Étang de la Forge is a substantial 62-hectare reservoir in Brittany offering solid carp alongside pike and zander, best approached as a daytime bank-fishing mission around 258 miles from Calais. The water holds a good head of tench and bream too, making it versatile if the carp aren't feeding, though night fishing isn't permitted here. You'll need an AAPPMA licence and permission from the local managing federation (FD Ille-et-Vilaine) before planning your session.
Night fishing at Étang de la Forge is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Ille-et-Vilaine is authorised year-round (except brief brochet spawning window) on specific 2nd category parcours. The department has many river and plan d'eau night carp sites. Check the interactive map at peche35.fr/4147-parcours-de-peche-de-la-carpe-de-nuit.htm. Vegetable baits only. Immediate release. No motor boat for baiting at night. Source: peche35.fr/4147-parcours-de-peche-de-la-carpe-de-nuit.htm
Boat fishing: Boat access is restricted at Étang de la Forge. Boats permitted daytime; forbidden at night.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Étang de la Forge under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Ille-et-Vilaine card (EHGO).
Managed by Semnon Martignolais / FD Ille-et-Vilaine. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Étang de la Forge 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 la Forge — you will also need to be affiliated with Semnon Martignolais / FD Ille-et-Vilaine. 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 (Semnon Martignolais / FD Ille-et-Vilaine) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Étang de la Forge, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with Semnon Martignolais / FD Ille-et-Vilaine is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Étang de la Forge is 258 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Ille-et-Vilaine is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Ille-et-Vilaine or explore all of Bretagne.
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