Lake Salagou is famous in France and across Europe for the quality of its fishing: a record carp approaching 30 kg, 21 kg pike, 14 kg zander, catfish and black bass. The gîtes of La Bergerie du Mas Delon are 4 km from the lake — the perfect starting point for your fishing holiday.
Lake Salagou is classified as second-category water under French fishing regulations and belongs to the Club halieutique interdépartemental. Covering 750 hectares, reaching 50 metres deep in places and with excellent water quality, it is a fish-rich lake that attracts anglers of every discipline.
What makes the Salagou truly remarkable is the concentration of big fish. Carp are present in both numbers and size, with records regularly topping 20 to 25 kg. The lake is recognised at European level by professional carp anglers and session carp-fishing enthusiasts alike.
The lake holds a wide variety of species, from cyprinids to predators, with fine-sized specimens and records recognised at national level.
The star of the Salagou. Record approaching 30 kg, with catches of 20 to 25 kg a regular occurrence. Night fishing is allowed from the bank from 1 February to 31 October. The lake enjoys a Europe-wide reputation in the carp fishing community.
Record standing at 21 kg. The lake offers good areas for lure fishing, particularly along the edges of the vegetation and in the shallows early in the season.
Record of 14 kg. Well established in the deeper areas, best reached by boat with an electric motor. Fished with soft lures, vertical jigging or slow trolling.
Some impressive specimens live in the lake. Catfish are mainly fished from a boat, with surface lures or bunches of worms, targeting the deeper areas.
Found in the weedy areas and along the banks. Ideal for light lure fishing. Perch favour the rocky zones typical of the red ruffe shores.
The lake is also home to tench, roach, bream, rudd, bleak, eels and crayfish. Perfect for family float fishing or for children just starting out.
Lake Salagou is cited among the best carp fishing venues in southern Europe. Clear, well-oxygenated water, good depth, low fishing pressure compared with the lakes of northern France, and plenty of sheltered areas make it an ideal venue for long sessions.
Night carp fishing is allowed from the bank from 1 February to 31 October. Anglers can set up on the accessible shores — camping is not allowed within the Grand Site, but there are areas well suited to sessions.
Everything you need to know before heading out: regulations, licences, access and recommended equipment.
A French fishing licence with the fishing stamp is compulsory. The lake belongs to the Club halieutique interdépartemental, so the inter-federal licence is valid. Check with the local fishing federations for details.
Combustion engines are strictly banned on the lake. Only electric motors are allowed. Electric boats can be hired at the Vailhés water sports centre depending on the season.
The circuit of the lake is 28 km long. There are many access points on the Octon, Vailhés, Clermont-l'Hérault and Liausson sides. Some stretches can be reached by car, others on foot only.
Fishing is possible all year round. Spring and autumn are often the best seasons for predators. Carp are fished in night sessions from 1 February to 31 October. In summer, the heat can slow activity during the day.
Staying at La Bergerie du Mas Delon puts you 4 km from Lake Salagou, in a 176-hectare natural setting far from noise and tourist crowds. The estate is open all year round — handy for early-season or autumn sessions.
After a day or a night on the bank, the air-conditioned gîtes with fully equipped kitchens let you recover in comfort. The pool, heated from April to October, and the wide outdoor spaces round off the stay. Pets are welcome — ideal if you want to bring your dog along for the session.
Everything anglers ask before coming to Lake Salagou.
Yes, a French fishing licence with the fishing stamp is compulsory. As the lake belongs to the Club halieutique interdépartemental, the inter-federal licence is accepted. Check with the Hérault fishing federation before you set off.
No, combustion engines are strictly banned on Lake Salagou. Boat fishing is only possible with electric motors. Hire is available at the Vailhés water sports centre depending on the season.
Yes, night carp fishing is allowed from the bank from 1 February to 31 October. It is one of the features that makes the Salagou such a sought-after venue for session carp anglers. Camping, however, is not allowed within the Grand Site.
Lake Salagou holds a wide variety of species: pike (21 kg record), zander (14 kg record), black bass, perch, catfish, common and mirror carp (record approaching 30 kg), tench, roach, bream, rudd, bleak, eels and crayfish.
Yes, Lake Salagou is one of the most renowned carp fishing venues in France and in Europe. Catches regularly exceed 20 to 25 kg, with a record approaching 30 kg. The European carp fishing community knows this spot well.
Yes, Lake Salagou holds catfish. These fish, which can grow to impressive sizes, are mainly caught from an electric-motor boat over the deeper areas, or on the surface at nightfall.
La Bergerie du Mas Delon is about 4 km from Lake Salagou, less than a 10-minute drive. It makes an ideal base for fishing holidays, with comfortable, air-conditioned gîtes, equipped kitchens and year-round opening.
Yes, fishing is possible all year round at Lake Salagou. The winter season is popular with carp anglers, who enjoy having the banks largely to themselves. The gîtes at La Bergerie du Mas Delon are open all year round.
Yes, pets are welcome at La Bergerie du Mas Delon, with the exception of dogs classified as dangerous. Ideal if you want to bring your dog along on a fishing holiday.
La Bergerie du Mas Delon welcomes you 4 km from the lake, in a 176-hectare natural setting. Gîtes open all year round, pets welcome, pool heated from April to October.
