Grand Étang de Charbonnières is a compact 21-hectare reservoir in the Rhône region offering solid carp and catfish prospects alongside pike and tench in a peaceful park setting near Lyon. Day-only fishing applies here as it sits within Lacroix-Laval public park, so plan your sessions accordingly—though the scenic surroundings and bank-only access make it ideal for focused daytime fishing. You'll need an AAPPMA licence and permission from the AAPPMA de Villars-les-Dombes to fish; contact them ahead of your trip to confirm access requirements.
At 374 miles from Calais, Grand Étang de Charbonnières 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 Grand Étang de Charbonnières 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 Grand Étang de Charbonnières 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.
Grand Étang de Charbonnières holds carp, catfish, 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 Grand Étang de Charbonnières — 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 Grand Étang de Charbonnières 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 Grand Étang de Charbonnières, 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. Grand Étang de Charbonnières is 374 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 Grand Étang de Charbonnières on PiscaMaps: