Lac de Sylans is a scenic 45-hectare natural lake in the Ain region offering genuine mixed species fishing with solid carp and catfish potential alongside pike and zander—perfect if you want variety without crowds. Night fishing is permitted (watch for on-site zone markers), and bank access only keeps things intimate and accessible for UK anglers making the 375-mile haul from Calais. Grab your AAPPMA permit locally and check current RLHB regulations before your trip, as this is managed water with seasonal considerations.
Night fishing at Lac de Sylans 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.
Boat fishing: Only electric motors are permitted — thermal engines are forbidden. Petrol/combustion engines strictly prohibited by prefectoral order dated 25/09/2024. Electric motor craft tolerated (consistent rule in the Sylans fishing regulations). Night carp fishing from the bank only — craft prohibited at night for carp fishing. RLHB card required for access to the lake.
Required permits & cards: AAPPMA RLHB card mandatory to fish the lake (public water managed by RLHB). 2025 pricing: adult annual with CPMA stamp €86, junior €25, day permit €13, weekly €36, discovery (femme/découverte) prices available on request. RLHB card is not part of the standard reciprocal network — a specific local card is required.
Managed by RLHB (Retenue des Lacs du Haut Bugey). Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Lac de Sylans 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 Sylans — you will also need to be affiliated with RLHB (Retenue des Lacs du Haut 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 (RLHB (Retenue des Lacs du Haut Bugey)) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Lac de Sylans, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with RLHB (Retenue des Lacs du Haut Bugey) is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Lac de Sylans is 374 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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