Retenue de Fabas is a compact 37-hectare reservoir in Gers offering solid mixed fishing with carp, catfish, pike and tench in a peaceful countryside setting—though it's a substantial 531-mile haul from Calais, so best combined with a southern France road trip. Day fishing only means early starts and late finishes, but the intimate size and varied species mix make it an interesting alternative to larger commercial venues. You'll need an AAPPMA permit from Fédération Pêche Gers (32) before fishing.
Night fishing at Retenue de Fabas is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Haute-Garonne requires specific prefectoral authorisation. The department has a mix of lowland retenues (mainly near Toulouse) where night carp is authorised and Pyrenean waters where it is prohibited. Check the 2026 guide at fede-peche31.com/5969-guide-de-peche-annuel-du-31.htm for the full list. Source: fede-peche31.com
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Retenue de Fabas under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Managed by AAPPMA locale (Haute-Garonne) / FD 31. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Retenue de Fabas holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, 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 Fabas — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA locale (Haute-Garonne) / FD 31. 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 locale (Haute-Garonne) / FD 31) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Retenue de Fabas, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA locale (Haute-Garonne) / FD 31 is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
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