Fishing at Étang des Ételets

About Fishing at Étang des Ételets

Étang des Ételets is a compact 12-hectare reservoir in the Dombes plateau region, offering solid carp and tench fishing in a peaceful, undeveloped setting ideal for a quieter break from busier venues. Bank fishing only with no night-fishing option means you'll need to plan daytime sessions around a modest 368-mile haul from Calais. You'll need an AAPPMA permit from Villars-les-Dombes and French fishing licence to fish here.

Fish Species at Étang des Ételets

Étang des Ételets holds carp, pike, perch, 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 Ételets — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA Villars-les-Dombes. Licences are available online before your trip.

Fishing Season & Rules

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How big is Étang des Ételets?+
  Étang des Ételets covers 31 acres (12 ha) in Ain, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France. It is a public reservoir managed under the French AAPPMA system.
• What fish can I catch at Étang des Ételets?+
  The water holds Carp, Pike, Perch, Tench. Carp are the primary target for most visiting UK anglers. All carp must be handled with care and returned.
• Is night fishing allowed at Étang des Ételets?+
  Night fishing at Étang des Ételets 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/ Plan your trip as a day session and leave the bank before dark.
• Are bivvies allowed at Étang des Ételets?+
  Bivvy camping is permitted at Étang des Ételets under standard French bivouac law — one rod, within 10 metres of the water, no open fires. Always confirm current rules with the local AAPPMA before fishing. Standard rules apply.
• Are boats allowed at Étang des Ételets?+
  Boat use is restricted at Étang des Ételets. No specific rules found.
• How far is Étang des Ételets from Calais?+
  Étang des Ételets is approximately 368 miles from Calais by road. Allow a full travel day from Calais.
• Do I need a French fishing licence to fish Étang des Ételets?+
  Yes — all anglers fishing in France require a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available from cartedepeche.fr. You must also be affiliated with the local AAPPMA (AAPPMA Villars-les-Dombes). Annual, weekly and daily licences are available online before your trip.

Planning a Trip to Étang des Ételets

To fish Étang des Ételets, 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 des Ételets is 368 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.

Nearby Fishing Lakes

Other public fishing venues near Étang des Ételets on PiscaMaps:

• Étang Perret, Ain
• Étang de Corbie, Ain
• Étang Philibert, Ain
• Étang des Grobes, Ain
• Étang Pommier, Ain
• Étang Cendre, Ain
• Étang Genoux, Ain
• Étang Bégeois, Ain
• Lac de Bouvent, Ain
• Étang du Grand Chaussey, Ain
• Étang du Petit Chaussey, Ain
• Étang des Petites Prêles, Ain