Étang de Craon is a spacious 98-hectare reservoir in Centre-Val de Loire offering solid carp fishing alongside catfish, pike and zander — ideal if you want mixed species opportunities without the pressure of smaller French syndicate lakes. Bank fishing only with day-fishing restrictions (no night sessions), so plan accordingly if you're used to 24-hour sessions. You'll need an AAPPMA licence and to contact the Bourges association before your trip; it's roughly 276 miles from Calais, making it a worthwhile drive for anglers exploring the central region.
Night fishing at Étang de Craon is not permitted. Night carp not confirmed on this lake. Cher's authorised night carp venues are: Étang du Puits, Étang de Précy, Étang de Quincy, Étang des Grèves (Belleville), Étang des Trois Biches (Chezal-Benoît), Étang des Tailles Rondet (Venesmes). Source: federationpeche18.fr/la-reglementation/peche-a-la-carpe/ Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Étang de Craon under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Managed by AAPPMA de Bourges. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Étang de Craon holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, 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 Étang de Craon — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA de Bourges. 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 Bourges) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Étang de Craon, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA de Bourges is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Étang de Craon is 276 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Cher is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Cher or explore all of Centre-Val de Loire.
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