Retenue de la Dourne is a compact 12.9-hectare reservoir in the Pyrenean foothills of Ariège, offering solid carp fishing alongside pike and tench in a scenic, peaceful setting well away from the crowded tourist hotspots. Day fishing only, bank access only—this is a contemplative venue ideal for anglers seeking quality over quantity in a genuinely rural French environment. You'll need a day ticket from the local FDAAPPMA 09 or fishing permit; contact Fédération Ariège Pêche ahead as this remote spot can have limited infrastructure for visiting UK anglers.
At 540 miles from Calais, Retenue de la Dourne requires a longer journey from the UK, but Occitanie — a region of warm summers and excellent coarse fishing, particularly for carp and catfish — rewards the trip.
Night fishing at Retenue de la Dourne is not permitted. Night carp not authorised on this lake. In Ariège, night carp (no-kill mandatory) is only permitted on: Lac de Montbel (entire lake), Plan d'eau de Mondély, Plan d'eau de Labarre (Foix), l'Hers at Mazères (river), Saint-Ybars. Note: Lac de Filheit had night carp REMOVED from January 2026. Source: peche-ariege.com/connaitre-la-reglementation/ Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Retenue de la Dourne under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Managed by FDAAPPMA 09 / Fédération Ariège Pêche. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Retenue de la Dourne holds carp, pike, perch, tench, 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 la Dourne — you will also need to be affiliated with FDAAPPMA 09 / Fédération Ariège Pêche. 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 09 / Fédération Ariège Pêche) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Retenue de la Dourne, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FDAAPPMA 09 / Fédération Ariège Pêche is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Ariège is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Ariège or explore all of Occitanie.
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