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Gravière de Mathay is a compact 23-hectare gravel pit in the Doubs–Belfort region offering excellent night fishing for carp alongside catfish, pike and bream—ideal if you're seeking a quieter alternative to busier French venues. Night carp fishing is fully authorised here, and float-tubes are permitted, giving you flexibility in exploring different swims across this scenic Bourgogne-Franche-Comté water. Located about 330 miles from Calais, it's a worthwhile destination for anglers wanting a peaceful mixed-species trip with proper overnight carp sessions.
Practical note: You'll need to join the local AAPPMA Mathay and obtain their permit before fishing; contact them in advance to arrange access and confirm current night-fishing conditions.
Night fishing at Gravière de Mathay is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Territoire de Belfort requires specific arrêté authorisation. Check fd-peche-belfort.fr for current list. Source: fd-peche-belfort.fr
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Gravière de Mathay under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Territoire de Belfort departmental card (URNE/CHI).
Managed by AAPPMA Mathay / secteur Doubs–Belfort. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Gravière de Mathay holds carp, catfish, 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 Gravière de Mathay — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA Mathay / secteur Doubs–Belfort. 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 (AAPPMA Mathay / secteur Doubs–Belfort) 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 Gravière de Mathay, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA Mathay / secteur Doubs–Belfort is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Gravière de Mathay is 330 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Territoire de Belfort is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Territoire de Belfort or explore all of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.
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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