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Lac des Vieilles Forges is a 141-hectare reservoir in the Ardennes offering solid mixed fishing with carp to 31kg alongside catfish, pike and tench — perfect if you want variety without sacrificing carp potential. Night fishing is permitted in designated zones, and the April 2026 Enduro event signals active management for specimen hunters. Located 142 miles from Calais, the lake allows electric and oar boats only, making it ideal for a quieter, methodical approach.
*Essential: you'll need an AAPPMA day ticket or season permit from Les Triages de Renwez — check their current rates and zone restrictions before planning your trip.
Night fishing at Lac des Vieilles Forges is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp likely confirmed — Lac des Vieilles Forges (130ha) is one of the main Ardennes carp venues, known nationally. Carp and carnassier fishing. Check current night carp rules at peche08.fr before fishing. Source: peche08.fr
Boat fishing: Only electric motors are permitted — thermal engines are forbidden. Electric motors only — thermal motors strictly forbidden. Boat, rowing boat and float tube fishing permitted during day fishing hours. Boat fishing forbidden during night carp sessions. Multiple launch points on the 11.6km of bank.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted in designated areas only at Lac des Vieilles Forges. Only green-coloured bivouac shelters permitted on night carp parcours. No ground fires — barbecues on stands only. No dogs (or on lead only). Site managed by AAPPMA Les Triages de Renwez with a leisure base including beach, baignade, restaurants, and accommodation on site. Confirm with the local AAPPMA.
Required permits & cards: Ardennes card (FDAAPPMA08) or Grand-Est reciprocity card accepted. No supplementary night permit needed — day card covers night carp (in season). International reputation — record unofficial 31kg carp.
Managed by AAPPMA "Les Triages" de Renwez. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Lac des Vieilles Forges holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, tench, bream. Carp are the primary draw for visiting UK anglers — fish to 31kg 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 31kg+
A valid Carte de Pêche is required to fish Lac des Vieilles Forges — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA "Les Triages" de Renwez. 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 "Les Triages" de Renwez) 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 des Vieilles Forges, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA "Les Triages" de Renwez is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Lac des Vieilles Forges is 142 miles from Calais — reachable on the day of crossing.
Ardennes is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Ardennes or explore all of Grand Est.
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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