Retenue de la Rive is a compact 10.7-hectare reservoir in the Loire region, roughly 400 miles south of Calais, offering bank fishing for carp, pike, perch and tench in a peaceful Auvergne setting. Day fishing only here, so it suits anglers who prefer shorter sessions or a relaxed pace without the pressure of all-nighters. You'll need to join the local AAPPMA (Loire's FD 42) to fish legally—contact them in advance as this smaller venue may have limited swims.
Retenue de la Rive is 401 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 la Rive is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Loire requires specific authorisation. 10 named plans d'eau touristiques are authorised — check annex 5 of the règlement intérieur. Night carp also confirmed on the Loire river itself (year-round, bank only). Vegetable baits only. No-kill mandatory. No embarcation at night. Verify this specific lake at peche42.fr/peche-dans-les-plans-deau-touristiques/ Source: peche42.fr
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Retenue de la Rive under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Managed by FD 42 (Fédération de Pêche de la Loire). Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Retenue de la Rive holds carp, pike, perch, tench. 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 Rive — you will also need to be affiliated with FD 42 (Fédération de Pêche de la Loire). 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 (FD 42 (Fédération de Pêche de la Loire)) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Retenue de la Rive, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FD 42 (Fédération de Pêche de la Loire) is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Loire is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Loire or explore all of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
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