Lac des Sapins is a scenic 33-hectare reservoir in the Rhône region offering solid carp fishing alongside catfish, pike and tench in a peaceful setting — ideal if you're seeking quieter waters away from the busier northern lakes. Night fishing isn't permitted here (2nd Category water), so plan daytime sessions only, and note that the lake is leisure-focused with no fishing boats allowed. You'll need a valid fishing licence and AAPPMA membership; contact the local AAPPMA de Cours-la-Ville before your visit to confirm current conditions.
Lac des Sapins is 360 miles from Calais. For UK anglers willing to make the drive into Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes — one of France's most varied fishing regions, with venues ranging from Alpine lakes to lowland reservoirs — the fishing is well worth it.
Night fishing at Lac des Sapins 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 Lac des Sapins under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Managed by AAPPMA de Cours-la-Ville. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Lac des Sapins 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 des Sapins — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA de Cours-la-Ville. 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 Cours-la-Ville) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Lac des Sapins, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA de Cours-la-Ville is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Lac des Sapins is 360 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.
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