Retenue des Fades Besserve is a vast 327-hectare reservoir in the Auvergne heartland offering excellent night fishing for carp across five designated zones—perfect if you're seeking longer sessions away from the crowds. Catfish and pike also thrive here, and boat access (petrol and electric) opens up deeper water exploration, though strict no-kill rules apply to carp. At 349 miles from Calais, it's a serious road trip, but worth the drive if you want space and quality fish; contact AAPPMA E.G.F. or your local fishing contact for permit details before heading out.
Night fishing at Retenue des Fades Besserve is authorised under Puy-de-Dôme regulations. Night carp confirmed on specific bank sectors. Season: 1 Jan–14 Mar and 13 Jun–31 Dec 2026. Night carp only in sectors panneautés (marked) by AAPPMA 'La Sioule' (Les-Ancizes). Vegetable baits only. Bank fishing only. Immediate release. Source: peche63.com/carpe-de-nuit
Boat fishing: Boats are permitted at Retenue des Fades Besserve. Petrol & Electric allowed. Excellent for predators
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Retenue des Fades Besserve under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Managed by AAPPMA E.G.F. / Giat / Herment. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Filter by species, size, night fishing, boats and bivvy. Find venues near Puy-de-Dôme and across all of France.
Retenue des Fades Besserve holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, 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 des Fades Besserve — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA E.G.F. / Giat / Herment. Licences are available online before your trip.
Join to unlock full rules, night sectors, access notes and local camping spots for Retenue des Fades Besserve and 10,000+ venues across France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
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 E.G.F. / Giat / Herment) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Retenue des Fades Besserve, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA E.G.F. / Giat / Herment is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Retenue des Fades Besserve is 349 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Night fishing is permitted at Retenue des Fades Besserve — always check the current rules with AAPPMA E.G.F. / Giat / Herment before your session, as night carp regulations can change seasonally and vary by sector on larger waters.
Puy-de-Dôme is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Puy-de-Dôme or explore all of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
Other public fishing venues near Retenue des Fades Besserve on PiscaMaps: