Plan d'Eau des Orleaux is a modest 39-hectare communal pond in deepest Auvergne offering solid mixed fishing with carp, catfish, pike and tench — ideal if you're exploring France's quieter venues away from the crowded tourist lakes. Bank fishing only and no night sessions, so this suits daytime sessions rather than the classic French carp marathon, though the catfish population adds an exciting dimension. You'll need to purchase a day or season permit from FD 43 (Fédération de Pêche de Haute-Loire) before fishing; it's roughly 372 miles south-west of Calais, so best paired with a broader Auvergne trip rather than tackled alone.
Plan d'Eau des Orleaux is 372 miles from Calais. For UK anglers willing to make the drive into Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes — one of France's most varied fishing regions, with venues ranging from Alpine lakes to lowland reservoirs — the fishing is well worth it.
Night fishing at Plan d'Eau des Orleaux is not permitted. Night carp is generally not authorised in Haute-Loire. The department is dominated by salmonid and volcanic mountain waters. Verify with peche-hauteloire.fr for any specific 2nd category exceptions. Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Boat fishing: Boats are permitted at Plan d'Eau des Orleaux. Leisure lake — boats permitted.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Plan d'Eau des Orleaux under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Haute-Loire departmental card (CHI).
Managed by FD 43 (Fédération de Pêche de Haute-Loire). Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Plan d'Eau des Orleaux 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 Plan d'Eau des Orleaux — you will also need to be affiliated with FD 43 (Fédération de Pêche de Haute-Loire). 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 (FD 43 (Fédération de Pêche de Haute-Loire)) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Plan d'Eau des Orleaux, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FD 43 (Fédération de Pêche de Haute-Loire) is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Plan d'Eau des Orleaux is 372 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Haute-Loire is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Haute-Loire or explore all of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
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