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Gravière de Montbellet N1 is a compact 16-hectare gravel pit in the Ain region offering excellent carp and tench fishing from the bank, with designated night fishing zones available under Saône-et-Loire reciprocity rules. The modest size makes it ideal for getting to know the water quickly, and the mix of carp, pike and bream keeps sessions interesting. Around 340 miles from Calais, it's a worthwhile addition to a wider French trip rather than a standalone destination—check night fishing zones with the local FD 01 before planning overnight sessions, and you'll need a valid reciprocal or day permit.
Night fishing at Gravière de Montbellet N 1 is not permitted. Night carp not authorised on this lake. Saône-et-Loire's 2026 arrêté only covers specifically designated sites — this lake is not among them. Source: peche-saone-et-loire.fr/peche-pratique/carpe-de-nuit/ Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Boat fishing: Boat access is restricted at Gravière de Montbellet N 1.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Gravière de Montbellet N 1 under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Managed by Société de pêche des lacs de Saint-Oyen / FD 71. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Gravière de Montbellet N 1 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 Gravière de Montbellet N 1 — you will also need to be affiliated with Société de pêche des lacs de Saint-Oyen / FD 71. 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 (Société de pêche des lacs de Saint-Oyen / FD 71) 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 Montbellet N 1, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with Société de pêche des lacs de Saint-Oyen / FD 71 is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Saône-et-Loire is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Saône-et-Loire 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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