Lac de Barterand is a compact 21-hectare natural lake in the Ain region offering solid mixed species potential with carp, catfish, pike and tench in a quieter setting away from the usual tourist routes. Night fishing is permitted in designated zones, making it viable for extended sessions, though you're restricted to bank fishing only. You'll need to contact AAPPMA Bas-Bugey ahead of your trip to confirm night zone locations and pick up your mandatory fishing licence.
At 399 miles from Calais, Lac de Barterand 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 Lac de Barterand is authorised under Ain regulations. Night carp confirmed — entire lake, Thu evening to Mon morning. Vegetable baits/boilies only. Immediate release. Source: federation-peche-ain.com/parcours-carpes-de-nuit/
Boat fishing: Only electric motors are permitted — thermal engines are forbidden. Boat fishing is allowed but requires a mandatory 'timbre bateau' (boat permit) issued by AAPPMA Bas-Bugey, available online via cartedepeche.fr. Electric motors are authorised; thermal/combustion engines are strictly prohibited. Float tubes are also subject to the boat permit requirement. Optional annual mooring/storage at the lake available for approximately €37/year.
Required permits & cards: 1) Timbre bateau (boat permit) – mandatory for all anglers using any embarcation including float tubes, available from AAPPMA Bas-Bugey via cartedepeche.fr (exact price not confirmed online, ~€15–€30 typical range for Ain; mooring storage separately at €37/year). 2) Standard AAPPMA Bas-Bugey annual fishing licence (carte de pêche) required – lake is on the private domain open to reciprocity (domaine privé ouvert à réciprocité), so a valid carte de pêche from a reciprocity-member AAPPMA is accepted. 3) No separate night fishing permit identified beyond holding a valid carte de pêche and respecting the authorised night windows. 4) No-kill zone applies to carp and black bass (species-specific, not a paid permit).
Managed by AAPPMA Bas-Bugey. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Lac de Barterand 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 Lac de Barterand — 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 Lac de Barterand, 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. Lac de Barterand is 399 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Night fishing is permitted at Lac de Barterand — always check the current rules with AAPPMA Bas-Bugey before your session, as night carp regulations can change seasonally and vary by sector on larger waters.
Ain is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Ain or explore all of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
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