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Lac d'en haut is a modest 14-hectare mountain reservoir in the Auvergne that holds carp, pike, perch and tench in a pristine nature reserve setting—ideal for a quieter, more contemplative session away from busier venues. Day fishing only (no night sessions), bank access only, and strictly regulated conditions mean this is a venue for anglers who respect conservation and want to fish in genuine wilderness. You'll need a French fishing licence and AAPPMA membership; contact FD 15 (Fédération de Pêche du Cantal) in advance for current access rules and daily limits.
At 388 miles from Calais, Lac d'en haut requires a longer journey from the UK, but Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes — one of France's most varied fishing regions, with venues ranging from Alpine lakes to lowland reservoirs — rewards the trip.
Night fishing at Lac d'en haut is not permitted. Night carp not authorised on this lake. Cantal's mountain/river waters are predominantly 1st category. Source: auvergne-peche.fr Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Boat fishing: Boat access is restricted at Lac d'en haut. All nautical activities (barque, canoë, paddle, float tube) are strictly forbidden on Lac d'en Haut. Fishing itself is entirely prohibited on this lake, making boat rules moot. The nearby Lac d'en Bas (the only fishing lake at La Godivelle) also explicitly bans boat and float-tube fishing (bank fishing only). Source: sancy.com, decathlon-outdoor.com.
Bivouac & overnight camping is not permitted at Lac d'en haut. Bivouac is strictly forbidden in the perimeter of the Réserve naturelle nationale des Sagnes de La Godivelle (décret n° 2020-1521 du 4 décembre 2020, Art. on camping/bivouac). The decree states that camping under a tent, in a vehicle, or any form of bivouac is forbidden except for reserve management staff and public service agents. The prefect may exceptionally authorise bivouac for scientific purposes only. Wild camping and fires are also prohibited under the reserve rules. Source: aida.ineris.fr (décret 2020-1521), decathlon-outdoor.com, parcdesvolcans.fr.
Required permits & cards: Fishing is entirely prohibited on Lac d'en Haut — no permit of any kind grants access. The lake is commune-owned and leased to a fishing society but all public fishing is banned. No extra permit exists that would legalise fishing here. For context: the neighbouring Lac d'en Bas (private, Puy-de-Dôme 63) requires a separate private day card (10 €/day, 40 €/week, 200 €/year + 10 € association membership) independent of any AAPPMA licence — but that is a different water body.
Managed by FD 15 (Fédération de Pêche du Cantal). Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Lac d'en haut holds carp, pike, perch, tench. 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 Lac d'en haut — you will also need to be affiliated with FD 15 (Fédération de Pêche du Cantal). 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 (FD 15 (Fédération de Pêche du Cantal)) 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 Lac d'en haut, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FD 15 (Fédération de Pêche du Cantal) is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Lac d'en haut is 388 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Cantal is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Cantal or explore all of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
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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