Lac de Nantua is a pristine 139-hectare natural lake offering excellent mixed fishing, with healthy carp populations alongside catfish, pike and tench in a scenic Alpine setting roughly 370 miles from Calais. Night fishing is permitted across the entire lake, and electric-only boats are available for anglers targeting deeper marks — ideal for exploring this medium-sized venue thoroughly. You'll need to purchase a local AAPPMA licence from the Nantua association before fishing, and booking accommodation nearby in this charming Jura region is recommended given the distance from the Channel ports.
Night fishing at Lac de Nantua is authorised under Ain regulations. Night carp confirmed at 'Pré Gadgène' sector (north bank of lake, near Nantua). Season: Thursday evening to Monday morning (Thu–Mon), year-round. Vegetable baits only. Immediate release. Source: federation-peche-ain.com/parcours-carpes-de-nuit/
Boat fishing: Only electric motors are permitted — thermal engines are forbidden. Motorised boats are permitted on the lake but speed is limited to 10 km/h (except water-ski tow boats and training vessels). For fishing specifically, only electric motors are authorised; thermal (petrol) motors are not permitted for fishing use. The lake is classified Domaine Privé (private domain, managed by AAPPMA de Nantua). Navigation is governed by the Arrêté préfectoral du 17 août 1999 relatif au règlement particulier de l'exercice de la navigation et des activités nautiques sur le lac de Nantua (downloadable from nantua.fr). No separate boat permit cost identified beyond standard fishing licence, but check current navigation rules via Mairie de Nantua (nantua.fr/reglementation-et-securite-du-lac/).
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted in designated areas only at Lac de Nantua. Bivouac/overnight stay for carp fishing is permitted only at the designated 'Pré Gadgène' sector (north shore). This area has a car park, grass for pitching a tent, and public toilets nearby. The lake is classified as an Espace Naturel Sensible (ENS) and a Site Classé, meaning activities and installations are closely monitored and free camping outside the designated sector is not permitted. Standard French bivouac law does not freely apply given the ENS and Site Classé protections. Confirm with the local AAPPMA.
Required permits & cards: No extra permit beyond the standard annual fishing licence (carte de pêche) has been identified as required. The AAPPMA de Nantua is reciprocitaire within the Ain department and the EHGO (Entente Halieutique Grand Ouest). Licence price examples (2026, via Haut-Bugey Tourisme): Adult annual €87, Adolescent (12–18) €27, Day card €15, Weekly card €36.50, Women's discovery card €42, Under-12 discovery card €8, EHGO interfederal card €114. Troll fishing (pêche à la traîne) requires the angler to carry a logbook (carnet de pêche) provided by the AAPPMA, to be returned at season end.
Managed by AAPPMA de Nantua. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Lac de Nantua holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, 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 Nantua — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA de Nantua. 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 de Nantua) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Lac de Nantua, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA de Nantua is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Lac de Nantua is 372 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Night fishing is permitted at Lac de Nantua — always check the current rules with AAPPMA de Nantua before your session, as night carp regulations can change seasonally and vary by sector on larger waters.
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