Night carp · 07

Night Carp Fishing in Ardèche

Venues sourced from the prefectural decree in force.

venues
38
rivers and canals
35
public lakes
3
private waters
0

The essentials in 20 seconds

Night carp fishing is legal in Ardèche on designated stretches defined by prefectural decree. Vegetable baits and boilies only, catch-and-release is mandatory. Geocarp lists 38 verified night venues in this department, with maps, access details and angler reports — in English.

Positions shown to within 1 km. The precise swim map is for members.See the map

Featured — largest lake

D15-PE-07 – Plan d'eau de MAUVES

8,1 ha

See the venue

Verified venues

Venues sourced from the current prefectural decree; private estates follow their operator's rules.

Explore on the Geocarp map

Night fishing rules — Ardèche

Always check the departmental fishing federation's official list before your session.

Official list — Ardèche fishing federation

Frequently asked questions

Is night carp fishing legal in Ardèche, France?

Yes, on designated stretches defined by prefectural decree. Geocarp lists these venues with maps, access details and angler reports.

Do I need a French fishing licence?

Yes. A valid French fishing licence (carte de pêche) is mandatory and can be bought online at cartedepeche.fr. Some venues require an additional night carp option from the local angling club (AAPPMA).

What baits are allowed at night in France?

Vegetable baits and boilies only. Any carp caught at night must be released immediately — keeping or transporting carp at night is prohibited by French law (decree 2004-599).

Is the Ardèche a good destination for a carp fishing holiday?

Yes — the Ardèche combines one of France's most popular holiday regions (gorges, villages, campsites) with legal night carp fishing along the right bank of the Rhône, opened lot by lot under an interprefectoral decree in force. Sectors stretch along the whole eastern edge of the department and include three public stillwaters. Night fishing is only legal on the stretches designated by decree — check each spot's map and the dam exclusion zones before setting up.

The Ardèche is one of France's best-known outdoor destinations, and for night carp anglers the action is on the Rhône: the entire right bank of the river forms the department's eastern border, and an interprefectoral decree (shared with the Drôme) opens a long series of state-water lots (D9 to E14) to night carp fishing, on the river itself and on its CNR canals. Three public stillwaters complete the offer on the Ardèche side: the Mauves and Turzon lakes and the Rieu–Ancône lakes. Access is easy — the Rhône valley corridor (A7 motorway on the opposite bank, N86 along the right bank) runs the full length of the sectors. Night fishing is restricted to the stretches designated by decree, with exclusion zones near the CNR dams and special rules in the Printegarde wildlife reserve.