01 ·
Loire Region
PikePike-perchCarp
Europe · Fishing World Guide
France.
Fishing in France 2026 — Licenses, Regulations & Best Spots
10
target species
Yes
license needed
Mar–Sep
best season
Scroll
Do you need a license?
License
Yes.
Day ticket: €17 | Annual local ticket: €70-100 | Inter-federation: €105-110 | Women's ticket: €30/year | Children under 12: free
›All license details
- Where to apply?
- www.cartedepeche.fr, fishing shops, bars/tobacconists, newspaper kiosks
- Cost
- Day ticket: €17 | Annual local ticket: €70-100 | Inter-federation: €105-110 | Women's ticket: €30/year | Children under 12: free
- Validity
- Annual ticket or day ticket
- Available online?
- Yes
Strict regulation by water category and fish species with daily catch limits
When to go?
The season at a glance.
Best season
March to September (Category 1), year-round with restrictions (Category 2)
Where to fish?
The top waters.
02 · Maritimes
Southern Alps/Alpes
Brown Trout (Fario)wild trout streams
03 ·
Verdon & Ubaye
PikeCarpWels CatfishRoach
04 ·
Doubs/Jura
TroutGraylings
05 · Roussillon
Languedoc
diverse fish stocks
What's biting?
Your target species.
›+1 more species
The rules.
Four things you need to know.
Closed seasons
Closed seasons
Category 1 (trout waters): 2nd week of March to 3rd week of September | Category 2: Year-round except pike only 1st May to last Sunday in January | Fishing times: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset
Catch limits
Catch limits
Salmonids: max. 6 per angler/day | predatory fish (pike, perch, black bass): max. 3/day, max. 2 pike | sea bass: max. 3 specimens per angler/day (April-December)
Prohibited methods
Prohibited methods
Night fishing generally prohibited, exceptions for carp
Catch & release
Catch & release
Declaration obligation via RecFishing app for certain species
What does it cost?
10
License
Annual ticket (beginner): €10-30 | Annual ticket (inter-federation): €105-110 | Day ticket: €17 | Women's ticket: €30/year
60
Guide per day
€60-150 per day
30
Daily budget
Accommodation: €30-80/night | Food: €20-50/day | Day ticket: €17 | Total budget with guide: €150-250/day
Bite times
The best fishing times — free.
Best fishing times
·France46.23°, 2.21°
🎣 Live catches in frankreich
2 verified catches
Not enough data (2 catches)
Bite-time forecast appears from 5 catches.
Plan your trip.
Everything in one place.
Fishing trips in France
Curated tours & charters with price and click data from our partner dashboards.
FishingBookerFrom
1800 €
Beaulieu-sur-MerFrance
Méditerranée Pêche Découverte
10 seats41 ft
5.0 · 3 reviews
View charters →
FishingBookerFrom
1100 €
Le Grau-du-RoiFrance
Aventure Peche Camargue
5 seats27 ft
View charters →
FishingBookerFrom
1950 €
Cap-d'AilFrance
Yachting Fishing Specialist
5 seats30 ft
View charters →
Trip types in France
All the details
The fine print.
License in detail
www.cartedepeche.fr, fishing shops, bars/tobacconists, newspaper kiosks — Strict regulation by water category and fish species with daily catch limits
Rules in detail
France has a huge fishing culture! The distinction between Category 1 and 2 is fundamental. Carp fishing (night fishing) has its own rules and a large community.
Freshwater
Lakes, rivers, streams in trout waters and other categories
Saltwater
Sea fishing with bass regulations (max. 3 specimens/day, April-December)
Equipment
Rods minimum 2.75 lb test curve for large carp | robust reels necessary | quality equipment available in local fishing shops
Guides
Qualified fishing guides recommended for beginners | Cost: €60-150 per day
Getting there
Hand truck for equipment recommended | car equipment: warning triangle, safety vests, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, spare bulbs required
Safety
Life jacket (PFD) most important equipment on water | on carp boats: wear properly fitted life jacket | before each trip: check equipment for wear
Customs & fish export
Use local expertise in fishing shops | environmental awareness and rule compliance are standard
More Countries
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Data not correct?
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All information without guarantee. Always check with the official local authorities. Not legal advice. Last updated: April 3, 2026
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