Night Carp Fishing in Territoire de Belfort

The essentials in 20 seconds

Night carp fishing is legal in Territoire de Belfort on designated stretches defined by prefectural decree. Vegetable baits and boilies only, catch-and-release is mandatory. Geocarp lists 7 verified night venues in this department, with maps, access details and angler reports — in English.

This small eastern department opens night carp fishing on three kinds of water, all designated by the prefectural order in force. The Rhône–Rhine canal is the backbone: the reach between lock 3 south and lock 7 south is open all year with no supplement on your card, on flat-bottomed water where margin fishing pays. The river Bourbeuse gives a second stretch, from the power line crossing at the sewage works down to the aluminium bridge at Bourogne on the Allenjoie boundary — the same run is a full catch-and-release beat, barbless hooks only and no livebait. Four club lakes then open at night against a compulsory extra option: the Étang des Forges at Belfort, the Étang Adam, the Emprunt 10 bis gravel pit at Botans and the Étang du Lamponot at Bourogne. Conditions everywhere: carp only at night, plant baits, boilies or pellets, bank fishing only, and no carp may be held or moved from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise. The department has fifteen clubs and caps carp at two per angler per day.

Verified venues

Status verified against the current prefectural decree.

Night fishing rules — Territoire de Belfort

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

Official list — Territoire de Belfort fishing federation

Frequently asked questions

Is night carp fishing legal in Territoire de Belfort, 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).

Where can you fish for carp at night in the Territoire de Belfort?

The easiest option is the Rhône–Rhine canal, open all year between lock 3 south and lock 7 south with no supplement on your card — flat bottoms, so fish the margins. In and around Belfort itself, the Étang des Forges is open at night but needs a paid extra option, as do the Étang Adam, the Emprunt 10 bis gravel pit at Botans and the Étang du Lamponot at Bourogne. For running water, the Bourbeuse is open from the power line at the sewage works to the aluminium bridge at Bourogne, a stretch that is also full catch-and-release. Everywhere: carp only, plant baits, boilies or pellets, bank fishing only, and no carp held or transported during the night hours.