One of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes's natural lakes, Lacs des Hôpitaux in Ain covers 8 hectares and is open to coarse fishing under French public fishing regulations. Lacs des Hôpitaux holds Carp, Pike, Perch and Tench, and has built a reputation on the French carp fishing circuit.
Lacs des Hôpitaux permits night fishing — Reservation mandatory (Railway side) — making it a viable destination for longer carp sessions. Regarding boats: Electric Only; petrol motors strictly forbidden. Anglers are permitted to bivvy overnight in line with French public water regulations.
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.
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Lacs des Hôpitaux holds carp, pike, perch, tench. Carp fishing is the primary draw for visiting UK anglers, with fish present throughout the venue.
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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.
Ain is home to numerous fishing venues accessible to UK anglers. PiscaMaps covers lakes, reservoirs, rivers and canals across all Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes departments, with full rules, species and access information for each venue.
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