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Retenue de Chaudanne is a stunning alpine reservoir in Provence offering bank fishing only for pike, perch and trout in a dramatic gorge setting—ideal if you're seeking a scenic break from traditional French carp waters. Night fishing isn't permitted (1st Category regulations), so plan daylight sessions to make the most of this 65-hectare venue, which sits 537 miles south of Calais. You'll need a French fishing licence and membership with AAPPMA Verdon Colostre to fish legally here.
Retenue de Chaudanne is 537 miles from Calais. For UK anglers willing to make the drive into Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur — a stunning region with mountain lakes, large reservoirs and excellent carp fishing in the south — the fishing is well worth it.
Night fishing at Retenue de Chaudanne is not permitted. Night carp not authorised on this lake. Only 4 specific plans d'eau in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence have night carp authorisation: Lac de la Forestière (Manosque), Lacs des Buissonnades Est/Sud (Oraison), Lac du Brunet, Retenue de Castillon (specific bank sections). All are weekend-only, April–December. Source: AP n°2025-029-006 — peche04.fr Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Retenue de Chaudanne under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Alpes-de-Haute-Provence card (CHI).
Managed by AAPPMA Verdon Colostre / FDAAPPMA 04. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Retenue de Chaudanne holds brown trout, rainbow trout, perch, pike, black bass. Pike fishing is a highlight of the venue — spinning, deadbaiting and lure fishing are all effective methods.
A valid Carte de Pêche is required to fish Retenue de Chaudanne — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA Verdon Colostre / FDAAPPMA 04. Licences are available online before your trip.
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1st Category (Salmonid) water. Trout season: 14 Mar–20 Sep 2026. No night fishing permitted. Carp/coarse: all year.
Always verify current rules with the local AAPPMA (AAPPMA Verdon Colostre / FDAAPPMA 04) 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 de Chaudanne, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA Verdon Colostre / FDAAPPMA 04 is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence or explore all of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
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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