Formed by damming a river valley in Loire, Lac de Villerest is a large public reservoir covering 616 hectares and one of the more significant fisheries in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Species include Carp, Catfish, Pike, Perch, Zander and Bream — with carp fishing the primary attraction for travelling anglers.
For UK carp anglers, night fishing at Lac de Villerest is allowed: All year, from bank only (no boat), vegetal baits/boilies only. Regarding boats: Petrol & Electric allowed. Subject to cyanobacteria alerts. Overnight bivouac camping is authorised, ideal for multi-day carp sessions.
Lac de Villerest is 361 miles from Calais. For UK anglers willing to make the drive into Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes — one of France's most varied fishing regions, with venues ranging from Alpine lakes to lowland reservoirs — the fishing is well worth it.
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Lac de Villerest holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, bream. Carp fishing is the primary draw for visiting UK anglers, with fish present throughout the venue.
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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 de Roanne) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
Loire is home to numerous fishing venues accessible to UK anglers. PiscaMaps covers lakes, reservoirs, rivers and canals across all Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes departments, with full rules, species and access information for each venue.
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