Lac de Vouglans is a massive 1,581-hectare reservoir in the Ain region (355 miles from Calais) offering excellent carp fishing alongside catfish, pike and bream in a stunning Alpine setting. Day fishing only with boats permitted, this is a serious destination for anglers seeking big water exploration—though note that night fishing isn't allowed here. You'll need a valid French fishing licence and permission from the AAPPMA de Nantua; check local regulations before launching any boat.
Night fishing at Lac de Vouglans is permitted but with restrictions. Night carp situation varies by section of this 1,600ha lake — split between two AAPPMA. (1) AAPPMA Vouglans Pêche (Île Barbe to dam — approx ¾ of the lake): night carp PROHIBITED year-round. (2) AAPPMA Ain Pays des Lacs (lots A12–A13–A14, upstream ¼, ~9km from Saut de la Saisse to Île Barbe): night carp authorised on designated postes per the Ain federation arrêté. Vegetable baits only. Immediate release. Source: federation-peche-ain.com/parcours-carpes-de-nuit/
Boat fishing: Boat access is restricted at Lac de Vouglans. Petrol/thermal motors are allowed on the lake but are subject to a strict three-zone navigation regime under Arrêté Préfectoral n°2023-04-11-001 of 27 April 2023 (the current Règlement Particulier de Police — RPP — which superseded the 2014 arrêté). Key rules: (A) Zone A (northern/upstream fishing zone, Saut de la Saisse to approx. Surchauffant): speed limited to 10 km/h. This is the main fishing area. (B) Zone B (central sports zone, approx. Surchauffant to Pont de la Pyle / Port du Meix): previously 60 km/h for VNM; the 2023 RPP introduced a new 10 km/h sub-zone from the Port du Meix to the Pont de la Pyle — anglers should note this change. Higher speeds permitted in the open sports sub-zone. Ski nautique and jet-ski practice concentrated here. (C) Zone C (southern/downstream zone near barrage): speed limited to 10 km/h; motorised sport craft prohibited. (All zones): 5 km/h mandatory within a 50 m band along all shorelines and around all moorings. Night navigation is forbidden year-round across the entire lake by préfectoral arrêté. Carrying a printed or digital copy of the RPP on board is mandatory (article 4-03 of the 2023 arrêté). Prohibited craft: barges, ULMs, hovercraft, ascensional parachutes, towed buoys, individual pontoons. No unauthorised discharge into the lake. No car washing on the shores. The lake is classified 'eaux intérieures abritées'. Official RPP available at: www.jura.gouv.fr (Navigation et domaine public fluvial > Lac de Vouglans). No specific boat fishing permit fee identified beyond the standard fishing licence; boat hire is available commercially at Port de Poitte and La Mercantine.
Required permits & cards: 1. Standard fishing licence (carte de pêche) mandatory — issued via Jura AAPPMA. In 2025: full adult annual card (carte fédérale majeure) = 112€ total, of which 24€ is the AAPPMA Vouglans Pêche share. Other options: carte découverte femme 41€ (62€ with reciprocity), carte mineure 21€ (42€ with reciprocity), carte enfant <12 ans 7€. AAPPMA Ain–Pays des Lacs 2025 annual card = 88€ (86€ in 2024). Journée (day licence) also available (≈15.70€ in 2025 per Ain–Pays des Lacs). 2. Reciprocity: The Jura department (FD39) does NOT participate in national reciprocity agreements (EGHO, GHI, URNE). Anglers from other departments with a standard national reciprocity card may only fish with ONE rod on Vouglans. To fish with up to 4 rods, you must hold a Jura réciprocité fédérale card or a card from AAPPMA Vouglans Pêche, La Biennoise, or Ain–Pays des Lacs. 3. The two AAPPMA managing the lake (Vouglans Pêche and Ain–Pays des Lacs) are NOT in reciprocity with each other — a card from one does not grant access to the other's lots. 4. No separate boat/embarkation permit identified for Vouglans itself (unlike Chalain/Ilay/Val where a separate droit d'amarrage exists). 5. Toute la pêche à la traîne (trolling) is forbidden.
Managed by AAPPMA de Nantua / FD 01. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Lac de Vouglans holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, bream. Carp are the primary draw for visiting UK anglers — fish to 26kg have been recorded. All carp should be handled with care and returned promptly. A landing mat and unhooking mat are essential kit for any carp session.
Avg 12–13kg (Colinmaire)
A valid Carte de Pêche is required to fish Lac de Vouglans — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA de Nantua / FD 01. 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 / FD 01) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Lac de Vouglans, 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 / FD 01 is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Lac de Vouglans is 355 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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