Étang de la Forge is a compact 18-hectare reservoir in Vienne offering solid mixed fishing for carp, pike, perch, tench, and bream from the bank — ideal if you're exploring central France beyond the northern lakes. Day fishing only, so plan accordingly if you're used to night sessions. You'll need a valid French fishing licence and AAPPMA membership (contact FDAAPPMA 86 locally); it's roughly 320 miles south of Calais, making it a good complement to a longer French trip rather than a quick weekend break.
At 318 miles from Calais, Étang de la Forge requires a longer journey from the UK, but Nouvelle-Aquitaine — a vast region stretching from the Dordogne to the Basque Country, with outstanding fishing across its many departments — rewards the trip.
Night fishing at Étang de la Forge is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Vienne requires specific prefectoral authorisation on designated parcours. Check peche86.fr for the current list before fishing at night. Source: peche86.fr
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.
Managed by FDAAPPMA 86 / AAPPMA locale. 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 Vienne and across all of France.
Étang de la Forge holds carp, pike, perch, tench, bream, black bass. 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 86 / AAPPMA locale. Licences are available online before your trip.
Join to unlock full rules, night sectors, access notes and local camping spots for Étang de la Forge 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 86 / AAPPMA locale) 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 FDAAPPMA 86 / AAPPMA locale is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Étang de la Forge is 318 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Vienne is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Vienne or explore all of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
Other public fishing venues near Étang de la Forge on PiscaMaps: