Lac de Ribou is a substantial 83-hectare reservoir in Nouvelle-Aquitaine offering solid mixed coarse fishing with carp, catfish, pike and zander alongside traditional species—a real all-rounder for visiting UK anglers seeking variety beyond dedicated carp water. Bank fishing only and day sessions only (no night fishing), so this suits anglers wanting flexible daytime sessions roughly 300 miles south of Calais. You'll need a valid French fishing licence and must obtain permission from the local AAPPMA (Deux-Sèvres) before fishing.
At 479 miles from Calais, Lac de Ribou requires a longer journey from the UK, but Pays de la Loire — a region with diverse fishing including carp lakes, river pike and coastal species — rewards the trip.
Night fishing at Lac de Ribou is not permitted. Night carp fishing prohibited at Lac de Ribou. The lake is a drinking water reservoir (réserve d'eau potable) and the night carp sector has been closed since 2011. Source: AAPPMA Les Crocodiles de la Moine / fedepeche49.fr Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Boat fishing: Boat access is restricted at Lac de Ribou. Electric motor boats only — thermal motors prohibited. Float tubes permitted. Boat launch ramp (cale de mise à l'eau) at La Tortière. Source: anjou-tourisme.com / fedepeche49.fr
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Lac de Ribou under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Deux-Sèvres departmental card (EHGO).
Managed by AAPPMA Les Crocodiles de la Moine / AAPPMA La Gaule Tessouallaise. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Lac de Ribou holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, tench, bream, 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 Ribou — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA Les Crocodiles de la Moine / AAPPMA La Gaule Tessouallaise. 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 Les Crocodiles de la Moine / AAPPMA La Gaule Tessouallaise) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Lac de Ribou, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA Les Crocodiles de la Moine / AAPPMA La Gaule Tessouallaise is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
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