All you need to know on BEO

LAKE
The Bin el Ouidane Dam is an arch dam located 28 kilometres south of Beni Mellal on the El Abid River in Azilal Province, Morocco. Designed by Coyne et Bellier and constructed between 1949 and 1953, the purpose of the dam is hydroelectric power production and irrigation. 3 Hours from Marrakesh airport, set High within the spectacular Moroccan Atlas mountains, in an area of rich natural beauty, it has to be one of the most unique settings anywhere worldwide to fish for carp.

The lakes immense topography of old river beds, deep waters and massive shallow bays, islands that appear and disappear as water levels fluctuate, warm year round crystal clear water and a deep rich red clay lake bed, all add to the fascinating nature of fishing beo.. 

LANDSCAPE
With snow capped mountains, lush green valleys and remote pinnacles, the lake offers a real escape from the busy european lakes. The surrounding landscape of BEO is truly breathtaking, just being present on the lake is an experience in its own right.

This not a built up region, the nearest village is a few miles away, and life on the lake is peaceful, slow and remote..

The land where time is forgotten...

The backdrops of the rich red clays, mountains and blue sky's are stunning, and the calm, still, stary nights have a magical feel to them.

SIZE
Although the water levels fluctuate throughout the year, when full BEO IS APPROX 15,000acres..

As the water levels recede during the summer months, hundreds of small islands and plateaus are exposed, allowing anglers to fish from these often amazing undiscovered new swims.

The lakes water levels are up and down, depending on the time of year no two trips will ever be the same.. One week you'll be fishing and set up camp on a tinny island, the next week you'll be dropping baits on that very island..

The rise and fall of water levels has never effected the fishing, we've had huge hauls of fish when the lake is extremely low, and equally big hits of fish when its at its peak! 

SWIMS
In 15000 acres, we've spent years mapping out areas of that we now know hold fish reliably all year round.

At present we can have upto 20 anglers a week, meaning you will often be miles from the next angler!

Unlike the crowded lakes of europe, we aim to keep the numbers down on BEO, preserving the wild feel to what makes fishing here so appealing..

The fish will never be pressured, and the swims will always be maintained and left untouched due to the sheer size of the lake and the minimal numbers of those fishing each week.

This is what makes the lake so special, and we aim to keep it this way..

wild fishing in an untouched environment, that will remain wild, and not a victim to overcrowding and angling pressure.....

Our eager, friendly and experienced team of Guides, who are on the water 24/7, are forever in tune to where the fish are and where is producing well. These guys will always put you in the best available areas, and will help all those to move if you so wish. Our guides are carp anglers, and know the lake better than any..

On arrival you can discuss with the guides where you would like to fish, and they will inform you as best as they can as to what you should expect from certain areas at varying times of year, but rest assured they will work to put every guest in an area that will hold fish.

In the months of Feb-April we have opened up a new area of the lake called Ahansal! This huge area untill this year has remained unfished, the results from those that fished there this year were amazing, its a wonderful area of the lake, with large bays, islands and a river that feeds the lake. Its been an exciting time watching anglers pioneer this untouched area of BEO, the massive number of new fish from here was shocking.

CAMPS
Our guides are responsible for setting up all camps, guests are not expected to independently put up tents or break down tents/camps alone or load boats when moving swims.

Most camps will be set up and ready prior to your arrival, so you can simply get fishing immediately on the day you start.

The guides work hard to give you a totally stress free fishing trip, so you can focus solely on just the fishing and enjoying the sun and surroundings..... 

SEASONS
Morocco has the same seasons to Europe.

We are lucky to have a wonderful climate on the lake, the winters are sunny and warm and water temps remain relatively high. Its why so many choose BEO from september to April, you can escape the cold, grey European winters and fish in warmth and sun..Due to the high winter temps the fish continue feeding and do not slow down as we find in europe.

*Winter*
Winter is not how we know it in europe, its only 2 months and the weather at the height of winter on the lake is glorious. Daytime temps in winter are often 15-20degrees, clear blue sky's and fresh sunny days. There is a slight drop in night time temps in winter, but nothing drastic. The numbers of fish are not as major as in the other seasons, but the average weight is increased massively. The winter is a time when we start to see the real big fish turning up.

*Spring*
As spring approaches the snow capped surrounding mountains start to melt, there is a greater chance of rain and the lake starts to rise rapidly. As a result the carp start to make their way into the shallower waters to graze on the grass and also to begin spawning. Many belive this to be the best time to be on the lake, with a mix of good numbers of fish with the big fish feeding amongst the shoals. AVERAGE DAYTIME TEMPS IN SPRING 20-28 degrees.

*Autumn*
As the intense Moroccan summer becomes milder and more bearable, the carp can begin to feed heavily. Many shoals of carp can often be found moving closer in to feed, and out of the deep summer water. We've had some great results in the Autumn, it's by far one of the more productive seasons to be on BEO. Average day time temps 20-30 degrees.

*Summer*
Summer is hot on BEO, temps can rise to almost 40 degrees. The fish still continue to feed however they start to hold in deeper water, we have areas that are ideal summer swims, and some guys prefer the summer months for the fishing over other months.

THE STOCK
Carp were first introduced to BEO in 1994.

The fish originated from a beautiful hungarian strain of fast growing carp.

Left alone for many many years, these carp thrived on an abundance of natural food, year round warm waters allowing for spawning to happen throughout the year, and a thriving aquatic ecosystem.

Common Carp make roughly 80% of the carps stock, these commons are immaculate, healthy, uncaught, powerful fish, that fight like mad!

The Mirrors are possibly some of the most stunning, beautiful scale patterned mirrors you'll ever find, and are the dream target for many of our guests..

Each month we notice new uncaught stunning fish making an appearance, that is the thrill of BEO, we have no idea what is coming next!

When fishing first started in 2006, there were thousands of average 30lb+ fish, today these fish are now 40lb and bigger.

The record Mirror stands at 72lb/ the record Common 28.4kilos 63lbs.

We have now found two fish one of 93lb and another of 70lb caught by locals, so we expect there to be a surprise or two waiting to happen. There is every chance BEO holds fish that would shock the international carp world, its just a matter of time..The unknown potential of what the lake could hold is the ultimate drive for many that fish here. There are few places left in carp fishing today where there is still a sense of the unknown and mystery... 

AVERAGE WEEKLY CATCH RATE
We expect most anglers to catch throughout the year. Catch results can fluctuate massively and at the right times, there can be as many fish caught in winter as there can in Spring, and visa versa. When the BEO fish decide to feed on we are blessed with some impressive results! We have had a few guys take over 100 fish in a week so anything is possible, this is wild fishing on an immense lake, the unpredictability of BEO is half the excitement! The key is to work and put the effort in, as the results can be worth the effort...

EQUIPMENT/GEAR
Having fished big continental waters for a number of years and knowing what is required, it was essential to put together equipment that would be suitable for a water as big and demanding as BEO.

This has been an area we placed great importance on, and we are proud of the quality equipment we provide our guests.

We provide new, well maintained, reliable equipment, that will handle the nature of fishing on BEO, all we ask is that our gear is used and not abused as getting every item of carp tackle to morocco takes great effort and time to drive it from Europe to the lake...

• VORTEX DELUX 2.85 and 3.30m BOATS
• LOWRANCE DSI FISHFINDERS
• 55lb VORTEX MOTORS
• DAILY BATTERY CHANGE
• 3X NASH/ CHUB 3LB TC RODS PER ANGLER
• LARGE RETAINERS/CARP SACKS
• STRONG STAINLESS STEEL SINGLE BANKSTICKS
• BIG JRC EURO UNHOOKING MATS
• QUALITY BEDCHAIRS
• NASH LANDING NETS
• FULL HEAVY DUTY, SPACIOUS, MASSIVE CAMO TENTS, (bigger than any carp bivvy on the market)
• LARGE INDUSTRIAL COOKING EQUIPMENT FOR YOUR MAIZE
• ALL ESSENTIAL COOKING EQUIPMENT FOR YOUR OWN COOKING/DINNING
• TABLES CHAIRS ETC
• CHEMICAL TOILETS ON EACH CAMP

WHAT YOU BRING
All guest must bring the following:

• SLEEPING BAG( light weight bag for warmer months)
• SCALES
• 3 REELS
• BITE ALARMS
• INDICATORS
• TERMINAL TACKLE
• CAMERA
• FOOTWEAR/BOOTS ETC

If you wish to use your own sonars, please bring this. Equally if you wish to use your own rods, please bring these. You do not have to use our gear if you prefer to bring your own.

BAIT
Maize has been used by most anglers on BEO for a number of years. The carp simply love it, its cheap and can be prepared by our guides ready for use or you can prepare it yourself. We provide all the required cooking equipment for anglers to prepare their own maize in bulk..

We have noticed that those preparing the maize properly have better results than those that dont. So please soak the maize for a number of days and boil for many hours until its cracked and 'very soft'.

Many anglers choose to bring liquids to flavour their maize, this has worked very well. Scopexs, molasses, fish oils, Maple, sweeteners etc have all done well

*Boilies*
We spent much time at the start, putting together a quality mix for a boillie that we now roll fresh to clients orders each day.

You order on the day and we deliver the very next morning.

This is a high quality premium fishmeal, bought fresh directly from a Moroccan supplier that produces and exports to europe.

This Fishmeal is used at a rate of 50% along with a number of other quality ingredients and a premium fish oil.

So far this bait has out fished any bait bought over from europe, we strongly advise people to not waste baggage money bringing your own bait.

We have large 3 rolling machines, and can roll baits in a number of sizes and quantity to your orders.

The results from our own baits have been incredible, we cut no corners with this bait and have taken much pride in getting it perfect.The monthly results speak for themself............

ATLAS BOILLIES €6 A KILO

Pop ups etc, please bring any pop ups or special hook baits you prefer. Oils liquids etc have all worked well recently...

MAINLINE
This is often a personal choice, some prefer braid whilst others use a nylon.

Personally I've never favoured braid, the undercurrents and drag from winds sweeping across the lake have made life difficult when using braid in the past.

I have also found braid tends to collect small clay particles that are present in the water, more so than Nylon. Braid left out for 24hours on BEO starts to look like rope.

However some guys swear by braid and have done very well.

The two Nylons I have used for many years are- GR60 IN 15LB/ BEREKELY BIG GAME IN 15LB

Choose a reliable strong nylon that you have confidence in, but go no less than 15lb breaking strain. 

LEADERS
We would highly recommend the use of a strong leader.

There are a number of areas of the lake that have a rocky lake bed, these areas produce large numbers of fish so its worth having a leader that will allow you to fish over rocks where required to.

I would suggest a strong 30-50lb fluorocarbon, leadcore, or quicksilver leader.

Again this very much a personal choice how you fish your leaders, but i use a long 20m leader of 40lb SEAGUAR OR GARDNER MIRAGE FLUOROCARBON. Whatever you choose, please make sure you have a leader of some description to protect the last few meters of your set up..

REELS
Any decent big pit reels will work, although occasionally you might have to fish at distance, mostly the fishing is relatively medium to close distance, and your average carp reel will be sufficient enough.

It's amassive lake, however this does not mean you have to fish at crazy distances.

LEADS
We are in the process of setting up lead production on the lake but until then, I would suggest 4oz and bigger.

Anything less that 4oz might be at risk of dragging under winds and line tow.

I use a 6oz inline flat pear lead, or a gripper inline lead. Swivel leads etc are all perfect. These fish are not pressured so please do not over think rigs.

Try to fish your lead systems so they drop on the run, the lake bed can be rocky and getting the fish up in the water asap helps your success rate of runs to fish safely netted.

If you run out of leads, many guys use rocks, these work as any lead would, they are free, and there is no shortage of rocks around the lake!

A simple lead clip with an elastic band or a slice of an inner tube works ideally for these rocks.

MARKERS
GPS is favoured by many, however a basic water bottle anchored to a rock, and a light line works perfectly.

Try attaching reflective tape to your water bottles to pick them out at night with head torches whilst placing baits.

Keep the rocks used to anchor the marker quite heavy, as often you'll find your makers have disappeared...

Hblocks markers, are overpriced and rarely perform as they are designed to.

RIGS
Keep your rigs simple and strong.

Again there is no need to overcomplicate your rig set ups, most of these fish have never been caught and are in no way pressured, but strong terminal tackle is essential as these fish fight like crazy from a boat!

HOOKS - keep the Hooks sharp and fish any decent large strong hook. I use a Nash Twister size 2, sharpened to be as sharp as possible.

HOOKLINK - again keep hooklinks strong, and reliable. 25-35lb coated braids etc

Personally I use Atomic Jel E Wyre, in 25lb/35lb this has never let me down.

Most sets ups work, the key to success on BEO is finding the depths the fish are feeding, aswell as location and good baiting to hold the shoals as they pass through your swim.

If you have numbers of fish in the area, its essential to hold them with regular moderate baiting, instead off just overfeeding.

It can often take a few days for the carp to find you, especially if you are fishing a new area or a swim that hasn't been fished. I would suggest giving a swim at least two to three days before moving.

However once fish find you, the action can be hectic day and night, as long as you fish wisely and can hold the fish in the area with a good approach to baiting. If you prefer casting from the bank, we have a number of areas that are suitable for this, not all fishing on the lake is done by using boats to drop rigs or play fish, its can be fished easily from the bankside.

AIRPORT TRANSFER
Our driver Josef, a great friendly guy who is fluent in english, German and a little French will be waiting to pick you up, at either Casablanca or Marrakesh, any day, any time. The journey to the lake is wonderful, as you pass through the vibrant, colourful, bustling city's of Casablanca or Marrakesh, slowly making your way up into the spectacular and tranquil Atlas mountains. You will eventually be greeted with the most wonderful sight of BEO as you drop into the valley that surrounds this magical place.

The drive to the lake is a few hours and is often loved by all our guests, its a great initial insight into moroccan life and a wonderful way to build up the anticipation of arriving on the lake.

On arrival to our hotel, you will be greated with a meal and drinks, take a swim in our pool, chat to the guides or other anglers arriving or leaving, or just sit back and take in the views over the lake.

HOTEL
Hotel Bin El Ouidane, perched on the edge of the lake offering breathtaking views is a hotel with great charm.

You will be looked after by our friendly moroccan staff, who will be on hand to help you with anything you wish.

The hotel itself is beautiful and has been used by Moroccan royalty.

The guides will be available here as they finish their shift each day, and will be happy to share a beer and discuss the lake and how its fishing, filling you in with all the up to date info on where to head to and how to approach each swim. A night in the hotel before and after your session is favoured by most. For many families or couples wishing to fish BEO, the hotel is used as a base, fishing by day and staying at the hotel by night, its a stone throw from the lake and the area of lake directly in front of the hotel has been the most productive area on the lake so far, it seems to hold fish week in week out all year round. 

MEALS
Whether you are staying on the lake or at the hotel, our top moroccan Chef Nordine, prepares delicious traditional moroccan cuisine each day. These meals are delivered to your swim each morning. Click here to view the current menu

We provide breakfast lunch and dinner daily. Every camp will be provided with a breakfast box. Click here for list of content. Daily deliveries of fresh bread, fruit and moroccan breakfast (musammen or harsha). If you have any dietary requirements the chef will prepare meals accordingly.

ALCOHOL
Beers, wine, Whisky can be ordered from our Lake Side menu. Along with a number of other items such as cigarettes, soft drinks etc

We urge all anglers to drink responsibly.

BOOKING PROCESS
If you are keen to make a trip with Morocco carp, click here and go to the reservation page.

The reservation page will allow you to calculate the precise cost of a trip before you submit it so you can know what a trip will cost immediately. Once we receive a reservation our agents will notify you to confirm whether the dates are available.

This is the ultimate carp fishing adventure and one that has changed many peoples fishing for life.

The lake, its people, the stunning fish and Morocco as a country will blow your mind.

There are few places left today that offer what we have on Lake Bin El Ouidane, this is a trip that is so much more than just catching carp, for a true wild, carp fishing adventure, for uncaught fish without names and a sense of pioneering, BEO is the place of dreams....

/Sam Jefferys