Carnivore fishing opens in 2025: dates, regulations and advice for getting started

Theopening of carnivore fishing in 2025 is certainly the second most eagerly awaited time of year for fishermen after the opening of the trout. Every year, we prepare enthusiastically for the new season. In 2025, there will be some changes to the regulations. Let's take a look at the key dates, the rules to follow and our advice on how to get the season off to a good start.

Fishing opening dates 2025

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Opening date 2025 :

Closing date for fishing 2025 :

Legal catch size :

Content of the article

The 2025 predator fishing season opens on 26 April with some major regulatory changes. Here are the key points to remember:

Key dates Open from 26 April 2025 to 26 January 2026
Timetable 30 minutes before sunrise and after sunset
Quotas : 3 carnivores maximum per dayincluding 1 or 2 pikes
Minimum sizes Pike 60 cm, Pike-perch 50 cm, Black-bass 30 cm
New at : Introduction of catch windows for pike in certain departments

Why set opening and closing dates for predator fishing?

The opening and closing dates for carnivore fishing in 2025 take into account the reproductive cycles of carnivorous fish as a general rule. This is called spawning season. The closure of carnivore fishing is therefore there to protect them during the breeding season. Failure to respect the reproduction periods for carnivorous fish such as pike, zander, perch and black bass during the closed season can result in financial penalties. As you will have realised, not respecting this resting period will lead to a decline in fish populations in the long term.

WARNING :

Lhe opening dates for carnivore fishing in 2025 can be adapted locally. We therefore invite you to contact an AAPPMA in your département for more information. This will enable you to find out the exact opening and closing dates for your home.

What you need to know about the opening dates and times for predator fishing in 2025

A milestone for 26 April 2025 in our calendars! The last Saturday in April marks the opening of carnivore fishing in 2025. The season will run until 26 January 2026last Sunday in January.

In terms of opening hours, fishing is permitted at the following times from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. These time slots allow you to take full advantage of the times when carnivorous fish are most active, particularly at dawn and dusk.

It's important to note that some bodies of water, particularly mountain lakes, may have different opening dates. We strongly advise you to check local regulations before taking the plunge.

2025 regulations: sizes, quotas and fishing techniques

The 2025 regulations provide a number of essential clarifications to ensure that our passion is practised responsibly. Here are the key points to remember:

Minimum catch sizes :
- Pike: 60 cm (with variations depending on the area)
- Pike-perch: 50 cm
- Black bass: 30 cm
Daily quota : 3 carnivores maximumincluding 1 or 2 pikes depending on local regulations
Authorised techniques: lures, livebait, stillbait

One trend is set to continue in 2025: the introduction of catch windows for pike. These measures are designed to protect large spawners while allowing medium-sized specimens to be taken. For example, windows of 50-70 cm, 60-75 cm or 60-80 cm can be found depending on the department.

Please note that certain techniques are prohibited during the closed season for pike. It is vital to keep abreast of local conditions, as regulations can vary from one département to another.

Species	Minimum size	Daily quota
Pike	60 cm (variable)	1 à 2
Pike perch	50 cm	Within the limit of 3 carnivores
Black bass	30 cm	Within the limit of 3 carnivores

*Numerous derogations exist concerning the opening dates for fishing and catch sizes. For example, fishing is not closed in Aveyron, but reserves have been set up in places where carnivores reproduce.

Please contact your local AAPPMA.

Special features and specific cases for the 2025 season

The 2025 season brings with it a host of specific features that you need to be aware of if you want to enjoy your sport in an environmentally-friendly manner:

Pike-perch and black-bass In some regions, the fishing season for these species may be delayed to protect their reproduction period. We recommend that you check the specific dates with your departmental federation.

Eel Fishing for this species is totally banned in the Rhône-Méditerranée-Corse basin. This measure is aimed at preserving this species, whose populations are in decline.

Prepare for the 2025 season: practical advice

To help you get off to a good start to the new season of predator fishing, here are a few tips based on our experience:

Fishing card Don't forget to get your fishing licence. Prices vary from €7 to €110. A mobile application is now available for presenting your dematerialised card.
Tackle Check and maintain your equipment. This is the ideal time to change your lines, sharpen your hooks and clean your reels.
Location The best time to look for new spots is in the weeks leading up to the opening of the season. Look out for aquatic vegetation, submerged structures and changes in depth.
Techniques : Diversify your approaches. Fishing with lures, livebait or stillbait are all effective depending on the conditions.
Respect for the environment Adopt a responsible attitude. Release any fish you don't want to keep and make sure you don't leave any rubbish on the banks.

By following this advice and scrupulously complying with the regulations, we can all help to preserve our fish stocks. Fishing for predators is much more than just a hobby, it's a real passion that connects us to nature. So let's get ready with enthusiasm for the 2025 season, which promises to be full of excitement and great catches!

Nicolas