Étang de Bessey is a compact 10-hectare reservoir in Burgundy offering solid carp, pike, perch and tench populations in a peaceful setting perfect for a focused bank-fishing trip. Day fishing only (no night sessions allowed), so it suits anglers wanting to fish the prime daylight hours without the commitment of 24-hour sessions. Located 286 miles from Calais, it's worth combining with other Burgundy venues; contact AAPPMA de Bessey-les-Cîteaux for a licence and current access details before travelling.
Night fishing at Étang de Bessey is not permitted. Night carp not authorised on this lake. Côte-d'Or night carp (1 April–30 November 2026, vignette €15 required) is only permitted on: Plans d'eau de Morteuil (Merceuil), Sablière du Letto rive Ouest (Beire-le-Châtel), Sablière fédérale n°3 (Bressey-sur-Tille), Sablière n°6 (Beire-le-Châtel). This lake is not among them. Source: fedepeche21.com/media/2025/12/Livret-2026_web.pdf p34-35 Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Étang de Bessey under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Côte-d'Or departmental card.
Managed by AAPPMA de Bessey-les-Cîteaux. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Étang de Bessey holds carp, pike, perch, tench. 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 Étang de Bessey — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA de Bessey-les-Cîteaux. 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 de Bessey-les-Cîteaux) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Étang de Bessey, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA de Bessey-les-Cîteaux is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Étang de Bessey is 286 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Côte-d'Or is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Côte-d'Or or explore all of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.
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