Étang des Arbois is a compact 17-hectare natural lake in the Ain region, roughly 380 miles south-east of Calais, offering solid carp and tench fishing from the bank with night sessions permitted. The intimate size and mixed coarse species make it ideal for a shorter trip exploring the quieter lakes away from the crowded venues. You'll need to confirm current night-fishing permission and obtain your AAPPMA licence from the local association before visiting.
At 379 miles from Calais, Étang des Arbois 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 des Arbois 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 des Arbois under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Ain card or CHI/EHGO/URNE.
Managed by AAPPMA de l'Ain. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Filter by species, size, night fishing, boats and bivvy. Find venues near Ain and across all of France.
Étang des Arbois holds carp, pike, perch, bream, tench. 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 des Arbois — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA de l'Ain. Licences are available online before your trip.
Join to unlock full rules, night sectors, access notes and local camping spots for Étang des Arbois and 10,000+ venues across France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
To fish Étang des Arbois, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA de l'Ain is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Étang des Arbois is 379 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.
Other public fishing venues near Étang des Arbois on PiscaMaps: