Fishing at Retenue de la Verne

About Fishing at Retenue de la Verne

Retenue de la Verne is a scenic 56-hectare reservoir in Provence offering solid populations of carp, tench and bream in a stunning Mediterranean setting—ideal if you're exploring southern France beyond the Loire. Bank fishing only with no night option (it's a drinking water reserve), but the calm, clear water and good-sized carp make it worth the 575-mile haul from Calais for a longer trip. You'll need to contact AAPPMA La Belle Mouchetée de Fayence for permits and access details before visiting.

Fish Species at Retenue de la Verne

Retenue de la Verne holds carp, 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 la Verne — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA La Belle Mouchetée de Fayence / FDAAPPMA 83. Licences are available online before your trip.

Fishing Season & Rules

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 La Belle Mouchetée de Fayence / FDAAPPMA 83) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How big is Retenue de la Verne?+
  Retenue de la Verne covers 138 acres (56 ha) in Var, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France. It is a public reservoir managed under the French AAPPMA system.
• What fish can I catch at Retenue de la Verne?+
  The water holds Carp, Pike, Perch, Zander, Tench, Bream, Black Bass. Carp are the primary target for most visiting UK anglers. All carp must be handled with care and returned.
• Is night fishing allowed at Retenue de la Verne?+
  Night fishing at Retenue de la Verne is subject to local rules. Night carp in Var requires specific prefectoral authorisation on designated parcours. Check current authorised sites at pechevar.fr before fishing at night. Source: pechevar.fr Plan your trip as a day session and leave the bank before dark.
• Are bivvies allowed at Retenue de la Verne?+
  Bivvy camping is permitted at Retenue de la Verne under standard French bivouac law — one rod, within 10 metres of the water, no open fires. Always confirm current rules with the local AAPPMA before fishing. Standard rules.
• Are boats allowed at Retenue de la Verne?+
  Boats are permitted at Retenue de la Verne. EDF barrage — boats permitted.
• How far is Retenue de la Verne from Calais?+
  Retenue de la Verne is approximately 575 miles from Calais by road. Allow a full travel day from Calais.
• Do I need a French fishing licence to fish Retenue de la Verne?+
  Yes — all anglers fishing in France require a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available from cartedepeche.fr. You must also be affiliated with the local AAPPMA (AAPPMA La Belle Mouchetée de Fayence / FDAAPPMA 83). Annual, weekly and daily licences are available online before your trip.

Planning a Trip to Retenue de la Verne

To fish Retenue de la Verne, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA La Belle Mouchetée de Fayence / FDAAPPMA 83 is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.

Var is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Var or explore all of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.

Nearby Fishing Lakes

Other public fishing venues near Retenue de la Verne on PiscaMaps:

• Lac des Escarcets, Var
• Étangs des Maures, Var
• Retenue du Trapan, Var
• Lac du Trapan, Var
• Lac de Bonne Cougne, Var
• Lac Redon, Var
• Lac du Fournel, Var
• Lac de l'Arèna, Var
• Lacs de l'Endre et de la Rimade, Var
• Lac de l'Endre, Var
• Lac de Carcès, Var
• Lac de Sainte-Suzanne, Var