©
Fille Federation De Peche 2021
|
OTVS;Stevan Lira

Fishing

in the Sarthe Valley

Discover some of the best fishing spots in the Sarthe Valley

The Sarthe Valley is an ideal destination for fishing in France, with rivers, tributaries and natural lakes offering a wide range of recreational and sport fishing opportunities.

Find practical information on the best fishing spots, local regulations and the fish species you may encounter, including carp, pike and coarse fish. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, this guide will help you plan your fishing trip in the Sarthe Valley.

Enjoy your passion in a beautiful and unspoilt natural setting.

Where to Fish

in the Sarthe Valley

The Sarthe Fishing Federation

The Sarthe Fishing Federation offers a wide variety of fishing opportunities, suitable for all types of anglers, with daily, weekly and annual fishing licences available. Events and activities are organised throughout the year.
Fishing permits are available from €8, depending on the type of licence.

The fishing centre in Fillé-sur-Sarthe is dedicated to introducing visitors to fishing and providing training and activities.

📍 Les Rouannerais – Fillé-sur-Sarthe

📞 02 43 85 66 01

📧 [email protected]

💻 www.peche72.fr

Fishing with a Sarthe Fishing Federation Licence

Fillé-sur-Sarthe

Les Rouanneraies : carp fishing is permitted day and night during odd-numbered weeks only. Registration via QR code is required on arrival; predator fishing is permitted from the bank or by float tube during even-numbered weeks only; coarse fishing is permitted every day.
The lake is subject to local fishing regulations for Category 2 waters.

Chantenay-Villedieu

A fishing lake offering easy access for anglers.

💻 www.chantenay-villedieu.fr

Fishing with a Specific Permit

Spay

Domaine du Houssay : Three fishing lakes are available, with special packages for carp anglers. Paid access.

📞 02 43 21 16 58

📧 [email protected]

💻 www.domaine-du-houssay.com

Brûlon

Fishing is open seasonally every day from 6.30 am to 7 pm. A fishing permit is required and can be purchased on site from €8.

📞 06 77 89 49 18 / 02 43 55 31 21

📧 [email protected]

Fishing Routes on the Sarthe River

The Sarthe River offers a variety of fishing routes and dedicated areas for different types of angling.

New: Black Bass Catch-and-Release Area

A dedicated catch-and-release area for black bass covers the following sections:

the Sarthe River, from the Juigné-sur-Sarthe weir to the Sablé-sur-Sarthe weir;
the Erve River, from the railway bridge to its confluence with the Sarthe River.

Please note that the general fishing regulations remain unchanged. During the pike fishing season, predator fishing is permitted using artificial lures, live bait or dead bait. However, all black bass caught in this area must be released.

Night Carp Fishing

Several sections of the Sarthe River are specially designated for night carp fishing.

Discovery Fishing Areas

The Rouanneraies lake in Fillé-sur-Sarthe is an ideal place for beginners to discover fishing.

Family Fishing Areas

Two family-friendly fishing areas are available: Près Marais in Loué; Parcé-sur-Sarthe, with a 3 km stretch between the weir and the Port d’Avoise lake.

Fishing in the Tributaries of the Sarthe

The Sarthe River has numerous tributaries. Most of these waterways are privately owned, meaning that fishing is subject to the permission of the riverside landowner, both for access and for fishing itself.

For Trout Fishing

le Palais,
la Gée,
les Deux-fonds.

For Coarse and Predator Fishing

Including pike and perch:

the Vègre throughout the Sarthe Valley;
the lower section of the Vézanne in Malicorne;
the lower section of the Vaiges in Sablé-sur-Sarthe;
the Voutonne before its confluence with the Sarthe River.

Dedicated fishing routes are also available on some tributaries, including the Family Fishing Area at Près Marais in Loué.

©
Jeune Pecheur Fd De Peche
|
FD de pêche

Découvrir le Guide de pêche 2026

Décourvrir la Carte des cours d'eau 2026

Avant de naviguez, consulter les avis à la Batellerie

Cartographie des réserves temporaires en aval des barrages

What's New for Fishing in 2026

Carp Fishing

QR code registration is now compulsory for night carp fishing at lakes listed in Appendix 1 of the local regulations, including Les Rouanneraies and Louplande.
Night carp fishing from the bank or by boat is permitted throughout the public section of the Sarthe River, as well as on private fishing areas listed in Appendix 1.
The requirement to use barbless hooks for carp fishing has been removed.

Predator Fishing in Lakes

Specific catch-and-release lakes for black bass, where fishing is permitted using artificial lures only:

Le Bardeau in Noyen-sur-Sarthe;
the Federation fishing lake in Noyen-sur-Sarthe.

Permitted Fishing Methods in Lakes

Outside designated fishing areas, anglers are limited to:

two fishing rods on lakes smaller than 10 hectares;
three fishing rods on lakes larger than 10 hectares.

The use of up to six crayfish traps is also permitted.

Ban on Fixed Fishing Gear

Fishing with fixed gear, including set lines, traps and other similar equipment, is prohibited in all rivers and lakes in the Sarthe department.

Fish Species

in the Sarthe Valley

The Sarthe River and its tributaries are home to a wide variety of fish species, offering something for every angler, from beginners to experienced fishing enthusiasts.

Coarse Fish

Common species include roach, bleak and bream.

Popular fishing methods include pole fishing, float fishing and light spinning.

These fishing areas are particularly suitable for recreational fishing, families and beginners.

Carp

The Sarthe River is home to common carp and mirror carp.

Night carp fishing is permitted along approximately 86 km of the Sarthe River, from 50 metres downstream of the Enfer weir to the border with the Maine-et-Loire department.

Popular techniques include float fishing, feeder fishing and specialist carp fishing rigs for night sessions.

Always check local regulations regarding the number of rods permitted and specific fishing seasons.

Predator Fish

The main predator species include:

pike;
zander;
perch;
black bass;
catfish, with some specimens exceeding 2 metres in length.

Popular techniques include lure fishing, live bait fishing and spinning.

Some fishing areas have specific rules for pike and black bass. For example, on the Sablé-sur-Sarthe route, all black bass caught must be released.

Please respect minimum catch sizes and quotas to help protect fish populations.

Fishing Permits

in the Sarthe Valley

To fish legally in the Sarthe Valley, whether on the Sarthe River, its tributaries or lakes managed by local fishing associations, you must hold a valid fishing licence for the current year.

Fishing licences are issued through an approved local fishing association and include the required contribution towards fishing and aquatic environment protection.

Why Do You Need a Fishing Licence?

A valid fishing licence is required to fish in rivers and lakes connected to natural waterways.

By purchasing a fishing licence, you also contribute to:

protecting aquatic environments;
maintaining and improving fishing areas;
supporting recreational fishing;
preserving local waterways and fish populations.

Types of Fishing Licences

The Sarthe Fishing Federation offers several types of fishing licences:

Annual fishing licence: for fishing throughout the year;
Discovery licence: ideal for young people or occasional anglers;
Weekly or daily licence: perfect for holidays and short stays.

Most licences allow fishing in Category 1 and Category 2 waters, as well as in many lakes managed in the Sarthe department.

Prices vary depending on the type of licence selected.

Where to Buy Your Fishing Licence ?

📍 Online

Fishing licences can be purchased online via the official French fishing licence website : www.cartedepeche.fr

📍 From Local Retailers

Some fishing shops, tourist offices and partner businesses also sell fishing licences.

📍 At the Sarthe Fishing Federation

You can also purchase your licence directly from the Sarthe Fishing Federation at Les Rouanneraies in Fillé-sur-Sarthe, where you can receive personalised advice before your fishing trip.

Where to Stay for a Fishing Holiday

Accommodation Designed for Anglers

Combine comfort and your passion for fishing by choosing accommodation awarded the Fishing Accommodation label in the Sarthe Valley. These properties are specially equipped to meet the needs of anglers and offer an ideal base close to some of the region’s best fishing spots.

What Do These Accommodations Offer?

a convenient location close to popular fishing areas;
secure storage and drying facilities for fishing equipment;
a dedicated refrigerator for bait and catches;
water points for cleaning equipment;
practical information about fishing, tourism and the local area;
easy access to fishing permits, specialist shops and dedicated fishing routes;
suitable parking for vehicles and boats.

Enjoy your fishing holiday in accommodation designed with anglers in mind.

Le petit gîte du Moulin

Le grand gîte du Moulin

La Bergerie

A gîte on the first floor of the garage for up to 2 people, with a living area with a fully-equipped kitchen and dining area, and a sitting area. Sleeping area with 1 double...

Where to Buy Fishing Equipment

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, the Sarthe Valley has specialist fishing shops where you can find essential equipment and receive expert advice before heading out to the river, lakes or black bass fishing areas.

Loisirs‑Pêche – Sablé‑sur‑Sarthe

A specialist fishing tackle shop located in the heart of the Sarthe Valley.

Available Equipment

fishing rods, reels and fishing lines;
artificial lures and bait;
hooks, floats, swivels, bags and accessories;
equipment for different styles of fishing, including coarse fishing, carp fishing and predator fishing;
personalised technical advice.

Practical information

📍 9 B route de la Flèche, 72300 Sablé‑sur‑Sarthe
📞 02 43 92 75 16
🕐 Open Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30 am–12.30 pm and 2 pm–7 pm.

Sarthe Pêche– Louplande

Also known as Carpe Fishing and Leads, this specialist fishing shop is popular with local anglers. The shop offers equipment and advice for a range of fishing styles, including coarse fishing, predator fishing and carp fishing.