Retenue du Gorse (or Garrigue) is a compact 14-hectare reservoir in Occitanie offering straightforward day-only bank fishing for carp, pike, perch and tench in a peaceful rural setting. At 514 miles south of Calais, it suits anglers combining a French fishing trip with exploring the Midi region rather than a quick Channel-crossing weekend break. You'll need a valid French fishing licence and FDAAPPMA 81 permit to fish here.
At 514 miles from Calais, Retenue du Gorse ou de la Garrigue requires a longer journey from the UK, but Occitanie — a region of warm summers and excellent coarse fishing, particularly for carp and catfish — rewards the trip.
Night fishing at Retenue du Gorse ou de la Garrigue is not permitted. Night carp not confirmed on this lake. Tarn's designated night carp plans d'eau are: La Borde-basse, Lac du Lézert, La Piscine and Le Camping (Dourgne), Les Roques and Lac de Técou (Gaillac), and river sections. Check pechetarn.fr/reglementation-activite-de-peche-tarn-81.php for the full current list. Source: pechetarn.fr Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Retenue du Gorse ou de la Garrigue under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Managed by FDAAPPMA 81 / Fédération Pêche Tarn. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Retenue du Gorse ou de la Garrigue holds carp, pike, perch, tench, 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 Gorse ou de la Garrigue — you will also need to be affiliated with FDAAPPMA 81 / Fédération Pêche Tarn. 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 81 / Fédération Pêche Tarn) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Retenue du Gorse ou de la Garrigue, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FDAAPPMA 81 / Fédération Pêche Tarn is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Tarn is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Tarn or explore all of Occitanie.
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