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Lac de Menet is a compact 14-hectare reservoir in the Massif Central offering good carp and pike fishing in a scenic mountain setting—ideal if you're exploring deeper into Auvergne beyond the classic north-French destinations. Night fishing isn't permitted, so plan for daytime sessions, and while boats are allowed (electric only), access is managed by strict communal rules. Note: You'll need a valid AAPPMA licence from the Riom-ès-Montagnes federation to fish here.
Lac de Menet is 392 miles from Calais. For UK anglers willing to make the drive into Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes — one of France's most varied fishing regions, with venues ranging from Alpine lakes to lowland reservoirs — the fishing is well worth it.
Night fishing at Lac de Menet 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: Boats are permitted at Lac de Menet. Communal rules apply (rowing or small electric only)
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Lac de Menet under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Managed by AAPPMA de Riom-ès-Montagnes. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Lac de Menet 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 de Menet — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA de Riom-ès-Montagnes. 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 Riom-ès-Montagnes) 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 Menet, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA de Riom-ès-Montagnes is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Lac de Menet is 392 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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