Lacs des Hôpitaux is an intimate 8-hectare natural lake in the Dombes region of eastern France, holding solid populations of carp, pike, tench and perch in a peaceful setting 389 miles southeast of Calais. Night fishing is permitted here, but you'll need to book your session in advance—particularly important if you're targeting the railway-side pegs where the best fish often congregate. Electric boats only are allowed, making this a quiet, undisturbed venue perfect for specimen hunting. Essential: obtain your fishing permit from AAPPMA Villars-les-Dombes before your trip, and confirm your night-fishing reservation well ahead.
At 389 miles from Calais, Lacs des Hôpitaux requires a longer journey from the UK, but Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes — one of France's most varied fishing regions, with venues ranging from Alpine lakes to lowland reservoirs — rewards the trip.
Night fishing at Lacs des Hôpitaux 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 Lacs des Hôpitaux. Boats and float-tubes permitted (Grand Lac access via RD 1584 parking and dedicated launch area). Boat permit (timbre bateau) is included in the annual Carte AAPPMA Hôpitaux (55 €). All anglers aboard any embarcation or float-tube must hold a valid day card, night card, or annual boat card. Interdiction to moor in the chenal (launch zone only). No explicit electric-only rule stated in published online règlement — motor type restriction not found confirmed in current online text; the 2022 PDF règlement may contain specifics not fully indexed. Petrol motor prohibition noted in pre-existing data but not independently re-confirmed in currently accessible online text. Verify via 'Appli Lac des Hôpitaux' or contact AAPPMA directly.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted in designated areas only at Lacs des Hôpitaux. Bivouac is strictly forbidden except for anglers holding a valid night fishing card (pêche de nuit). Authorized bivouac is limited to designated numbered pegs on the railway (voie ferrée) side of the Grand Lac only. Bivouac on the mountain-side (côté montagne) is explicitly forbidden for all anglers including night card holders due to rockfall danger. No camping or non-fishing activities permitted at any time. Confirm with the local AAPPMA.
Required permits & cards: 1) Carte spécifique AAPPMA Hôpitaux obligatoire — the standard AAPPMA Albarine river card does NOT cover the Lac des Hôpitaux. Annual card: 55 € (timbre bateau included); youth 14–20 ans: 30 € (2026 tariff). Day card: 10 €. Night card (carte nuit): 20 € standard, or 10 € for annual card holders. Children under 14 free if accompanied by a card holder (1 rod). A standard national fishing licence (carte de pêche fédérale + CPMA) is also required as a base.
Managed by AAPPMA Villars-les-Dombes. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Lacs des Hôpitaux 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 Lacs des Hôpitaux — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA Villars-les-Dombes. 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 Villars-les-Dombes) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Lacs des Hôpitaux, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA Villars-les-Dombes is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Lacs des Hôpitaux is 389 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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