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Lac de Grangent is a massive 339-hectare Loire reservoir offering excellent carp and catfish prospects alongside pike, zander and bream in a stunning Auvergne setting. Night fishing is permitted in designated zones, and boats (both petrol and electric) are allowed with a strict 5km/h speed limit in many areas—ideal for exploring deeper features and accessing quieter swims. This is a substantial trip from Calais (397 miles), so plan accordingly; you'll need an AAPPMA licence and permission from the local AAPPMA de Saint-Étienne before fishing.
Night fishing at Lac de Grangent is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Loire requires specific authorisation. 10 named plans d'eau touristiques are authorised — check annex 5 of the règlement intérieur. Night carp also confirmed on the Loire river itself (year-round, bank only). Vegetable baits only. No-kill mandatory. No embarcation at night. Verify this specific lake at peche42.fr/peche-dans-les-plans-deau-touristiques/ Source: peche42.fr
Boat fishing: Boats are permitted at Lac de Grangent. Boats and barques permitted during daytime. Boat fishing forbidden at night during night carp sessions. Navigation governed by specific navigation règlement (AP Loire 42). No boat access to islands.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted in designated areas only at Lac de Grangent. Green or camouflage biwys only on night carp parcours. No other tent colours permitted. Standard stay limits apply. Confirm with the local AAPPMA.
Required permits & cards: Loire departmental card. Standard reciprocity. Fish consumption permanently banned (AP n°2023-131) — all catches must be released regardless.
Managed by AAPPMA de Saint-Étienne. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Lac de Grangent holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, 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 Grangent — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA de Saint-Étienne. 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 de Saint-Étienne) 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 de Grangent, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA de Saint-Étienne is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Lac de Grangent is 397 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Loire is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Loire 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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