Le Petit Riau is a compact 19-hectare reservoir in central France offering solid carp fishing alongside pike and tench, with day-fishing-only access from the banks making it ideal for a focused session. Located 299 miles south of Calais in Indre, it's well-positioned for a mid-France road trip and suits anglers seeking quieter, smaller waters away from the crowded lakes. You'll need an AAPPMA licence from Neuillay-les-Bois and should contact them in advance to confirm access and current fishing regulations.
At 299 miles from Calais, le Petit Riau is a popular destination for anglers exploring Centre-Val de Loire, a central region with excellent pike, perch and carp fishing across its river systems and lakes.
Night fishing at le Petit 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 Petit 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 Petit Riau holds carp, pike, perch, 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 Petit 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 Petit 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 Petit Riau is 299 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Night fishing is permitted at le Petit 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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