Lac de Payolle is a compact 10.7-hectare mountain reservoir in the Hautes-Pyrénées offering solid carp fishing alongside pike, tench and perch in a spectacular Pyrenean setting—ideal if you're combining fishing with a scenic holiday rather than targeting a dedicated carp session. Day-fishing only and bank access exclusively mean you'll need to plan around daylight hours, but the smaller size makes it manageable for working swims methodically. You'll need a valid French fishing licence and an AAPPMA day or season permit from FDAAPPMA 65; contact them ahead as this is primarily a tourism venue.
Lac de Payolle is 559 miles from Calais. For UK anglers willing to make the drive into Occitanie — a region of warm summers and excellent coarse fishing, particularly for carp and catfish — the fishing is well worth it.
Night fishing at Lac de Payolle is not permitted. Night carp fishing in Hautes-Pyrénées is only permitted on specific named venues per prefectoral order. This lake is not on the authorised list — night carp fishing is prohibited here. See peche65.fr for the full list. Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Lac de Payolle under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Hautes-Pyrénées card (CHI).
Managed by FDAAPPMA 65 / Fédération Pêche Hautes-Pyrénées. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Lac de Payolle holds carp, pike, perch, tench, black bass. 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 Payolle — you will also need to be affiliated with FDAAPPMA 65 / Fédération Pêche Hautes-Pyrénées. 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 (FDAAPPMA 65 / Fédération Pêche Hautes-Pyrénées) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Lac de Payolle, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FDAAPPMA 65 / Fédération Pêche Hautes-Pyrénées is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Hautes-Pyrénées is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Hautes-Pyrénées or explore all of Occitanie.
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