Le Grand Trait is a compact 14-hectare gravel pit in Calvados offering solid carp prospects alongside pike and tench, ideal for a focused day-fishing session just over 150 miles south of Calais. Bank-only access keeps things simple and intimate, though note this is strictly daylight fishing so plan your sessions accordingly. You'll need an AAPPMA day ticket from the local Calvados association to fish here.
At 152 miles from Calais, le Grand Trait is a popular destination for anglers exploring Normandie, one of the closest French regions to the UK, making it particularly accessible for shorter fishing trips.
Night fishing at le Grand Trait is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Calvados requires specific prefectoral authorisation on designated parcours. Check federation-peche14.fr for the current list before fishing at night. Source: federation-peche14.fr
Required permits & cards: Calvados departmental card.
Managed by AAPPMA locale (Calvados). Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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le Grand Trait holds carp, pike, perch, tench. 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 Trait — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA locale (Calvados). 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 locale (Calvados)) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish le Grand Trait, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA locale (Calvados) is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. le Grand Trait is 152 miles from Calais, around 3 hours from the ferry or tunnel.
Calvados is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Calvados or explore all of Normandie.
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