Lac et Barrage de Vailhan is a compact 25-hectare reservoir in Hérault offering solid carp and pike fishing from the bank, with the bonus of permitted night sessions for dedicated carpers (confirm details with AAPPMA de l'Hérault). Located 516 miles south of Calais, it's a long haul but rewards the journey with good species diversity and a quieter, less pressured alternative to busier French destinations. You'll need a French fishing licence and AAPPMA permit to fish here—contact the local association before your trip to confirm current access and night-fishing rules.
Lac et Barrage de Vailhan is 516 miles from Calais. For UK anglers willing to make the drive into Occitanie — a region of warm summers and excellent coarse fishing, particularly for carp and catfish — the fishing is well worth it.
Night fishing at Lac et Barrage de Vailhan is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Hérault is authorised bank-only on designated plans d'eau. Season: 1 January–23 April and 1 June–31 December (excluded during brochet protection period). Check current authorised sites at pecheherault.com/reglementations/deuxieme-categorie before fishing at night. Source: pecheherault.com
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Lac et Barrage de Vailhan under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Managed by AAPPMA de l'Hérault. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Lac et Barrage de Vailhan holds carp, pike, perch, 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 et Barrage de Vailhan — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA de l'Hérault. Licences are available online before your trip.
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To fish Lac et Barrage de Vailhan, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA de l'Hérault is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Hérault is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Hérault or explore all of Occitanie.
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