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This compact 23-hectare mountain reservoir in the Loire valley offers bank-only fishing for pike, trout and perch in a scenic upland setting, though it's classified as a 1st Category water with no night fishing allowed. Located 385 miles south of Calais, it's best suited to anglers targeting pike and predatory species rather than carp. You'll need a valid French fishing licence and FD 42 permit before casting.
At 385 miles from Calais, Barrage des Pradeaux requires a longer journey from the UK, but Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes — one of France's most varied fishing regions, with venues ranging from Alpine lakes to lowland reservoirs — rewards the trip.
Night fishing at Barrage des Pradeaux is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Loire requires specific authorisation. 10 named plans d'eau touristiques are authorised — check annex 5 of the règlement intérieur. Night carp also confirmed on the Loire river itself (year-round, bank only). Vegetable baits only. No-kill mandatory. No embarcation at night. Verify this specific lake at peche42.fr/peche-dans-les-plans-deau-touristiques/ Source: peche42.fr
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Barrage des Pradeaux under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Managed by FD 42 (Fédération de Pêche de la Loire). Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Barrage des Pradeaux holds brown trout, rainbow trout, perch, pike. Pike fishing is a highlight of the venue — spinning, deadbaiting and lure fishing are all effective methods.
A valid Carte de Pêche is required to fish Barrage des Pradeaux — you will also need to be affiliated with FD 42 (Fédération de Pêche de la Loire). Licences are available online before your trip.
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1st Category (Salmonid) water. Trout season: approx. Apr–Sep (mountain lake – confirm local dates). No night fishing. Carp/coarse: all year.
Always verify current rules with the local AAPPMA (FD 42 (Fédération de Pêche de la Loire)) 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 des Pradeaux, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FD 42 (Fédération de Pêche de la Loire) is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Barrage des Pradeaux is 385 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Loire is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Loire or explore all of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
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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