Lac Genin is an intimate 8-hectare natural lake in the Ain département, around 371 miles south-east of Calais, offering a peaceful day-fishing-only venue for carp, pike, perch and tench in a protected landscape. The lake's small size and no-boats policy create a quiet, undisturbed environment ideal for anglers seeking a more personal French experience away from busier commercial waters. Note: Day fishing only (no night sessions), and you'll need a valid French fishing licence and AAPPMA membership for the Nantua association.
Lac Genin is 371 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 Genin 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: Boats are permitted at Lac Genin. Rowing boats/barques are permitted from 15 May (same date as carnassier opening and float tube authorisation). Float tubes are treated as embarcations and are also permitted from 15 May only. All boats must be removed from the lake before 15 October. Echo sounders (échosondeurs) are explicitly authorised. No motor type is specified in the règlement — as a small private classified lake with no motor rules published, motors are presumed not applicable/not authorised; rowed craft only indicated by context. No separate boat permit cost mentioned; included in fishing card. Boats are permitted only to holders of a valid fishing card for the lake.
Bivouac & overnight camping is not permitted at Lac Genin. The official Auberge du Lac Genin website states explicitly: 'Le site étant privé, classé et protégé, le camping sauvage et le bivouac y sont formellement interdits.' The lake is a privately-owned classified natural site ('site à caractère naturel et pittoresque' since 1935, also labelled 'espace naturel sensible' by the Ain département). A paid overnight parking area for vans/campervans exists on the auberge car park (€7/night, open April to mid-October), but this is separate from the lake banks and does not constitute fishing bivouac.
Required permits & cards: The lake is a private 'eau close' managed by the association 'Les Amis Pêcheurs du Lac Genin', entirely independent of the Fédération de Pêche de l'Ain and not subject to prefectoral arrêtés. Standard AAPPMA/reciprocity cards are NOT valid here. A dedicated lake-specific fishing card is mandatory: Annual adult card ~€30; Annual junior (under 15) ~€15; Day card ~€7 (sold exclusively at the Auberge du Lac Genin, available from 15 May, not sold on the 1st Friday of each month May–September nor on competition day). Day cards previously noted as available from 15 June on some sources — confirm current date at point of visit. Cards also sold at Décathlon, Café Grandclément, Proxi Echallon (season cards only).
Managed by AAPPMA de Nantua. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Filter by species, size, night fishing, boats and bivvy. Find venues near Ain and across all of France.
Lac Genin holds carp, pike, perch, tench. 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 Genin — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA de Nantua. Licences are available online before your trip.
Image via Wikipedia (Wikipédia) · Used under Creative Commons licence
Join to unlock full rules, night sectors, access notes and local camping spots for Lac Genin and 10,000+ venues across France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
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 Genin, 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 Genin is 371 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.
Other public fishing venues near Lac Genin on PiscaMaps:
