Étang de Gruellau is a scenic 32-hectare reservoir in Loire-Atlantique offering solid mixed fishing for carp, tench, bream and pike across its diverse habitat—perfect if you want variety alongside your carp sessions. Day-fishing only and accessible by bank, it's a more relaxed alternative to pressured French commercials, sitting about 4.5 hours from Calais. You'll need a day ticket from FDAAPPMA 44 (Loire-Atlantique federation) or the local AAPPMA; contact ahead to confirm current access and regulations.
Night fishing at Étang de Gruellau is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Loire-Atlantique requires specific authorisation. About 40 designated sites across the department. Check the interactive map (updated 09/01/2026) at federationpeche44.fr/ou-pecher/ before fishing at night. Source: federationpeche44.fr
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Étang de Gruellau under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Loire-Atlantique card (EHGO).
Managed by FDAAPPMA 44 / Fédération Pêche Loire-Atlantique. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Filter by species, size, night fishing, boats and bivvy. Find venues near Loire-Atlantique and across all of France.
Étang de Gruellau holds carp, 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 Gruellau — you will also need to be affiliated with FDAAPPMA 44 / Fédération Pêche Loire-Atlantique. Licences are available online before your trip.
Join to unlock full rules, night sectors, access notes and local camping spots for Étang de Gruellau and 10,000+ venues across France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
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 44 / Fédération Pêche Loire-Atlantique) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Étang de Gruellau, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FDAAPPMA 44 / Fédération Pêche Loire-Atlantique is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Étang de Gruellau is 277 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Loire-Atlantique is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Loire-Atlantique or explore all of Pays de la Loire.
Other public fishing venues near Étang de Gruellau on PiscaMaps: