Étang des Vavres is a compact 12-hectare reservoir in the Dombes region, offering solid carp and tench fishing in a peaceful, local setting roughly 372 miles from Calais. Day fishing only at this intimate venue means you'll need to plan shorter sessions, though the mixed species complement decent carp potential. You'll fish from the bank exclusively, so scout access points carefully and contact the local AAPPMA de Villars-les-Dombes beforehand to confirm availability and obtain your permit.
Night fishing at Étang des Vavres is not permitted. Night carp NOT authorised on this lake. The Rhône federation (peche69.fr) explicitly states: 'la pêche de nuit est interdite sur la totalité des lacs et étangs public du département du Rhône'. Only the Rhône and Saône rivers are authorised for night carp. Source: peche69.fr/1646-peche-de-la-carpe-de-nuit.htm Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Étang des Vavres under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Managed by AAPPMA de Villars-les-Dombes. 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 Rhône and across all of France.
Étang des Vavres 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 Vavres — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA de Villars-les-Dombes. Licences are available online before your trip.
Join to unlock full rules, night sectors, access notes and local camping spots for Étang des Vavres and 10,000+ venues across France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
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 de Villars-les-Dombes) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Étang des Vavres, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA de Villars-les-Dombes is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Étang des Vavres is 372 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Rhône is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Rhône or explore all of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
Other public fishing venues near Étang des Vavres on PiscaMaps: