Retenue du Bourbon is a compact 21-hectare reservoir in south-western France offering solid carp and catfish prospects alongside pike and tench in a peaceful, bank-fishing-only setting. Day fishing only means you'll need to plan sessions carefully, but the intimate size makes it ideal for UK anglers wanting a change of pace from larger venues. You'll need a French fishing licence and AAPPMA membership from the local Lot-et-Garonne federation to fish here.
Retenue du Bourbon is 464 miles from Calais. For UK anglers willing to make the drive into Nouvelle-Aquitaine — a vast region stretching from the Dordogne to the Basque Country, with outstanding fishing across its many departments — the fishing is well worth it.
Night fishing at Retenue du Bourbon is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp in Lot-et-Garonne requires specific authorisation on designated parcours. The Lot at Aiguillon and specific lake sections are known venues. Check peche47.fr for the current list before fishing at night. Source: peche47.fr
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Retenue du Bourbon under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Lot-et-Garonne card (CHI).
Managed by FDAAPPMA 47 / AAPPMA locale. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Retenue du Bourbon holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, tench, bream, black bass. 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 du Bourbon — you will also need to be affiliated with FDAAPPMA 47 / AAPPMA locale. 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 47 / AAPPMA locale) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Retenue du Bourbon, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FDAAPPMA 47 / AAPPMA locale is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Lot-et-Garonne is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Lot-et-Garonne or explore all of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
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