This substantial 161-hectare reservoir in Haute-Marne offers excellent carp fishing across mixed species habitat, with four designated night zones making it ideal for dedicated sessions. Electric boats are permitted, opening up access to less-pressured areas, whilst catfish provide an exciting alternative target. You'll need an AAPPMA Haute-Marne licence—obtain it locally before fishing, and note the 263-mile distance from Calais means this is best combined with other northeast venues.
Night fishing at Réservoir de Charmes is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Haute-Marne requires specific prefectoral authorisation on designated parcours. Lacs du Der (shared with Aube/Marne) and other large venues may be authorised. Check peche52.fr for the current list before fishing at night. Source: peche52.fr
Boat fishing: Boats are permitted at Réservoir de Charmes. Boats permitted for day fishing. Two barques available for rental on site. Night boat circulation strictly forbidden. Fishing from boats limited to 100m max cast. Thermal motors likely permitted (like Lac de la Liez nearby). No navigation at night.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Réservoir de Charmes under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires. Standard bivouac rules apply on 4 designated night carp sectors. Night boat mooring also forbidden.
Required permits & cards: Haute-Marne departmental card. Standard reciprocity. Public domain (domaine public). See Fédération de Pêche 52 (peche52.fr) for season dates.
Managed by AAPPMA locale Haute-Marne. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Réservoir de Charmes holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, tench, bream. Carp are the primary draw for visiting UK anglers — fish to 32kg have been recorded. All carp should be handled with care and returned promptly. A landing mat and unhooking mat are essential kit for any carp session.
Record 31.9kg mirror (1995, Colinmaire); avg 15kg, fish to 20kg+ frequent
A valid Carte de Pêche is required to fish Réservoir de Charmes — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA locale Haute-Marne. 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 Haute-Marne) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Réservoir de Charmes, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA locale Haute-Marne is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Réservoir de Charmes is 263 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Haute-Marne is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Haute-Marne or explore all of Grand Est.
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