Autumn and Spring Carp Fishing in France
Carp Fishing in France in November and March: What to Expect
What many anglers overlook, and why a lot of regulars end up preferring these months to the height of summer.
When most anglers think about booking a carp fishing holiday in France, they usually look at dates between late spring and October.
And to be fair, those are traditionally the busiest periods. The weather is settled, the fish are active, and many groups book those dates years in advance.
But November and March have plenty going for them too.
In fact, many experienced anglers would argue they are among the best times of the year to be on the bank.
The case for November and March
Why More Anglers Are Looking at November and March
One of the biggest advantages is simply value. November and March dates are usually discounted, which can make an exclusive lake much more affordable for a couple of mates compared to the most sought-after weeks of the year.
Tunnel and ferry crossings are generally much cheaper too, often costing a fraction of peak-season prices. Availability is also far more flexible. Instead of having to organise a trip years in advance, groups can often pull one together with just a few months' notice.
Then there are the things people appreciate once they're here:
- No mosquitoes.
- Longer nights mean proper sleep.
- No risk of the fish spawning and disrupting your week.
- Less traffic and easier travelling.
- Cooler, more comfortable conditions on the bank.
Having the social facilities, hot showers, UK TV and internet also come into their own during those months. It gives groups somewhere comfortable to sit, watch the football and catch up with mates over a brew.
Autumn carp fishing France
Carp Fishing in France in November
November is one of the most underrated months on the French carp fishing calendar.
Between October and November it is common to see fish put on several pounds as they get on the feed ahead of winter. By November they are often carrying some of their best weights of the year and looking absolutely incredible.
The weather is generally cool rather than cold, with daytime temperatures often sitting between 8 and 14 degrees C.
Water clarity is usually excellent during this period. Fish location becomes increasingly important, but the clearer water can also make fish easier to spot.
There is generally less natural food available too, meaning the carp can often be more responsive to a well-presented bait.
Juvana's large stock of carp means competition for food remains high throughout the cooler months, which is one of the reasons it continues to fish well right through November and into March.
A lot of the bigger fish get caught at this time of year, which is one of the reasons November has long been popular with anglers chasing a new PB.
Spring carp fishing France
Carp Fishing in France in March
March offers a completely different type of fishing.
The fish have not seen anglers since November, and there is always something special about being the first angler to put one on the bank after its winter break.
The fish often look stunning at this time of year, carrying that darker winter colouring and looking absolutely pristine.
Early March can still feel quite wintery, but the fish are usually becoming active and feeding from the off. As the days begin to lengthen and water temperatures slowly rise, the fish start moving more regularly and searching for food after the quieter winter period.
One thing that often helps on Lake Juvanzé in March is its relatively shallow nature. It does not take much spring sunshine to start lifting water temperatures, and we have often seen fish become active surprisingly early in the season.
Looking back through the catch reports, Lake Juvanzé has regularly produced some excellent catches during late February and March as water temperatures begin to rise. It is one of the reasons many anglers underestimate how productive the lake can be at that time of year.
Tactics
How the Fishing Changes in Cooler Water
One thing that becomes increasingly important during both November and March is fish location. Carp often spend longer periods in specific areas rather than constantly moving around the lake, so time spent looking for signs usually pays dividends.
Water clarity is often excellent, making subtle signs easier to spot than during the warmer months.
One thing we notice on Juvanzé Blue during the cooler months is how easy feeding fish can be to locate. When carp feed on the clay areas they often leave obvious coloured clouds in the water, which can give away exactly where they are feeding and make choosing your spots straightforward.
Combined with the clearer water, it is often possible to locate fish quickly with a drone.
Some of the most memorable big-fish weeks we have seen on Juvanzé Blue have come in November and early spring, and it is not unusual to see multiple fifties and sixties landed during those months. In fact, some of our peak spring and autumn weeks have produced catches that would be difficult to better at any time of year.
Baiting also tends to become more about consistency and accuracy than sheer volume. Smaller, regular introductions are often more effective than piling large amounts of bait into an area.
Bait options
Bait Options in November and March
One big advantage of fishing in November and March is that we relax the normal bait restrictions, allowing the use of maggots, worms and sweetcorn.
Relaxed bait restrictions in November and March
As the silver fish are largely inactive at that time of year, maggots, worms and sweetcorn become a genuine option and can be incredibly effective. We have seen some excellent results over the years from anglers taking advantage of that and fishing with maggots, worms and sweetcorn.
Our Juvanze Special boilies remain effective throughout both months and are what the fish know best. Ordering on-site means one less thing to worry about at the border.
Order Bait for Your TripOn the bank
What Are Conditions Like?
November daytime temperatures are typically around 8 to 14 degrees C. March can be similar, although early March can still feel quite wintery.
What many guests comment on is not just the fishing, though. It is the atmosphere.
Crisp mornings, clear skies, fresh air and some incredible sunsets. Clear nights often bring spectacular star-filled skies thanks to the lack of light pollution in the surrounding countryside. A lot of anglers end up preferring those months to the height of summer.
Why Many Guests Come Back
One thing we have noticed over the years is that anglers who try November or March often book those periods again.
The combination of lower costs, flexible availability, comfortable conditions and quality fishing makes them a genuine first choice for many experienced anglers.
Around 80% of our bookings come from returning anglers, and many of those guests specifically target the cooler months once they have experienced them for themselves.
Proof in the nets
Recent November and March Catch Reports
We can talk about November and March all day, but the catch reports tell the story better than we ever could. Here are a few examples from recent seasons.
| Period | Lake | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 16th-23rd March | Juvana | 72 fish including a 56lb 6oz mirror and 10 forties |
| 16th-23rd March | Lake Juvanze | 26 fish including 3 forties to 45lb 3oz |
| 16th-23rd March | Juvanze Blue | 12 fish including a 61lb 3oz mirror, 51lb 8oz mirror and 3 forties |
| 21st-28th March | Juvana | 46 fish including a 56lb ghostie and 11 forties |
| 24th February-2nd March | Lake Juvanze | 40 fish to 49lb |
| 28th February-7th March | Juvanze Blue | 12 fish including two sixties, two fifties and five forties |
| 11th-17th November | Juvana | 36 fish including a 58lb 8oz mirror and 12 forties |
| 11th-17th November | Lake Juvanze | 30 fish including a 48lb 6oz mirror and 10 thirties |
| 2nd-9th November | Lake Juvanze | 64 fish to 51lb |
| 9th-16th November | Juvanze Blue | 25 fish including two sixties, four fifties and six forties |
| 25th November-1st December | Lake Juvanze | 26 fish to 44lb 4oz |
| 26th November-3rd December | Juvanze Blue | 17 fish including three sixties to 66lb 12oz |
Those are just a handful of examples, but they give a good idea of why so many anglers now target November and March rather than automatically focusing on the traditional peak-season dates.
Looking back through our records, several of Blue's biggest residents have been caught between November and March, while some of our strongest spring and autumn weeks across all three lakes have produced catches that would be difficult to better at any time of year. When the fish are feeding hard ahead of winter and conditions line up, it can be a very special time to be on the lake.
Book your trip
Availability for November 2026 and March 2027
We still have availability across selected dates in November 2026 and March 2027.
If you have always fancied a French carp fishing trip but did not want the costs, crowds or planning involved with the busiest periods, these months are well worth considering.
Planning a group trip?
Everything you need to know about organising a carp fishing trip to France with mates, from choosing the right lake to sorting travel and deposits.
Read the group fishing guideGetting there from the UK
The complete guide to driving from Calais to Juvanze Lakes, including the route, the crossing, costs and what to expect at the border.
Read the Calais driving guidePrivate lake hire explained
Understanding the benefits of exclusive lake hire and how it compares to shared and public venues in France.
Read the complete guide to exclusive carp fishing holidaysQuick questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is November a good month for carp fishing in France?
Is March too early for a France carp fishing trip?
What bait works best in November and March?
Are November and March cheaper than peak dates?
Are the fish still active in cooler water?
November 2026 and March 2027 are available now.
These months fill as they approach. If you have a group and a rough window in mind, check what is available before the obvious weeks go.