The 107-acre reservoir of Lac de Virlay sits within the Cher department of Centre-Val de Loire, offering a substantial expanse of water for visiting anglers. Lac de Virlay holds Carp, Catfish, Pike, Perch, Zander, Tench and Bream, and has built a reputation on the French carp fishing circuit.
Lac de Virlay permits night fishing — Authorised night carp zone — making it a viable destination for longer carp sessions. Regarding boats: Bank fishing only. Anglers are permitted to bivvy overnight in line with French public water regulations.
Lac de Virlay lies 293 miles from Calais — a comfortable day's drive for visiting anglers heading into Centre-Val de Loire, a central region with excellent pike, perch and carp fishing across its river systems and lakes.
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Lac de Virlay holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, tench, 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 Saint-Amand-Montrond) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
Cher is home to numerous fishing venues accessible to UK anglers. PiscaMaps covers lakes, reservoirs, rivers and canals across all Centre-Val de Loire departments, with full rules, species and access information for each venue.
Other public fishing venues near Lac de Virlay on PiscaMaps: