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Barrage de Mervent is a solid 92-hectare reservoir in Deux-Sèvres offering diverse carp fishing alongside catfish, pike and other species, with designated night zones letting you fish round the clock. The shallow, weedy character suits both stalking and method feeder tactics, while electric boat access (petrol also permitted) opens up the reservoir's quieter margins and deeper sections. Based 329 miles south of Calais in rural Nouvelle-Aquitaine, it's well worth combining with other Deux-Sèvres venues for a week-long trip. You'll need an AAPPMA 79 day or season ticket — get one from the local clubhouse or tackle shops in nearby Niort.
Barrage de Mervent is 329 miles from Calais. For UK anglers willing to make the drive into Nouvelle-Aquitaine — a vast region stretching from the Dordogne to the Basque Country, with outstanding fishing across its many departments — the fishing is well worth it.
Night fishing at Barrage de Mervent is not permitted. Night carp not confirmed on this lake. Deux-Sèvres designates specific sites per annual arrêté. Check peche-en-deux-sevres.com for the current full list. Source: peche-en-deux-sevres.com Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Boat fishing: Boats are permitted at Barrage de Mervent. Barrage lake — boats permitted.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Barrage de Mervent under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Vendée or Deux-Sèvres departmental card (EHGO).
Managed by FDAAPPMA 79 / AAPPMA locale. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Barrage de Mervent holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, tench, bream, black bass. Carp are the primary draw for visiting UK anglers. All carp should be handled with care and returned promptly. A landing mat and unhooking mat are essential kit for any carp session.
A valid Carte de Pêche is required to fish Barrage de Mervent — you will also need to be affiliated with FDAAPPMA 79 / AAPPMA locale. Licences are available online before your trip.
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2nd Category water. Carp/coarse: open all year. Pike: 25 Apr 2026–31 Jan 2027 (closed Feb–Apr). Zander/Perch/Catfish: all year. Pike season as above.
Always verify current rules with the local AAPPMA (FDAAPPMA 79 / AAPPMA locale) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
France is the closest mainland European fishing destination for UK anglers. The Channel Tunnel (Folkestone–Calais, ~35 min) is the fastest crossing, while P&O Ferries (Dover–Calais, ~90 min) offer good value for heavy kit. Most northern French venues are within 2–4 hours of Calais; southern venues require a full day of driving.
A Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence) is required for all freshwater fishing. Buy online at cartedepeche.fr before you travel. Annual, weekly and daily options are available and include your AAPPMA affiliation for the selected department.
To fish Barrage de Mervent, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FDAAPPMA 79 / AAPPMA locale is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Barrage de Mervent is 329 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Deux-Sèvres is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Deux-Sèvres or explore all of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
France offers outstanding fishing year-round. The main coarse close season applies to some rivers (typically January–March for certain species), but still-water carp fishing on private and AAPPMA-managed lakes is available throughout the year. Spring (March–June) is the classic French carp season, with fish actively feeding and moving into shallow margins. Summer nights (June–August) are ideal for big-fish sessions on the large public reservoirs and rivers. Autumn (September–November) is particularly productive on the Auvergne and Languedoc lakes as temperatures drop. The Loire and Saône river systems produce excellent catfish sport from June through September, while the Dordogne and its tributaries fish well for chub, barbel and trout from spring through autumn.
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