Étang de Chassagne is a substantial 54-hectare reservoir in the Ain region (375 miles from Calais) offering solid mixed fishing with healthy carp and catfish populations alongside pike, zander and tench. Day fishing only from the bank makes this a straightforward venue for UK anglers seeking a relaxed break without night-fishing pressure. You'll need to obtain a day ticket through the local AAPPMA Villars-les-Dombes — worth contacting ahead to confirm current access and specimen potential.
Night fishing at Étang de Chassagne is not permitted. Night carp not authorised on this lake. Ain's 2026 arrêté only covers specific designated venues (Lac de Barterand, Étangs du Comte, de la Rica, Plan d'eau de Glandieu, La Malourdie casiers 3/4/10, Plan d'eau de Cormoranche, plus Ain/Rhône/Saône river sections). Source: federation-peche-ain.com/parcours-carpes-de-nuit/ Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Étang de Chassagne under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Ain departmental card or CHI/EHGO/URNE.
Managed by AAPPMA Villars-les-Dombes. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Étang de Chassagne holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, tench, bream. Carp are the primary draw for visiting UK anglers. All carp should be handled with care and returned promptly. A landing mat and unhooking mat are essential kit for any carp session.
A valid Carte de Pêche is required to fish Étang de Chassagne — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA Villars-les-Dombes. Licences are available online before your trip.
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2nd Category water. Carp/coarse: open all year. Pike: 25 Apr 2026–31 Jan 2027 (closed Feb–Apr). Zander/Perch/Catfish: all year. Pike season as above.
Always verify current rules with the local AAPPMA (AAPPMA Villars-les-Dombes) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Étang de Chassagne, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA Villars-les-Dombes is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Étang de Chassagne is 375 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Ain is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Ain or explore all of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
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