Lac du Barrage des Galens is a scenic 34-hectare reservoir in the Cantal mountains, well-stocked with carp, catfish and pike alongside quality perch and zander—excellent for targeting multiple species on a single trip. Night fishing is permitted throughout the lake, giving you flexibility for extended sessions, though access is limited to float tubes rather than boats. You'll need an AAPPMA licence from the Saint-Flour association, and note this remote venue sits 437 miles from Calais, so plan accordingly for a dedicated trip.
Night fishing at Lac du Barrage des Galens is not permitted. Night carp not authorised on this lake. Cantal's mountain/river waters are predominantly 1st category. Source: auvergne-peche.fr Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Boat fishing: Boat access is restricted at Lac du Barrage des Galens. Navigation is authorised for both thermal (engine) and electric boats, but only in the downstream navigable half of the lake (outside the zones interdites marked by on-site buoys). The upstream half of the lake (amont) is non-navigable. A proper boat launch (cale de mise à l'eau) was developed in 2022; previously launching large boats was very difficult due to lack of infrastructure. Float tubes are also permitted but are subject to the same navigation regulations (zones interdites apply). Mandatory life jacket for all persons October 1–April 30. Navigation governed by arrêté préfectoral 2014 521-0008 of 08/09/2014 (Aveyron prefecture). No specific permit cost found beyond standard fishing licence.
Required permits & cards: No extra permit beyond the standard fishing licence (carte de pêche) was identified in sources. The lake is 2nd-category public water managed by the Fédération de Pêche de l'Aveyron. Up to 4 rods authorised (carpe fishing). Transport of live carp over 60 cm is prohibited.
Managed by AAPPMA du Pays de Saint-Flour. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Lac du Barrage des Galens holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, tench, 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 du Barrage des Galens — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA du Pays de Saint-Flour. 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 du Pays de Saint-Flour) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Lac du Barrage des Galens, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA du Pays de Saint-Flour is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Cantal is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Cantal or explore all of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
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