This substantial 79-hectare Normandy reservoir offers excellent carp potential alongside pike and zander, with the flexibility of both electric and petrol boat motors to explore its various depths and features. Night fishing is permitted but requires boat access, giving you extended sessions and a genuine wild-water experience just 178 miles from Calais. You'll need to contact AAPPMA l'Hameçon Putangeois for permit details and boat launching procedures before your trip.
Night fishing at Retenue de Rabodanges is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Calvados requires specific prefectoral authorisation on designated parcours. Check federation-peche14.fr for the current list before fishing at night. Source: federation-peche14.fr
Boat fishing: Boats are permitted at Retenue de Rabodanges. Boats permitted on this Orne valley reservoir. Verify motor restrictions locally.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Retenue de Rabodanges under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires. Bivouac permitted at night carp pegs. Respect for riparian owners and other users strictly required.
Required permits & cards: Orne departmental card (EHGO reciprocity). Mandatory online registration at time of arrival at peg via peche-orne.fr. No prior booking — register on arrival.
Managed by AAPPMA l'Hameçon Putangeois / FDAAPPMA 14. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Retenue de Rabodanges holds carp, pike, perch, zander, tench, bream. Carp are the primary draw for visiting UK anglers — fish to 15kg have been recorded. All carp should be handled with care and returned promptly. A landing mat and unhooking mat are essential kit for any carp session.
Carp to 15kg+
A valid Carte de Pêche is required to fish Retenue de Rabodanges — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA l'Hameçon Putangeois / FDAAPPMA 14. 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 l'Hameçon Putangeois / FDAAPPMA 14) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Retenue de Rabodanges, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA l'Hameçon Putangeois / FDAAPPMA 14 is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Retenue de Rabodanges is 178 miles from Calais, around 3 hours from the ferry or tunnel.
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