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Check local regulations
First of all, it's important to read the regulations of your department (and of the waters you fish) carefully, as the dates, techniques and authorized baits vary from federation to federation. In general, the following are forbidden during the closed season: hard and soft lures, swimming fish, live and dead fish intended for carnivorous fish, but some federations authorize "non-carnivorous" artificial baits (insect imitations, larvae, caudal-less worms, etc.).
Species to target
A number of fish can still be caught during the carnivore closure, provided that the legal sizes and quotas are respected:
- White fish: roach, bream, rotengles, carassins, tench, ides.
- Carp: fishing possible in most cases, sometimes with night-time restrictions.
- Some sport cyprinids: chub, hotu, barbel (often great fun with "light" methods).
There is no closed season for perch everywhere, but fishing with typical "carnivorous" techniques may be restricted or prohibited, so here again, it all depends on local regulations.
Gentle techniques in open water
To continue enjoying public water, you can always :
Classic match fishing (fixed rod, wagglers, Bolognese) on roach and bream. Perfect for working on accuracy, baiting and position reading.
Carp fishing with feeder or big rod. Excellent for fighting and drag control.
Explore â??fineâ? fishing for chub, rotengle or mullet with small mounts, grains of corn, bread, maggots or worms. Very instructive for discernment and presentation.âeuros
Alternative lures and special fishing
In some departments, you are allowed to use micro-lures or insect imitations that are not considered carnivorous (small nymphs, caudal-less worm imitations, etc.), always to be checked on a case-by-case basis. You can also have fun on species such as rotengle or mullet with small spoons or light surface lures, when authorized, giving very fun fights on light tackle.
Reservoirs, private water bodies and trips
There are several ways to keep the thrill of sport fishing alive during the closed season:
Renting a private pond or taking out a card on a private estate sometimes allows you to continue fishing for predators when the internal regulations allow (to be confirmed at each site).
Trout reservoirs (often managed on a no-kill basis with flies or specific lures) are an excellent way to work on shoeing, fighting and line management for a good part of the year.
Some départements allow carnivore fishing all year round, with compulsory catch-and-release during the breeding season, which may justify a short trip if you really want to stick to pike or zander.
Taking advantage of the break to make progress
This period is also ideal for :
- Maintain and repair equipment (reels, rings, hooks, leaders).
- Review spots, observe spawning grounds and holding areas, prepare for reopening.
- Work on technique: precise casting with feeder or spinning rigs, managing river drift, reading water veins.
This work often makes the return of carnivores much more effective the following season.
