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Étang de Fort en Paille is a compact 17-hectare reservoir in Aube offering solid carp and bream action in a peaceful Grand Est setting, roughly 219 miles south of Calais. Bank fishing only keeps it intimate and less pressured than bigger waters, though you'll need to pack in daylight as night fishing isn't permitted. Grab your AAPPMA Aube permit on arrival and you're ready to explore what's a genuine gem for weekend carp trips away from the crowds.
At 219 miles from Calais, Étang de Fort en Paille is a popular destination for anglers exploring Grand Est, a region bordering Germany and Luxembourg, popular with UK anglers for its proximity and excellent lake fishing.
Night fishing at Étang de Fort en Paille is not permitted. Night carp not authorised on this lake. Aube's designated night carp venues are the 3 Forêt d'Orient lakes (Orient, Temple, Amance) on 10 specific bank parcours only. This lake is not on the authorised list. Source: fedepeche10.fr/pecher-dans-l-aube/reglementation-carpe-de-nuit-aube Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Étang de Fort en Paille under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Managed by AAPPMA locale Aube. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Étang de Fort en Paille holds carp, pike, perch, 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 Fort en Paille — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA locale Aube. 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 locale Aube) 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 Étang de Fort en Paille, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA locale Aube is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Étang de Fort en Paille is 219 miles from Calais, around 4 hours from the ferry or tunnel.
Aube is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Aube or explore all of Grand Est.
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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