Retenue de Lavalette is a substantial 197-hectare reservoir in the Auvergne region offering excellent mixed fishing for carp, catfish and pike in a scenic mountain setting, though it's a considerable 416-mile haul from Calais. Night fishing and bivouacking are strictly prohibited here, making it a day-trip venue, but electric-motor boats are permitted for exploring the deeper water. You'll need to contact AAPPMA du Puy-en-Velay for a local day ticket or annual permit before fishing.
Night fishing at Retenue de Lavalette is not permitted. Night carp not authorised on this lake. Haute-Loire is predominantly 1st category (salmonid) waters. Source: peche-hauteloire.fr Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Boat fishing: Boats are permitted at Retenue de Lavalette. Boats (barque, float-tube) permitted by reservation. Verify with local AAPPMA or tourisme-hauteloire.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Retenue de Lavalette under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires. Standard French bivouac law applies.
Required permits & cards: Haute-Loire departmental card (CHI reciprocity).
Managed by AAPPMA du Puy-en-Velay. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Retenue de Lavalette holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, tench, bream. 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 Lavalette — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA du Puy-en-Velay. 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 du Puy-en-Velay) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Retenue de Lavalette, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA du Puy-en-Velay is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Haute-Loire is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Haute-Loire or explore all of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
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