Lac de Villerest is a vast 615-hectare reservoir in the Loire region offering excellent carp and catfish prospects year-round, with night fishing available from the bank using boilies and method feeders. The shallow, weed-rich margins suit stalking and margin work, though summer algae blooms can affect fishing – check conditions before travel. You'll need an AAPPMA licence from Roanne and should contact the local federation ahead, as cyanobacteria alerts can occasionally restrict access.
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.
Night fishing at Lac de Villerest is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Loire requires specific authorisation. 10 named plans d'eau touristiques are authorised — check annex 5 of the règlement intérieur. Night carp also confirmed on the Loire river itself (year-round, bank only). Vegetable baits only. No-kill mandatory. No embarcation at night. Verify this specific lake at peche42.fr/peche-dans-les-plans-deau-touristiques/ Source: peche42.fr
Boat fishing: Boats are permitted at Lac de Villerest. Petrol & Electric allowed. Subject to cyanobacteria alerts
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Lac de Villerest under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Managed by AAPPMA de Roanne. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Lac de Villerest holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, bream. Carp are the primary draw for visiting UK anglers — fish to 18kg have been recorded. All carp should be handled with care and returned promptly. A landing mat and unhooking mat are essential kit for any carp session.
Carp to 18kg+, good sport fishing (peche42.fr)
A valid Carte de Pêche is required to fish Lac de Villerest — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA de Roanne. 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 de Roanne) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Lac de Villerest, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA de Roanne is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Lac de Villerest is 361 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Loire is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Loire or explore all of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
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