Lac de Vaivre is a substantial 86-hectare gravel pit near Vesoul offering excellent variety including quality carp alongside catfish and pike, though it's strictly day-fishing only due to its leisure-lake status. The electric-motor-only boat policy makes it ideal for exploring different areas without disturbing other water users. You'll need an AAPPMA licence from La Gaule Vésulienne to fish here—factor in the 300-mile drive from Calais as part of your planning.
Night fishing at Lac de Vaivre is authorised under Haute-Saône regulations. Night carp confirmed — Lac de Vaivre is the main Haute-Saône carp fishing venue. Season: per annual arrêté. Vegetable baits only. Immediate release. Check the 2026 arrêté at haute-saone.gouv.fr for full details. Source: peche-haute-saone.fr + arrêté DDT/2025 n°403
Boat fishing: Boats are permitted at Lac de Vaivre. Large leisure lake — boats permitted. Verify motor restrictions.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Lac de Vaivre under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Haute-Saône departmental card.
Managed by AAPPMA La Gaule Vésulienne. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Lac de Vaivre holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, tench, 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 Vaivre — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA La Gaule Vésulienne. 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 La Gaule Vésulienne) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Lac de Vaivre, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA La Gaule Vésulienne is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Lac de Vaivre is 299 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Night fishing is permitted at Lac de Vaivre — always check the current rules with AAPPMA La Gaule Vésulienne before your session, as night carp regulations can change seasonally and vary by sector on larger waters.
Haute-Saône is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Haute-Saône or explore all of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.
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