2026 Predator Fish Opening: Regulations and Tips for Pike, Zander, and Perch

photo illustrant l'ouverture de la pêche des carnassiers

Since the closure at the end of January, the anticipation is palpable among predator fishermen. Metropolitan France. The key date to remember for the opening of pike fishing in 2026 is officially set to Saturday, April 25, 2026. This date also marks the beginning of the season lure fishing in second category over the majority of French waters, allowing to target the pike and the perch.

However, be careful: the fishing regulations 2026 request for vigilance. At the beginning of the season, some species such as the pike or the black bass are still in full breeding season. Therefore, it is crucial to not specifically targeting these species from the opening to respect their cycle.

To practice a sustainable fishing and responsible, it is essential to know the local regulation (specific dates, catch-and-release routes, temporary reserve areas). Be sure to check your website Departmental Fishing Federation and yours Local Fishing Association to get the most up-to-date information.

Opening Date and Conditions for Predator Fishing 2026

The official date the opening of pike fishing (and thus lure fishing in the second category) for this year is set to Saturday, April 25, 2026.

Attention: This national date may be subject to changes. specific departmental regulations.

Regarding the fishing schedule, allowed on public property not authorized 24/7. Contrary to night carp fishing (which is allowed on certain specific routes), predator fishing is only permitted during the day. half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset.

Many departments and Local Fishing Association (Approved Association for Fishing and Protection of the Aquatic Environment) are implementing "no kill" route (mandatory catch and release), whether they are permanent or temporary for certain periods. These routes aim to protect fish populations, particularly the pike.

To accurately identify these no-kill zones, potential temporary reserves, and any other local specificities, it is essential to consult.

  • Your website Departmental Fishing Federation (Example: ) https://www.peche33.com/
  • The website or your information Local fishing association (some AAPPMA update their Facebook page).

Some federations, like the one of Vendee or Gironde, propose the interactive maps very practical for easily visualizing this information.

Date and conditions of predator fishing closure 2026

The pike fishing season 2026/2027 ends the last Sunday of January, either the January 31, 2027.

This doesn't necessarily mean an absolute ban on lure fishing. Indeed, some departmental federations distinguish the closure of pike fishing from that of lure fishing.

Warning: After January 25, all lures are not allowed.

The perch is a fish that can still be caught after closing. Contact your local fishing federation to find out about the permitted lures and assemblies. For example, the Gironde Fishing Federation allows fishing with the following types of lures:

  • lures flexible imitating worms, larvae and insects ;
  • baits natural like worms, larvae, seeds, pieces of bacon or squid slices (for catfish fishing) ;
  • flies dry, nymphs, emergers and drowned (streamers forbidden).

Unlike in other departments, these lures and baits can be used either handled or set down.

Fishing Regulations 2026 by Species

Each species of carnivore has a distinct lifestyle and reproduction method. Regulation aims to adapt to these specificities to ensure a sustainable management populations: minimum catch sizes, daily quotas, closure periods, etc.

Specific Pike Fishing Regulation 2026

  • Minimum catch size (MCS): The legal size to keep a pike in the second category is set at 23.62 inches at the national level.
  • Capture window: To better protect juveniles and large breeders, some departments have established a "capture window". Only the pikes measuring between 60 cm and 80 cm can be taken. This measure, already successfully tested on trout, is applied to pike, especially in the following departments (check locally)
    • Gironde
    • Vendee
    • Deux-Sevres
    • (And many more)
  • Daily carnivore quota : In order to preserve the species and share the resource, the collection is limited to 2 pikes per day and per fisherman maximum on public domain. Of course, the practice of the "catch and release" (release back into the water) is strongly encouraged for this iconic sport fish.

Specific Regulations for Pikeperch Fishing 2026

The pikeperch is very sought after, but the general opening in late April often coincides with its spawning period very territorial over a large area. While he aggressively protects his nest, he becomes particularly vulnerable fishing.

  • Protection during spawning : To protect it, many federations are implementing measures. temporary reserve zones on known spawning grounds. It is imperative to respect these areas and avoid actively fishing in spots where pike-perch are likely to nest in April/May.
  • Specific openings : Some departments adjust the opening date for pike-perch. For example, in the Cantal, first Saturday of April. June 14
  • Minimum catch size (MCS) : Outside of the spawning period and specific areas, the legal size to keep a pike-perch is 19.7 inches.
  • Daily quota : You can keep at most 3 zanders per day and per fisherman.

Specific Regulations for Perch Fishing 2026

Une perche pêché à l'ouverture près des structures

The common perch is generally less subject to strict regulations, as its populations are often dynamic.

  • Closure period : His fishing is still prohibited during the general closure period for predators with lures that can be used for pike fishing (usually from the last Sunday in January to the last Friday in April before the opening). In some departments, you will be able to fish with worm imitations after closing. However, its reproduction takes place between February and March. It is therefore important to let its species perpetuate.
  • Size and Quota : Outside of this period and specific routes, there usually isn't. No minimum catch size or daily quota for the common perch.
  • Exceptions : Be careful, on the "no kill" predator course, the release back into the water all the captured perches mandatory. Locate these routes through the interactive maps of your federation or AAPPMA.

Fishing Techniques and Tips: Succeed at the 2026 Predator Opening

The opening of the fishing in 2nd category approaches at a particular moment: the end of spawning is often recent for many fish. They may be weakened but are actively seeking to feed themselves again. It is important to adapt one's methods accordingly. Predator fishing techniques is essential.

Exemple de leurres pour l'ouverture des carnassiers

Pike Fishing Tips Opening 2026

At the beginning of the season, white fish (main prey) are often of modest size. Effective lures for pike rarely exceed at the opening 5.9 inches.

  • Visibility : The waters are often still tinted. Opt for contrasting colors (chartreuse, white, fire tiger) or flashy.
  • Types of lures :
    • The spinnerbaits And chatterbaits Please provide the text you want me to translate.are excellent for quickly prospecting and triggering reactions thanks to their vibrations and light flashes.
    • The minnow jerkbaits (suspending or shallow) are perfect for shallow areas where pikes hunt. They imitate a small fish in distress very well.
    • The Paddle shads (Divinator type) or the soft lures mounted on Texas hook pallet or jig head Pallet offers good vibratory alternatives.

Zander Fishing Tips (After Spawning)

Important reminder for responsible fishing : We you we strongly advise against actively targeting zander as soon as it opens until the end of April, because he is likely still in his nest. For the good of the species, wait end of May or beginning of June. It is indeed often during this post-spawning period that it becomes very active and easier to lure during the day.

  • Active techniques : Forget about the pure vertical, try more dynamic approaches. In June, zander often move closer to the edges, gentle slopes, near submerged trees.
  • Reaction lures: Use some swimming fish of type longbill minnow or jerkbait minnow to trigger reflex attacks. The DD Squirrel 79 SP of Illex is a recognized reference for this approach.

Fishing Tips for Perch Opening 2026

With the abundance of fry in May, perches can be focused on small prey, making fishing sometimes tricky.

  • Location : Look for the perch benches near the structures : submerged trees, seagrass beds, docks, where the little fish hide.
  • Food competitiveness : The perch is gregarious and opportunistic. If one hunts, the others follow. Use this instinct !
  • Teaser Montage : Try a "teaser" montage :
    • At the bottom of the line: a vibrating blade, a small hard bait, or a spintail.
    • About 30 cm above: a small soft bait (1 to 2 inches) on single hook or micro jig head.
    • This simulates a hunt and stimulates competition within the group.
  • ATTENTION REGULATION : The regulation limits 2 hooks maximum per line in fresh water in France. If you use a hard bait with 2 triples on a teaser setup, remove one of the treble hooks of hard bait to be in compliance.

Practicing Sustainable and Responsible Fishing in 2026

mesure de la taille d'un brochet pendant l'ouverture

For the populations to pike, zander, perch and black bass do not know about the critical fate of the eel, every fisherman has a role to play. Adopting a responsible fishing is essential for the future of our passion and the fishery management.

The practice of catch and release "no kill" is an excellent way to continue enjoying the pleasures of the sport fishing while preserving the resource. However, it must be done correctly:

  • Handle the fish with care :
    • Wet your hands before touching it.
    • Don't put it down never On the dry ground, on pebbles or sand. Avoid dropping it.
    • Use a landing net (ideally at rubber mesh, like the Ready Street Net Gunki to limit contact and protect the protective mucus of the fish.
    • Minimize the time spent out of the water, especially for the photo.
    • Hold the fish horizontally, do not hold it vertically by the jaw (especially the big ones).
  • Facilitate disengagement :
    • Crush the prongs Remove your hooks with pliers. Unhooking will be much faster and less traumatic.
    • Use a long-nose pliers to remove the hook cleanly.
  • Reoxygenation : If the fish is struggling to swim away, hold it in the water facing the current (or make gentle back and forth movements) until it swims off on its own.

He is fundamental not to intentionally fish over spawning grounds active ones or on the nests monitored by the parents (zander, black bass). Respect the opening and closing dates creativity, but also show proof of common sense : Nature doesn't have a strict calendar. If you observe clear signs of late reproduction, leave the fish alone.

Conclusion: Key Points of the 2026 Predator Opening

The predator opening 2026 is a high point for all fishing enthusiasts in France. The Saturday, April 25 marks the long-awaited return to the water's edge to track down pike fish and perches.

However, this opening period must imperatively be accompanied by responsibility and from respect for the aquatic environment. Do not forget the biological realities :

  • The pike is often still on its nests at this time.
  • The black bass is also in full reproduction (its opening is usually later, check locally).
  • From temporary reserve zones can be implemented.

Nature does not always progress at the pace of the regulatory calendar. Always inform yourself about the local regulations through your Departmental Fishing Federation and your Local Fishing Association. Respect the rules, legal capture sizes (LCS) and capture windows, the daily quotas for carnivores, the no-kill journey, and the reserve areas.

Adopt a process of sustainable fishing and practice the catch and release as much as possible, these are the best guarantees to preserve our aquatic ecosystems and ensure the future of our common passion. The pleasure of the touch, the beauty of a fish, the thrill of a fight... all of this is only worthwhile if it can endure for future generations.

Happy fishing opening 2026 to everyone, and be responsible by the water !