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Étang du Gros Caillou is a compact 17.7-hectare reservoir in Loire-Atlantique offering solid carp, tench, and bream fishing from the bank—ideal if you want to avoid the crowds at larger venues. Day fishing only, so plan shorter sessions or multiple visits during your trip; it's roughly 317 miles from Calais, making it a worthwhile detour for western France explorers. You'll need a valid fishing licence and AAPPMA membership (contact Fédération Pêche Loire-Atlantique 44) before casting a line.
Night fishing at Étang du Gros Caillou 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 du Gros Caillou 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.
Étang du Gros Caillou holds carp, pike, perch, 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 du Gros Caillou — you will also need to be affiliated with FDAAPPMA 44 / Fédération Pêche Loire-Atlantique. 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 44 / Fédération Pêche Loire-Atlantique) 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 du Gros Caillou, 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 du Gros Caillou is 317 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.
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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