Retenue de Cabournieu is a modest 28-hectare reservoir in southwest France offering solid mixed fishing with carp, catfish, and pike across a scenic Gascon landscape—perfect if you're seeking a quieter, less-pressured alternative to busier French destinations. Bank fishing only and day sessions only (no night fishing), so you'll need to plan shorter trips around daylight hours. Note: You'll need a French fishing licence and must obtain permission from FDAAPPMA 32 (Fédération Pêche Gers) before fishing.
Retenue de Cabournieu is 523 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 Cabournieu is not permitted. Night carp not confirmed on this lake. Gers night carp is only permitted on specifically designated venues (Lac de l'Uby, Lac de Miélan, Lac de Candau, Lac de l'Astarac, Lac de Fleurance, Lac de Lupiac, Carpodrome de Galiax, Lac de Montréal, and river sections of the Baïse). Source: gers-peche.fr (guide 2024 + arrêté annexe 2) Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Retenue de Cabournieu under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Managed by FDAAPPMA 32 / Fédération Pêche Gers. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Retenue de Cabournieu 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 Cabournieu — you will also need to be affiliated with FDAAPPMA 32 / Fédération Pêche Gers. 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 32 / Fédération Pêche Gers) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Retenue de Cabournieu, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FDAAPPMA 32 / Fédération Pêche Gers is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Gers is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Gers or explore all of Occitanie.
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