Lac des Fades-Besserve is a sprawling 330-hectare reservoir in Auvergne offering excellent carp fishing alongside pike, zander and catfish in a scenic mountain setting—roughly 347 miles south of Calais, making it ideal for a dedicated multi-day trip. Night fishing is permitted in designated sectors, giving you flexibility for 24-hour sessions, and boat access opens up deeper, less-pressured water. You'll need a valid French fishing licence and must register with AAPPMA du Puy-de-Dôme; confirm night-fishing zones and any seasonal restrictions before arrival.
At 347 miles from Calais, Lac des Fades-Besserve requires a longer journey from the UK, but Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes — one of France's most varied fishing regions, with venues ranging from Alpine lakes to lowland reservoirs — rewards the trip.
Night fishing at Lac des Fades-Besserve is authorised under Puy-de-Dôme regulations. Night carp confirmed on specific bank sectors. Season: 1 Jan–14 Mar and 13 Jun–31 Dec 2026. Night carp only in marked sectors on the Bras de la Burande (Arpiat 2). Vegetable baits only. Bank fishing only. Immediate release. Source: peche63.com/carpe-de-nuit
Boat fishing: Boats are permitted at Lac des Fades-Besserve. Boats permitted (EDF hydroelectric reservoir). Launch ramp on site — EDF left bank ramp near the barrage (rive gauche). Significant marnage on this reservoir — the Fades-Besserve is renowned for its dramatic gorge landscape and varying water levels.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Lac des Fades-Besserve under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires. Standard French bivouac law applies on designated night carp zones. EDF reservoir with public bank access.
Required permits & cards: Puy-de-Dôme departmental card. Standard reciprocity accepted.
Managed by AAPPMA du Puy-de-Dôme. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Lac des Fades-Besserve holds carp, pike, perch, zander, catfish, 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 des Fades-Besserve — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA du Puy-de-Dôme. Licences are available online before your trip.
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To fish Lac des Fades-Besserve, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA du Puy-de-Dôme is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Lac des Fades-Besserve is 347 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Night fishing is permitted at Lac des Fades-Besserve — always check the current rules with AAPPMA du Puy-de-Dôme before your session, as night carp regulations can change seasonally and vary by sector on larger waters.
Puy-de-Dôme is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Puy-de-Dôme or explore all of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
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