Étang de Cros is a compact 11.8-hectare reservoir in Creuse offering solid carp fishing alongside pike, tench and perch—ideal if you want intimate, bank-only fishing away from busier venues. Day fishing only means you'll need to plan shorter sessions, but the mixed species potential gives flexibility if carp aren't feeding. You'll need a valid French fishing licence and AAPPMA 23 permit (available locally); it's roughly 367 miles south of Calais, making it better suited as part of a broader regional trip rather than a standalone destination.
Étang de Cros is 367 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 Étang de Cros is not permitted. Night carp not authorised on this lake. Creuse's designated night carp venues are: Barrage des Combes, Barrage de Champsanglard, Barrage de Faux-la-Montagne, Barrage de Lavaud-Gélade, Barrage de l'Âge, Barrage de Vassivière. Season: 1 April–30 November. This lake is not among them. Source: fdpeche23.wixsite.com/peche23/carpe-de-nuit Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Étang de Cros under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Creuse departmental card (CHI).
Managed by FDAAPPMA 23 / AAPPMA locale. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Étang de Cros holds carp, pike, perch, tench, 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 Étang de Cros — you will also need to be affiliated with FDAAPPMA 23 / AAPPMA locale. 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 23 / AAPPMA locale) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Étang de Cros, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FDAAPPMA 23 / AAPPMA locale is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Étang de Cros is 367 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Creuse is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Creuse or explore all of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
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