Lac de Rivesaltes is a 40-hectare natural lake in the Pyrénées-Orientales offering solid carp prospects alongside pike and bream, with the significant advantage of permitted night fishing — ideal if you're planning extended sessions. Located 566 miles south of Calais in stunning Occitanie countryside, it's exclusively bank-fished, so expect a quieter, more intimate venue than busier alternatives. You'll need to contact AAPPMA des Pyrénées-Orientales for current access details and fishing regulations before your trip.
Lac de Rivesaltes is 566 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 Rivesaltes is authorised under Pyrénées-Orientales regulations. Night carp confirmed on designated parcours. No-kill mandatory. Vegetable baits/boilies only. Max 72-hour session per parcours. Bivouac tolerated 19h–9h (where wild camping prohibited). For night fishing, luminous marker required. Baiting with boats permitted on some parcours (check individual AAPPMA rules). Source: peche66.org/sites/default/files/deversements/reglement_interne_federation.pdf See peche66.org carte interactive for precise zone limits and seasonal conditions.
Boat fishing: Boat access is restricted at Lac de Rivesaltes.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted in designated areas only at Lac de Rivesaltes. Bivouac tolerated 19h00–08h00. Only umbrella-style shelter without groundsheet permitted. Must be dismantled outside these hours. Confirm with the local AAPPMA.
Managed by AAPPMA des Pyrénées-Orientales. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Lac de Rivesaltes holds carp, pike, perch, 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 Rivesaltes — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA des Pyrénées-Orientales. Licences are available online before your trip.
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To fish Lac de Rivesaltes, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA des Pyrénées-Orientales is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Night fishing is permitted at Lac de Rivesaltes — always check the current rules with AAPPMA des Pyrénées-Orientales before your session, as night carp regulations can change seasonally and vary by sector on larger waters.
Pyrénées-Orientales is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Pyrénées-Orientales or explore all of Occitanie.
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