Retenue de l'Étale is a small, intimate natural lake in the Haute-Savoie Alps offering pike, perch and tench fishing in a scenic mountain setting — ideal if you're seeking a quieter alternative to busier waters, though note this isn't a dedicated carp venue. Bank fishing only with no night fishing allowed, making it a daytime-focused destination some 409 miles south of Calais. You'll need a valid fishing licence and AAPPMA membership (contact Annecy Rivières) to fish here.
Retenue de l'Étale is 409 miles from Calais. For UK anglers willing to make the drive into Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes — one of France's most varied fishing regions, with venues ranging from Alpine lakes to lowland reservoirs — the fishing is well worth it.
Night fishing at Retenue de l'Étale is not permitted. Night carp not authorised on this lake. Haute-Savoie only permits night carp on 8 specific named lakes (Lac d'Ayze, Lac du Bois des Îles, Lac de Chamonix, Lac de Motte Longue, Lacs des Îlettes, Lac de Machilly, Lac du Môle). Source: pechehautesavoie.com/reglementation/peche-de-la-carpe/ Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Retenue de l'Étale under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Managed by AAPPMA Annecy Rivières. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Retenue de l'Étale holds pike, perch, tench. 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 l'Étale — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA Annecy Rivières. 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 Annecy Rivières) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Retenue de l'Étale, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA Annecy Rivières is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Haute-Savoie is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Haute-Savoie or explore all of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
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