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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.
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.
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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 E.G.F. / Giat / Herment) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
France is the closest mainland European fishing destination for UK anglers. The Channel Tunnel (Folkestone–Calais, ~35 min) is the fastest crossing, while P&O Ferries (Dover–Calais, ~90 min) offer good value for heavy kit. Most northern French venues are within 2–4 hours of Calais; southern venues require a full day of driving.
A Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence) is required for all freshwater fishing. Buy online at cartedepeche.fr before you travel. Annual, weekly and daily options are available and include your AAPPMA affiliation for the selected department.
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.
France offers outstanding fishing year-round. The main coarse close season applies to some rivers (typically January–March for certain species), but still-water carp fishing on private and AAPPMA-managed lakes is available throughout the year. Spring (March–June) is the classic French carp season, with fish actively feeding and moving into shallow margins. Summer nights (June–August) are ideal for big-fish sessions on the large public reservoirs and rivers. Autumn (September–November) is particularly productive on the Auvergne and Languedoc lakes as temperatures drop. The Loire and Saône river systems produce excellent catfish sport from June through September, while the Dordogne and its tributaries fish well for chub, barbel and trout from spring through autumn.
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