Haute-Loire · Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes · France · 32 acres (13 ha)
Haute-Loire, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes 32 acres (13 ha) Reservoir No night fishing Boats allowed Bivvy permitted 435mi from Calais
About Retenue de Saint-Martial
Retenue de Saint-Martial is a small public reservoir in the Haute-Loire department of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, covering 13 hectares (32-acre) of open water. The water holds Carp, Pike, Perch and Tench, making it a draw for UK carp anglers heading to France.
Fishing at Retenue de Saint-Martial is restricted to daytime hours only. Regarding boats: Electric boats/Pedal boats. Petrol motors forbidden. Bivvy camping is permitted under standard French law.
At 435 miles from Calais, Retenue de Saint-Martial requires a longer journey from the UK, but Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes — one of France's most varied fishing regions, with venues ranging from Alpine lakes to lowland reservoirs — rewards the trip.
Department
Haute-Loire
Region
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Water Type
Reservoir
Size
32 acres (13 ha)
Night Fishing
Not permitted
Boats
Allowed
From Calais
435 miles
Managed by
FD 43 (Fédération de Pêche de Haute-Loire)
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Retenue de Saint-Martial holds carp, pike, perch, tench. Carp fishing is the primary draw for visiting UK anglers, with fish present throughout the venue.
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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 43 (Fédération de Pêche de Haute-Loire)) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Retenue de Saint-Martial?+
Retenue de Saint-Martial covers 32 acres (13 ha) in Haute-Loire, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.
What fish can I catch at Retenue de Saint-Martial?+
The water holds Carp, Pike, Perch, Tench.
Is night fishing allowed at Retenue de Saint-Martial?+
Night fishing at Retenue de Saint-Martial is not permitted. Public leisure site.
Are bivvies allowed at Retenue de Saint-Martial?+
Bivvy camping is permitted at Retenue de Saint-Martial under standard French bivouac law. Always check local rules before fishing.
How far is Retenue de Saint-Martial from Calais?+
Retenue de Saint-Martial is approximately 435 miles from Calais by road.
Do I need a French fishing licence to fish Retenue de Saint-Martial?+
Yes — all anglers fishing in France require a valid Carte de Pêche, available from cartedepeche.fr. You will also need to be affiliated with the local AAPPMA (FD 43 (Fédération de Pêche de Haute-Loire)).
Fishing in Haute-Loire, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Haute-Loire is home to numerous fishing venues accessible to UK anglers. PiscaMaps covers lakes, reservoirs, rivers and canals across all Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes departments, with full rules, species and access information for each venue.
