This intimate 10-hectare reservoir in Ain offers a quieter alternative to busier French venues, with a solid population of carp, pike, perch and tench across shallow, bank-accessible margins. Day fishing only means you'll need to pack tight sessions, but the peaceful rural setting and diverse species mix make it ideal if you're exploring the Dombes plateau region during a longer French trip—around 370 miles south of Calais. Note: You'll need a French fishing licence and AAPPMA membership from Villars-les-Dombes to fish legally.
Étang Genoux is 371 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 Genoux 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 Genoux 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 Villars-les-Dombes. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Étang Genoux 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 Genoux — 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 Genoux, 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 Genoux is 371 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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