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Lac de Pareloup is a vast 1,193-hectare reservoir in Aveyron offering excellent carp and catfish fishing across its sprawling waters—night fishing is permitted year-round, making it ideal for extended trips. The lake's size and depth attract quality carp alongside pike, zander, and bream, with boat access available (petrol and electric; tax required). Located 468 miles from Calais, it's a serious destination for UK anglers seeking space and variety; you'll need to purchase a day ticket and register with AAPPMA des Lacs du Lévézou before fishing.
Night fishing at Lac de Pareloup is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Aveyron requires specific prefectoral authorisation on designated parcours. Check pecheaveyron.fr for the current list before fishing at night. Source: pecheaveyron.fr
Boat fishing: Boats are permitted at Lac de Pareloup. Thermal and electric motors permitted with no power restriction. Classified as "zone eaux intérieures exposées" requiring additional safety equipment: mooring line with anchor (unless boat under 250kg unladen), waterproof torch for each person on board. Life jackets (EPI) mandatory 1 October to 30 April. Multiple launch ramps around the lake.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Lac de Pareloup under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires. Standard French bivouac law applies. Night fishing permitted across the whole lake so overnight stays are normal for carp anglers. Verify locally for any commune-specific restrictions.
Required permits & cards: Aveyron departmental fishing card (AAPPMA des Lacs du Lévézou). Standard reciprocal card accepted. No extra night permit required.
Managed by AAPPMA des Lacs du Lévézou / FDAAPPMA 12. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Lac de Pareloup holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, bream, black bass. Carp are the primary draw for visiting UK anglers — fish to 25kg have been recorded. All carp should be handled with care and returned promptly. A landing mat and unhooking mat are essential kit for any carp session.
Carp to 25kg (Colinmaire)
A valid Carte de Pêche is required to fish Lac de Pareloup — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA des Lacs du Lévézou / FDAAPPMA 12. Licences are available online before your trip.
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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 Pareloup, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA des Lacs du Lévézou / FDAAPPMA 12 is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Aveyron is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Aveyron or explore all of Occitanie.
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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