This intimate 1.35-hectare glacial lake in the Jura mountains offers a peaceful bank-fishing alternative for UK anglers looking beyond carp venues, with healthy populations of pike and perch alongside trout species. At 353 miles from Calais, it's a proper road trip, but the remote Alpine setting and no-boats policy mean genuine solitude and undisturbed fish. Note: Night fishing is prohibited due to the lake's high-altitude status, so plan daytime sessions only and obtain your permit through AAPPMA Ain-Pays des Lacs.
Night fishing at Lac du Ratay is not permitted. Night carp not authorised on this lake. Jura's arrêté only covers specific designated venues — this lake is not among them. Source: peche-jura.com/parcours-carpe-de-nuit.html Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Lac du Ratay under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Managed by AAPPMA Ain-Pays des Lacs (Clairvaux-les-Lacs). Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Lac du Ratay holds brown trout, rainbow trout, perch, pike. Pike fishing is a highlight of the venue — spinning, deadbaiting and lure fishing are all effective methods.
A valid Carte de Pêche is required to fish Lac du Ratay — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA Ain-Pays des Lacs (Clairvaux-les-Lacs). 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 Ain-Pays des Lacs (Clairvaux-les-Lacs)) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Lac du Ratay, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA Ain-Pays des Lacs (Clairvaux-les-Lacs) is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Lac du Ratay is 353 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Jura is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Jura or explore all of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.
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