This scenic 32-hectare reservoir in the Doubs offers solid carp and catfish fishing in a peaceful border setting, with the added bonus of boat access (petrol motors permitted) for exploring deeper sections. Night fishing isn't available, so plan your sessions accordingly, though the alpine scenery makes daytime angling rewarding. You'll need an AAPPMA permit from Villers-le-Lac before casting—check locally for current conditions and boat launch details.
At 346 miles from Calais, Lac de Chaillexon requires a longer journey from the UK, but Bourgogne-Franche-Comté — a region renowned among UK carp anglers for its quality stillwater fishing — rewards the trip.
Night fishing at Lac de Chaillexon is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Doubs requires specific prefectoral authorisation on designated parcours. Check peche25.fr for the current list before fishing at night. Source: peche25.fr
Boat fishing: Boats are permitted at Lac de Chaillexon. Doubs gorge barrage — boats permitted.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Lac de Chaillexon under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Managed by AAPPMA Villers-le-Lac. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Lac de Chaillexon holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, 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 Lac de Chaillexon — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA Villers-le-Lac. 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 Villers-le-Lac) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Lac de Chaillexon, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA Villers-le-Lac is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Lac de Chaillexon is 346 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Doubs is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Doubs or explore all of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.
Other public fishing venues near Lac de Chaillexon on PiscaMaps:
