Étang de Pontremble is a 40-hectare specialist carp venue in the Ain region (348 miles south of Calais) offering excellent nighttime opportunities on a dedicated carp section—night fishing is permitted with an additional fee. The reservoir holds quality carp alongside catfish, pike, and other species, though bait boats rather than conventional boats are the norm here. You'll need to contact AAPPMA Villars-les-Dombes for a local fishing permit and night-fishing authorization before your trip.
At 348 miles from Calais, Étang de Pontremble requires a longer journey from the UK, but Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes — one of France's most varied fishing regions, with venues ranging from Alpine lakes to lowland reservoirs — rewards the trip.
Night fishing at Étang de Pontremble 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.
Boat fishing: Boat access is restricted at Étang de Pontremble. Rowing/non-motorised boats (barques) are available for hire directly from the operator. Rental: 12€/day for boat alone; 20–30€/day for boat + fishing shack (baraque). No mention of motor boats or electric motors in any public source. No bait-boat (amorceur) prohibition or permission found in available regulations — motor rules not publicly detailed; contact SARL Pontremble to confirm. Standard French rules for private leisure waters apply (no combustion engine motors typical for étangs of this type).
Required permits & cards: This is a private commercial fishery (SARL Pontremble Pêche et Loisirs, SIREN 440777803) operating as eaux closes or private water — no standard AAPPMA fishing licence (carte de pêche fédérale) is required or referenced in public listings. Day tickets sold directly on site by guards/operator. Standard day ticket (2 lines + 1 reel): 6€/day; extra line: +3€. Carp option: from 15€/day. Carnivore special: 15€/day. Catfish special: 6€ (06:00–19:00 only). 72h carp session (4 rods): ~60€. Other/night tariffs: contact SARL Pontremble. No AAPPMA reciprocal card accepted as sufficient — site-specific ticket required.
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 Pontremble 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 Pontremble — 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 Pontremble, 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 Pontremble is 348 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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