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Étang de Gilbert is a compact 12.7-hectare reservoir in Sarthe offering solid carp fishing alongside pike, perch and tench in a quieter, less-pressured setting than many French venues. Day-only fishing (no night sessions) and bank-only access keep crowds minimal, making it ideal if you prefer a more relaxed pace—around 230 miles from Calais in the peaceful Pays de la Loire region. You'll need a fishing licence and AAPPMA permit from Fédération Pêche Sarthe (FDAAPPMA 72) before casting.
Night fishing at Étang de Gilbert is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Sarthe requires specific prefectoral authorisation. Some sites require QR code registration. Check peche72.fr and the annual arrêté Annexe 1 for the full list. Source: peche72.fr
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Étang de Gilbert under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Sarthe departmental card (EHGO).
Managed by FDAAPPMA 72 / Fédération Pêche Sarthe. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Étang de Gilbert 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 Gilbert — you will also need to be affiliated with FDAAPPMA 72 / Fédération Pêche Sarthe. 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 72 / Fédération Pêche Sarthe) 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 Gilbert, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FDAAPPMA 72 / Fédération Pêche Sarthe is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Étang de Gilbert is 230 miles from Calais, around 4 hours from the ferry or tunnel.
Sarthe is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Sarthe or explore all of Pays de la Loire.
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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