Barrage du Mas Chaban is a sprawling 147-hectare reservoir in Charente offering excellent mixed fishing with substantial carp and catfish populations across diverse habitats — ideal if you want variety beyond carp alone. Night fishing is permitted in designated Fed Night Zones around L'Isle and Massignac, and electric boats are available, making this a serious destination roughly 360 miles south of Calais for anglers seeking something different from the northern circuit. You'll need a French fishing licence and AAPPMA membership (Charente federation) — contact FDAAPPMA 16 for current regulations and boat hire details.
Barrage du Mas Chaban is 360 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 du Mas Chaban is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Charente requires specific prefectoral authorisation on designated parcours. Check peche16.fr for the current list before fishing at night. Source: peche16.fr
Boat fishing: Boats are permitted at Barrage du Mas Chaban. Large barrage lake — boats permitted. Verify motor restrictions.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Barrage du Mas Chaban under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Charente departmental card (CHI).
Managed by FDAAPPMA 16 / Fédération Pêche Charente. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Barrage du Mas Chaban 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 du Mas Chaban — you will also need to be affiliated with FDAAPPMA 16 / Fédération Pêche Charente. 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 16 / Fédération Pêche Charente) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Barrage du Mas Chaban, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FDAAPPMA 16 / Fédération Pêche Charente is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Barrage du Mas Chaban is 360 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Charente is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Charente or explore all of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
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