Barrage de Saint-Philbert is a compact 25-hectare reservoir in Calvados offering solid carp and tench fishing from the bank, roughly 176 miles south of Calais in rural Normandy. Day fishing only, so plan your sessions accordingly, though the intimate setting and mixed species (pike, perch, and bream) keep things interesting. You'll need a permit from the local AAPPMA (Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne) before fishing.
Barrage de Saint-Philbert lies 176 miles from Calais — a comfortable day's drive for visiting anglers heading into Normandie, one of the closest French regions to the UK, making it particularly accessible for shorter fishing trips.
Night fishing at Barrage de Saint-Philbert is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Calvados requires specific prefectoral authorisation on designated parcours. Check federation-peche14.fr for the current list before fishing at night. Source: federation-peche14.fr
Boat fishing: Boats are permitted at Barrage de Saint-Philbert. Barrage lake — boats permitted. Verify motor restrictions locally.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Barrage de Saint-Philbert under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Calvados or Orne departmental card. EHGO reciprocity.
Managed by AAPPMA locale (Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne). Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Barrage de Saint-Philbert holds carp, pike, perch, tench, bream. 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 Saint-Philbert — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA locale (Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne). 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 (AAPPMA locale (Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne)) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Barrage de Saint-Philbert, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA locale (Saint-Philbert-sur-Orne) is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Barrage de Saint-Philbert is 176 miles from Calais, around 3 hours from the ferry or tunnel.
Calvados is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Calvados or explore all of Normandie.
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