This sprawling 309-hectare Alpine reservoir in Provence is primarily a trout and pike destination rather than a carp fishery, so it won't suit traditional UK carp anglers—focus instead on its excellent pike and black bass populations if you're after predator sport. Night fishing is not permitted (1st Category waters), and you'll need a boat to cover the vast expanse effectively, though electric motors are allowed. You'll need to obtain a day ticket from AAPPMA La Gaule du Valbonnais and ensure your French fishing licence is valid before visiting.
Lac du Sautet is 464 miles from Calais. For UK anglers willing to make the drive into Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur — a stunning region with mountain lakes, large reservoirs and excellent carp fishing in the south — the fishing is well worth it.
Night fishing at Lac du Sautet is not permitted. Lac du Sautet is classified 1st category piscicole (salmonids dominant — trout, perch, whitebait). Night carp fishing is not authorised as the lake is 1st category and dominated by salmonids. The lake straddles the Hautes-Alpes and Isère departments. Isère AP confirms it as an EDF lake where 2 rods permitted (Isère/Hautes-Alpes card) or 1 rod (other). The Hautes-Alpes night carp AP (valid 2023–2027) does NOT include Lac du Sautet on its list of authorised 2nd category lakes. Fishing season: 2nd Saturday of March to 3rd Sunday of September (trout rules). Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Boat fishing: Boats are permitted at Lac du Sautet. Boats permitted. EDF hydroelectric barrage on the Drac. Minimum 2 lines authorised for Isère/Hautes-Alpes card holders.
Bivouac & overnight camping is not permitted at Lac du Sautet. Night fishing not authorised — overnight bivouac not relevant.
Required permits & cards: Hautes-Alpes OR Isère departmental card (applies least restrictive). Non-reciprocal — Hautes-Alpes card required for non-CHI/EHGO pêcheurs. Isère AP n° 38-2024-11-19-00005 (du Sautet special AP). Apply least restrictive rules between the two departments.
Managed by AAPPMA La Gaule du Valbonnais / FDAAPPMA 05. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Lac du Sautet holds brown trout, rainbow trout, perch, pike, black bass. Pike fishing is a highlight of the venue — spinning, deadbaiting and lure fishing are all effective methods.
A valid Carte de Pêche is required to fish Lac du Sautet — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA La Gaule du Valbonnais / FDAAPPMA 05. Licences are available online before your trip.
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1st Category (Salmonid) water. Trout season: 14 Mar–20 Sep 2026. No night fishing permitted. Carp/coarse: all year.
Always verify current rules with the local AAPPMA (AAPPMA La Gaule du Valbonnais / FDAAPPMA 05) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Lac du Sautet, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA La Gaule du Valbonnais / FDAAPPMA 05 is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Hautes-Alpes is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Hautes-Alpes or explore all of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
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