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Réservoir du Bourdon is a substantial 157-hectare reservoir in Loiret offering excellent carp fishing with night sessions permitted on a strict no-kill basis—ideal for targeting specimen fish in a peaceful, well-managed setting. The venue hosts a healthy mixed population including catfish and pike, with electric-motor boats available to explore deeper features across this scenic water. You'll need an AAPPMA licence and must comply with the no-kill carp regulations; it's roughly 238 miles from Calais, making it accessible for a longer French trip exploring the Centre region.
Night fishing at Réservoir du Bourdon is not permitted. Night carp not confirmed on this lake. Loiret night carp is only authorised on: the entire Loire river, Lac des Closiers, Étang des Grèves (Beaulieu), Étang du Puits (Cerdon, digue only), Canal de Briare sections, and Île Charlemagne (Orléans, AAPPMA dates). Source: federationpeche45.fr/6247-les-parcours-specifiques-no-kill-cdn-.htm Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Boat fishing: Boats are permitted at Réservoir du Bourdon. Boats permitted. Large lake with 15m max depth and extensive leisure activities. Navigation concurrent with fishing — respect priority rules.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Réservoir du Bourdon under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires. Standard bivouac rules apply. Popular lake with leisure base — busy in summer (sectors 5/6/7 closed July–August for night carp).
Required permits & cards: Yonne departmental card (rivière option mandatory, not just plan d'eau). Standard CHI reciprocity. AAPPMA Les Étangs de Puisaye.
Managed by AAPPMA du Puisaye. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Réservoir du Bourdon holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, tench, bream. Carp are the primary draw for visiting UK anglers — fish to 24kg 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.
Carp to 24kg+
A valid Carte de Pêche is required to fish Réservoir du Bourdon — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA du Puisaye. 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 du Puisaye) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
France is the closest mainland European fishing destination for UK anglers. The Channel Tunnel (Folkestone–Calais, ~35 min) is the fastest crossing, while P&O Ferries (Dover–Calais, ~90 min) offer good value for heavy kit. Most northern French venues are within 2–4 hours of Calais; southern venues require a full day of driving.
A Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence) is required for all freshwater fishing. Buy online at cartedepeche.fr before you travel. Annual, weekly and daily options are available and include your AAPPMA affiliation for the selected department.
To fish Réservoir du Bourdon, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA du Puisaye is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Réservoir du Bourdon is 238 miles from Calais, around 4 hours from the ferry or tunnel.
Loiret is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Loiret or explore all of Centre-Val de Loire.
France offers outstanding fishing year-round. The main coarse close season applies to some rivers (typically January–March for certain species), but still-water carp fishing on private and AAPPMA-managed lakes is available throughout the year. Spring (March–June) is the classic French carp season, with fish actively feeding and moving into shallow margins. Summer nights (June–August) are ideal for big-fish sessions on the large public reservoirs and rivers. Autumn (September–November) is particularly productive on the Auvergne and Languedoc lakes as temperatures drop. The Loire and Saône river systems produce excellent catfish sport from June through September, while the Dordogne and its tributaries fish well for chub, barbel and trout from spring through autumn.
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