Night carp · 17

Night Carp Fishing in Charente-Maritime

Venues sourced from the prefectural decree in force.

venues
25
rivers and canals
22
public lakes
3
private waters
0

The essentials in 20 seconds

Night carp fishing is legal in Charente-Maritime on designated stretches defined by prefectural decree. Vegetable baits and boilies only, catch-and-release is mandatory. Geocarp lists 25 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

Plan d'eau communal de La Lande

Saujon · 7,3 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 — Charente-Maritime

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

Official list — Charente-Maritime fishing federation

Frequently asked questions

Is night carp fishing legal in Charente-Maritime, 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 Charente-Maritime a good destination for a carp fishing holiday from the UK?

Yes — it is one of the most accessible French departments for British anglers, close to the Atlantic coast with direct routes from the western ferry ports. You can combine legal night fishing on the Charente river or the marshland canals with family-friendly destinations like La Rochelle, Île de Ré and the Marais Poitevin.

Charente-Maritime sits on France's Atlantic coast, an easy drive from the ferry ports, and offers two very different night fishing experiences: the Charente river around the historic town of Saintes (Chérac, Courcoury, Saint-Sever sectors), and the wild marshland canals — Brouage, Charras, Charente-Seudre and the Marans–La Rochelle canal. To the north, the Sèvre Niortaise opens up the Marais Poitevin, France's 'Green Venice'. Night fishing is bank-only, year-round, and strictly limited to stretches designated by prefectural decree.