Retenue de Briax is a compact 28-hectare reservoir in southern France offering solid mixed fishing with carp, catfish, pike and tench across shallow margins and deeper zones—perfect for a day session venue if you're exploring Occitanie. Bank fishing only and strictly day-use (no night fishing), so plan accordingly; the catfish populations add an exciting alternative species opportunity. You'll need to purchase a French fishing licence and affiliate with the local FDAAPPMA Tarn to fish legally.
Retenue de Briax is 505 miles from Calais. For UK anglers willing to make the drive into Occitanie — a region of warm summers and excellent coarse fishing, particularly for carp and catfish — the fishing is well worth it.
Night fishing at Retenue de Briax is not permitted. Night carp not confirmed on this lake. Tarn's designated night carp plans d'eau are: La Borde-basse, Lac du Lézert, La Piscine and Le Camping (Dourgne), Les Roques and Lac de Técou (Gaillac), and river sections. Check pechetarn.fr/reglementation-activite-de-peche-tarn-81.php for the full current list. Source: pechetarn.fr Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Retenue de Briax under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Managed by FDAAPPMA 81 / Fédération Pêche Tarn. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Retenue de Briax holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, tench, bream, black bass. 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 de Briax — you will also need to be affiliated with FDAAPPMA 81 / Fédération Pêche Tarn. 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 (FDAAPPMA 81 / Fédération Pêche Tarn) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Retenue de Briax, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FDAAPPMA 81 / Fédération Pêche Tarn is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Tarn is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Tarn or explore all of Occitanie.
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