Retenue de Saint-Fraimbault is a substantial 112-hectare reservoir in Mayenne offering excellent mixed fishing with healthy carp, pike and tench stocks in a scenic rural setting—night fishing is permitted in designated Federal Night Zones, making it ideal for dedicated sessions. Located 209 miles from Calais, it's accessible for weekend trips and allows both petrol and electric boats (10km/h limit), giving you flexible exploration options across this sizeable water. You'll need a French fishing licence and membership with FDAAPPMA 53 (Fédération Pêche Mayenne)—arrange these before travel or contact the federation directly for visitor permits.
Night fishing at Retenue de Saint-Fraimbault is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Mayenne is authorised on about 10 designated night carp parcours, mainly on the Mayenne river and specific plans d'eau. Check the interactive map at fedepeche53.com for the current list. Source: fedepeche53.com
Boat fishing: Boats are permitted at Retenue de Saint-Fraimbault. Boats permitted. Leisure lake with nautical activities. Verify motor restrictions locally.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Retenue de Saint-Fraimbault under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires. Standard French bivouac law applies.
Required permits & cards: Mayenne departmental card (EHGO reciprocity).
Managed by FDAAPPMA 53 / Fédération Pêche Mayenne. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Retenue de Saint-Fraimbault holds carp, 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 Saint-Fraimbault — you will also need to be affiliated with FDAAPPMA 53 / Fédération Pêche Mayenne. 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 53 / Fédération Pêche Mayenne) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Retenue de Saint-Fraimbault, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FDAAPPMA 53 / Fédération Pêche Mayenne is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Retenue de Saint-Fraimbault is 209 miles from Calais, around 4 hours from the ferry or tunnel.
Mayenne is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Mayenne or explore all of Pays de la Loire.
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