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Lac de Villefort is a substantial 128-hectare reservoir in the Lozère hills, 459 miles south of Calais, offering pike and perch alongside trout species in a scenic mountain setting—though note this is classified as a 1st Category water, so night fishing isn't permitted. Electric-motor boats are allowed, making it accessible for exploring deeper water and structure-rich areas. You'll need an AAPPMA day or season ticket from the local federation (FDAAPPMA 48) before fishing.
At 459 miles from Calais, Lac de Villefort requires a longer journey from the UK, but Occitanie — a region of warm summers and excellent coarse fishing, particularly for carp and catfish — rewards the trip.
Night fishing at Lac de Villefort is not permitted. Lac de Villefort (129ha, ~610m, Lozère) is classified 1st category — grand lac intérieur de montagne. Non-reciprocal (Lozère card only). EDF hydroelectric complex (Altier river, linked to Rachas, Roujanel, Puylaurent). Night carp not authorised. Open specific season. Boats permitted with electric motor. Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Boat fishing: Only electric motors are permitted — thermal engines are forbidden. Electric motors permitted. Thermal motors forbidden.
Bivouac & overnight camping is not permitted at Lac de Villefort. Night fishing not authorised — 1st category.
Required permits & cards: Lozère departmental card ONLY (non-reciprocal). AAPPMA de Villefort. Specific season — see lozerepeche.com.
Managed by AAPPMA Canton de Villefort / FDAAPPMA 48. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Lac de Villefort holds brown trout, rainbow trout, perch, pike, black bass. Pike fishing is a highlight of the venue — spinning, deadbaiting and lure fishing are all effective methods.
A valid Carte de Pêche is required to fish Lac de Villefort — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA Canton de Villefort / FDAAPPMA 48. Licences are available online before your trip.
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1st Category (Salmonid) water. Trout season: 14 Mar–20 Sep 2026. No night fishing permitted. Carp/coarse: all year.
Always verify current rules with the local AAPPMA (AAPPMA Canton de Villefort / FDAAPPMA 48) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
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 Villefort, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA Canton de Villefort / FDAAPPMA 48 is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Lozère is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Lozère 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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