Lac du Gabassot is a compact 40-hectare reservoir in the Pyrenees offering excellent carp alongside catfish, pike and zander—ideal if you want variety without the crowds of larger venues. Night fishing is permitted in designated zones, though you'll be working exclusively from the bank as boats are prohibited. Located 521 miles south of Calais, this is a serious road trip, but worth planning around if you're exploring southern France; you'll need a fishing licence and must check current AAPPMA 64 regulations before arrival.
At 521 miles from Calais, Lac du Gabassot ou de Garlin requires a longer journey from the UK, but Nouvelle-Aquitaine — a vast region stretching from the Dordogne to the Basque Country, with outstanding fishing across its many departments — rewards the trip.
Night fishing at Lac du Gabassot ou de Garlin is authorised under Pyrénées-Atlantiques regulations. Night carp confirmed — Lac du Gabas (Gardères/Luquet). Grand lac: 1 Feb–15 Aug only. Petit lac amont: year-round. No-kill. Vegetable baits only. No-kill mandatory. Source: federation-peche64.fr guide 2024/2025 + association-peche-le-pesquit.fr
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Lac du Gabassot ou de Garlin under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Pyrénées-Atlantiques card (CHI).
Managed by FDAAPPMA 64 / AAPPMA locale. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Lac du Gabassot ou de Garlin holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, tench, bream, black bass. 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 Gabassot ou de Garlin — you will also need to be affiliated with FDAAPPMA 64 / AAPPMA locale. 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 (FDAAPPMA 64 / AAPPMA locale) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Lac du Gabassot ou de Garlin, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FDAAPPMA 64 / AAPPMA locale is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Night fishing is permitted at Lac du Gabassot ou de Garlin — always check the current rules with FDAAPPMA 64 / AAPPMA locale before your session, as night carp regulations can change seasonally and vary by sector on larger waters.
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