Lac du Val Joly is a substantial 151-hectare reservoir in the Ardennes offering excellent mixed fishing with healthy carp, catfish and pike populations in a scenic, less-crowded setting just 115 miles from Calais. Day fishing only, but electric boats are permitted, giving you flexibility to explore different swims across this spacious water. You'll need a valid French fishing licence and membership with AAPPMA Charleville-Mézières to fish here.
Night fishing at Lac du Val Joly is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Ardennes requires specific prefectoral authorisation. Main carp venues are Lac des Vieilles Forges and Étang de Bairon. Check peche08.fr for the current list before fishing at night. Source: peche08.fr
Boat fishing: Boats are permitted at Lac du Val Joly. Boats permitted on the reservoir. Nautical base on site. Verify motor restrictions locally.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Lac du Val Joly under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires. Campsite on site. Standard bivouac rules apply.
Required permits & cards: Nord departmental fishing card. Standard reciprocity accepted.
Managed by AAPPMA Charleville-Mézières. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Lac du Val Joly 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 Val Joly — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA Charleville-Mézières. 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 Charleville-Mézières) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Lac du Val Joly, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA Charleville-Mézières is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Lac du Val Joly is 115 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.
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