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Lac du Der-Chantecoq is France's largest reservoir at over 4,200 hectares, offering vast open water and serious carp potential alongside catfish, pike and zander in the Aube region. Night fishing is permitted here, though pegs must be booked in advance, and both petrol and electric boats are available for exploring this enormous venue—ideal if you're planning a flexible trip rather than committing to single swims. Located 209 miles from Calais, it's a serious expedition destination that rewards anglers willing to invest time in finding productive areas. You'll need an AAPPMA licence and should book posts and any boat hire well ahead through the local Gardon de Larzicourt association.
Night fishing at Lac du Der-Chantecoq is not permitted. Night carp not authorised on this lake. Aube's designated night carp venues are the 3 Forêt d'Orient lakes (Orient, Temple, Amance) on 10 specific bank parcours only. This lake is not on the authorised list. Source: fedepeche10.fr/pecher-dans-l-aube/reglementation-carpe-de-nuit-aube Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Boat fishing: Boats are permitted at Lac du Der-Chantecoq. Boats permitted. Electric motors and thermal motors allowed. Night navigation strictly forbidden across the entire lake. Lines must not be cast more than 100m from the bank. A specific annual boat or carp-night permit is required from the Maison des Pêcheurs in addition to the standard fishing licence.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted in designated areas only at Lac du Der-Chantecoq. Bivouac permitted only on authorised night carp pegs. Standard French bivouac rules apply on other public banks but night fishing is only allowed on booked pegs. Confirm with the local AAPPMA.
Required permits & cards: Specific carp-night peg permit required (booked and paid at Maison des Pêcheurs, Giffaumont, tel. 03 26 72 63 43). Annual boat or carp-night authorisation also required. Standard fishing licence (carte de pêche) mandatory. The lake spans Marne and Haute-Marne — regulations vary slightly by bank.
Managed by AAPPMA "Gardon de Larzicourt". Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Lac du Der-Chantecoq holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, bream. Carp are the primary draw for visiting UK anglers — fish to 44kg 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.
Record 44kg – Moby Dick (Colinmaire/GoCarp)
A valid Carte de Pêche is required to fish Lac du Der-Chantecoq — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA "Gardon de Larzicourt". 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 "Gardon de Larzicourt") 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 du Der-Chantecoq, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA "Gardon de Larzicourt" is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Lac du Der-Chantecoq is 209 miles from Calais, around 4 hours from the ferry or tunnel.
Aube is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Aube 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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