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This massive 383-hectare reservoir in Brittany is a serious destination for specimen carp hunters, with excellent pike and zander populations adding variety to your sessions. Daytime-only fishing applies due to dam safety protocols, but the huge water and boat access (both petrol and electric allowed) make it ideal for exploring different zones and finding quieter spots—essential on such expansive water. Get your permit through AAPPMA Le Brochet de Basse Vilaine or Fédération Départementale Morbihan before arrival.
At 303 miles from Calais, Retenue d'Arzal requires a longer journey from the UK, but Bretagne — a popular destination for visiting anglers given its proximity and Atlantic character — rewards the trip.
Night fishing at Retenue d'Arzal is not permitted. Night carp not confirmed on this lake. Morbihan's 2026 arrêté autorises night carp on specific canal sections and designated étang berges. Check the 2026 arrêté at morbihan.federationpeche.fr/actualite/4473/372 for the full list. Source: morbihan.federationpeche.fr + AP 15 Jan 2026 Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Boat fishing: Boats are permitted at Retenue d'Arzal. Navigation authorised on the Arzal reservoir. The barrage manages the Vilaine estuary. Boat fishing common.
Required permits & cards: Morbihan departmental fishing card for freshwater upstream. Marine rules may apply to tidal sections below the barrage.
Managed by AAPPMA Le Brochet de Basse Vilaine / FD Morbihan. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Retenue d'Arzal holds carp, pike, perch, zander, 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 Retenue d'Arzal — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA Le Brochet de Basse Vilaine / FD Morbihan. 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 Le Brochet de Basse Vilaine / FD Morbihan) 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 Retenue d'Arzal, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA Le Brochet de Basse Vilaine / FD Morbihan is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Retenue d'Arzal is 303 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Morbihan is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Morbihan or explore all of Bretagne.
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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