Petit Selvet is a modest 13.9-hectare reservoir in the Cantal mountains, offering bank-only carp fishing in a scenic, quieter setting—ideal if you're seeking a less pressured alternative to bigger waters. The venue holds decent populations of carp alongside pike and tench, though it's 432 miles from Calais and best suited to a wider French trip rather than a standalone destination. Note: day fishing only (no night sessions), and you'll need a valid AAPPMA licence from Riom-ès-Montagnes to fish here.
Night fishing at Retenue du Petit Selvet is not permitted. Night carp not authorised on this lake. Cantal's mountain/river waters are predominantly 1st category. Source: auvergne-peche.fr Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Boat fishing: Boat access is restricted at Retenue du Petit Selvet.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Retenue du Petit Selvet under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Managed by AAPPMA de Riom-ès-Montagnes. 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 Cantal and across all of France.
Retenue du Petit Selvet holds carp, pike, perch, tench. 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 Petit Selvet — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA de Riom-ès-Montagnes. Licences are available online before your trip.
Join to unlock full rules, night sectors, access notes and local camping spots for Retenue du Petit Selvet 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 de Riom-ès-Montagnes) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Retenue du Petit Selvet, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA de Riom-ès-Montagnes is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Cantal is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Cantal or explore all of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
Other public fishing venues near Retenue du Petit Selvet on PiscaMaps: