Le Grand Riau is a compact 33-hectare reservoir in Indre offering solid mixed fishing with healthy populations of carp, catfish, pike and tench — ideal for UK anglers seeking variety without the pressure of larger venues. Bank fishing only and day-fishing restrictions (local AAPPMA rules) mean this is best suited to anglers planning structured daytime sessions rather than overnight campaigns. Located 299 miles south of Calais in the quiet Centre-Val de Loire region, it's perfect for combining with other fisheries on a longer French trip. You'll need a French fishing licence and AAPPMA permit from Neuillay-les-Bois to fish here.
le Grand Riau lies 299 miles from Calais — a comfortable day's drive for visiting anglers heading into Centre-Val de Loire, a central region with excellent pike, perch and carp fishing across its river systems and lakes.
Night fishing at le Grand Riau is authorised under Indre regulations. Night carp confirmed. Indre (36) has a blanket prefectoral authorisation (arrêté n°36-2007-12-08-003) permitting night carp on ALL public 2nd category waters across the department. Vegetable baits only. Immediate release. Source: federationpeche18.fr + arrêté n°36-2007-12-08-003
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at le Grand Riau under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Managed by AAPPMA de Neuillay-les-Bois. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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le Grand Riau 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 le Grand Riau — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA de Neuillay-les-Bois. 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 de Neuillay-les-Bois) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish le Grand Riau, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA de Neuillay-les-Bois is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. le Grand Riau is 299 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Night fishing is permitted at le Grand Riau — always check the current rules with AAPPMA de Neuillay-les-Bois before your session, as night carp regulations can change seasonally and vary by sector on larger waters.
Indre is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Indre or explore all of Centre-Val de Loire.
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