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Planning a first public water trip
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inzenity

Posts: 445

#9 26 Nov 2025 at 1.56pm

In reply to Post #8
You make nothing but fair points again

, your post just evoked some memories of times when the interactions with predator anglers were just silly, but yeah, when in rome etc.

nickyp

Posts: 396

#8 26 Nov 2025 at 9.23am

In reply to Post #7
When we’re fishing with four rods spread 200–400m out, with raised rods and floating braid, it’s a lot to expect others to always keep clear. After all, it’s their local water, and most lakes set a maximum fishing distance. Many carp anglers overlook that rule (myself included), so we can’t really complain if a predator angler ends up crossing our lines—it works both ways.

That said, if I’ve stuck to the rules and still get taken out, of course I’d feel frustrated. But in most cases, a quick conversation usually sorts it out. More often than not, both sides can find a compromise and carry on fishing without issue.

Many predator anglers sit on federation boards and help shape the future rules and regulations for carp fishing in their regions. Keeping them engaged and supportive is the sensible approach. After all, we’ve seen what can happen—just look at Cassien—when anglers fail to respect the rules.

inzenity

Posts: 445

#7 24 Nov 2025 at 8.59pm

All very sensible points, but how nice would it be if predator anglers would for once respect us

This is meant seriously btw, here in holland you just give a shout and most predator anglers give a thumbs up and a wide berth. I mean it's not like carp angling is still completely alien to the french, or is it. Anyways, i still think that's a bit odd behavior by our french friends. And adding to the bnb, off season just get a gite at gites de france, they are everywhere, often cheap as chips and makes live so much easier.

nickyp

Posts: 396

#6 24 Nov 2025 at 2.47pm

Respect the locals and predator anglers. Failure to do so may result in unwanted encounters with the Garde or the Gendarmerie.

Follow venue rules, especially night zones. Ignoring them risks ruining access for everyone. Many lakes have already lost night fishing privileges due to repeated violations.

Adjust your mindset to the venue. These are wild waters, not manicured commercial fisheries. Approach them with respect and realistic expectations.

Ensure someone remains on the bank when using a boat. This provides a reference point, reduces the risk of theft (which is increasingly common on public waters), and ensures help is available in case of an emergency.

Always wear a life jacket when boating. Weather systems on large barrages can change suddenly and catch you off guard.

Plan multiple venues. If one doesn’t work out, you can move quickly to the next without losing valuable time.

Research venues carefully. Use the official carte de pêche website or federation sites. Third-party sources are often outdated or inaccurate. Night zones can change annually, so never assume they remain the same.

Check access routes in advance. Tools like Google Earth help identify suitable tracks. Arriving at night only to find impassable routes is frustrating and avoidable.

Use Waze when travelling. It provides early warnings for speed cameras in France. A toll tag is also worthwhile, especially if travelling solo or driving long distances south.

Service stations with showers: Many offer clean, free facilities. You simply leave your car or van keys at the service desk. This can be invaluable if you’ve been bankside for several days.

Licensing requirements: Not all public waters are covered by the standard Interfédérale licence. Some venues require specific regional licences, so check in advance.

Translator apps: Keep one on your phone. They’re useful when communicating with locals or authorities.

Barrages and maintenance cycles: If you plan to fish a barrage, find out when it was last vidangé (drained) for mandatory dam repairs. In most cases, fish are removed during the process until repairs are complete, though this isn’t always guaranteed.

Ensure your equipment and bait are fit for purpose. If you plan to fish the large barrages of France, standard tackle such as size 6 hooks, 4oz leads, and monofilament line will not be sufficient. Equip yourself appropriately for the venue you’ve chosen.

Consider local accommodation. Depending on how far south you travel or the length of your trip, renting a nearby Airbnb for a night or two can be invaluable. It allows you to recharge, freshen up, and provides a secure place to store most of your gear.

Day-only venues: Accommodation is especially useful here, as it means your equipment isn’t left vulnerable in the van. It also makes packing up quicker and less stressful.

bowlsky

Posts: 2768

#5 8 Nov 2025 at 7.25pm

April can still bd really cold . I would recommend the carp spot app . Loads of public waters on there with night fishing zones

bentipping

Posts: 350

#4 7 Nov 2025 at 9.50am

In reply to Post #3
Thanks both, have done a few trips to commercial fisheries so not totally new to being in France but obviously very different going to public waters. Planning on spending the dark winter nights on research!

And yes who knows on weather, could be in tshirts or thermals

Winkler

Posts: 635

#3 7 Nov 2025 at 8.51am

In reply to Post #1
What websites have you got saved so far? Have you fished / driven in France before? It is all pretty easy but you'll have to look closely into local rules etc, you probably know this already.

https://www.cartedepeche.fr/

https://www.federationpeche.fr/118-aappma.htm

https://www.peche02.fr/5916-night-fihing-for-carp.htm

https://www.colinmaire.net/

Maybe consider starting in the area north of Paris, not too far to drive, plenty of water with some decent fish in them.. Stephane's site above is a great place to start, you'll be spending many hours just reading and researching at this stage, vital imo..

Couple of tips: Do not take a retainer sling and have it laying around / hanging up etc, they assume you might move fish around if you do, and try and learn a few bit's of basic French..

Above all, enjoy it, weather can be mixed in that area in April, warm or flipping cold..!

vossy1

Posts: 7754

MODERATOR

#2 6 Nov 2025 at 2.27pm

In reply to Post #1
and will be end of April so Spring temps will have an impact.
Temps could be 70s, could be low double figures, could snow, I'd keep a few venues in mind depending

bentipping

Posts: 350

#1 6 Nov 2025 at 12.04pm

My brother and I are going to dip our toes into French public water fishing next year and wanted to ask input for planning a trip. Plan is start with a long weekend, travel over on a Thursday night and then back Monday evening. Not long clearly and will be end of April so Spring temps will have an impact.

Not looking for pins clearly, but more general advice of how to start planning a trip. Any advice on areas of France we could consider for a short trip? Anything you've learned that can make a trip successful?

We won't have a boat, but will have bait boats.


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