Étang des Leschères is a compact 18-hectare reservoir in the Ain region offering solid carp and tench fishing in a peaceful, undeveloped setting — perfect if you're looking for something quieter than the famous French lakes. Bank fishing only, with day-fishing restrictions, so plan accordingly; the venue suits anglers wanting a relaxed daytime session rather than an overnight mission. You'll need an AAPPMA permit from Bas-Bugey and a French fishing licence to fish here.
Étang des Leschères is 376 miles from Calais. For UK anglers willing to make the drive into Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes — one of France's most varied fishing regions, with venues ranging from Alpine lakes to lowland reservoirs — the fishing is well worth it.
Night fishing at Étang des Leschères 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 des Leschères. All motor-powered craft are explicitly banned. The AAPPMA Bas-Bugey règlement on cartedepeche.fr states: 'Les moteurs thermiques et électriques sont interdits.' Float tubes are also explicitly forbidden: 'les barques même pour l'amorçage de la carpe sont interdites (float tube interdits).' Bank fishing only. No boat permit issued or available for this water.
Required permits & cards: No extra permit found beyond the standard AAPPMA Bas-Bugey fishing licence (available via www.cartedepeche.fr). No-kill is forbidden — all catches must be retained (carpe no-kill interdite). Reciprocity with other Ain département AAPPMA available. CPMA (Cotisation Pêche Milieux Aquatiques) included in standard card. No separate night or boat permit applicable as both are prohibited.
Managed by AAPPMA Bas-Bugey. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Étang des Leschères holds carp, pike, perch, 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 des Leschères — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA Bas-Bugey. 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 Bas-Bugey) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Étang des Leschères, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA Bas-Bugey is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Étang des Leschères is 376 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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