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Étang de la Forge is a compact 13-hectare reservoir in Mayenne offering day-only fishing for carp, tench, pike and perch in a quiet rural setting ideal for a focused short break. Float-tubes are permitted, giving you flexible access to deeper areas, though night fishing isn't available here. You'll need a French fishing licence and AAPPMA day ticket from Fédération Pêche Mayenne — contact them in advance to confirm current rates and access arrangements.
Étang de la Forge lies 213 miles from Calais — a comfortable day's drive for visiting anglers heading into Pays de la Loire, a region with diverse fishing including carp lakes, river pike and coastal species.
Night fishing at Étang de la Forge is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Mayenne is authorised on about 10 designated night carp parcours, mainly on the Mayenne river and specific plans d'eau. Check the interactive map at fedepeche53.com for the current list. Source: fedepeche53.com
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: Mayenne departmental card (EHGO).
Managed by FDAAPPMA 53 / Fédération Pêche Mayenne. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Étang de la Forge 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 la Forge — you will also need to be affiliated with FDAAPPMA 53 / Fédération Pêche Mayenne. 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 53 / Fédération Pêche Mayenne) 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 la Forge, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FDAAPPMA 53 / Fédération Pêche Mayenne is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Étang de la Forge is 213 miles from Calais, around 4 hours from the ferry or tunnel.
Mayenne is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Mayenne 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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