Étang de la Forge is a solid 38-hectare Breton reservoir offering mixed coarse fishing with decent carp populations alongside pike, zander and tench — ideal if you fancy variety beyond pure carping. Day fishing only from the bank keeps it quieter than night-session venues, though the 234-mile haul from Calais means it's best combined with other local waters. You'll need a French fishing licence and an AAPPMA day card from the Fédération Ille-et-Vilaine to fish legally.
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 Truite Pleine-Fougeraise / 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 Truite Pleine-Fougeraise / 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 (Truite Pleine-Fougeraise / 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 Truite Pleine-Fougeraise / FD Ille-et-Vilaine is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Étang de la Forge is 234 miles from Calais, around 4 hours from the ferry or tunnel.
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