Eric will do his utmost to help you and is a generous guy.... take advantage of his advise with out taking advantage of him.
	Fishing apart Michel and Sylviane Bonneau are extremely affable and reserve a warm welcome treating you almost as family. This is very pleasant when one arrives to spend a holiday in one of the gites available at the Domaine, with wife and children. In fact it is an ideal site for all the family, because when Dad goes off to fish the kids can play in the heated swimming pool, while Mum can enjoy a sauna. The gites are very comfortable, well equipped and decorated tastefully. They are classed "Gite de France" Three stars...and this is no surprise. You'll no doubt meet the donkeys and deer that come to drink near the house at dusk.
	As you can see we tested and enjoyed the Domaine de la Ribiere. This newly opened site is a model that the private day ticket waters in France should aspire to. A project well thought out and undertaken; respecting both the angler and the fish. We can recommend this site unequivocally, be it for a session purely for the carp of for a family holiday.  After the miracle of the fish and the second for the welcome, the reconciling of fishing and vacation is surely the third miracle in the Limousine region.

Reproduced,  with thanks, from Media Carpe July 2002