Étangs du Picot is a compact, high-altitude mountain lake in the Pyrenees offering pristine bank fishing for pike and trout rather than carp – ideal if you're looking to diversify beyond your usual quarry. At nearly 6 hectares with no night fishing allowed, this intimate venue suits anglers seeking solitude and technical daytime sessions in stunning alpine scenery, though it's a serious drive from the Channel (572 miles). You'll need to contact FDAAPPMA 09 (Ariège federation) directly for day-ticket availability and to confirm current access arrangements for visiting UK anglers.
At 572 miles from Calais, Étangs du Picot requires a longer journey from the UK, but Occitanie — a region of warm summers and excellent coarse fishing, particularly for carp and catfish — rewards the trip.
Night fishing at Étangs du Picot is not permitted. Night carp not authorised on this lake. In Ariège, night carp (no-kill mandatory) is only permitted on: Lac de Montbel (entire lake), Plan d'eau de Mondély, Plan d'eau de Labarre (Foix), l'Hers at Mazères (river), Saint-Ybars. Note: Lac de Filheit had night carp REMOVED from January 2026. Source: peche-ariege.com/connaitre-la-reglementation/ Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Étangs du Picot under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Managed by FDAAPPMA 09 / Fédération Ariège Pêche. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Étangs du Picot holds brown trout, rainbow trout, perch, pike. Pike fishing is a highlight of the venue — spinning, deadbaiting and lure fishing are all effective methods.
A valid Carte de Pêche is required to fish Étangs du Picot — you will also need to be affiliated with FDAAPPMA 09 / Fédération Ariège Pêche. 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 09 / Fédération Ariège Pêche) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Étangs du Picot, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FDAAPPMA 09 / Fédération Ariège Pêche is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Ariège is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Ariège or explore all of Occitanie.
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