Le Grand Marais is a substantial 78-hectare reservoir in the Ain department offering excellent mixed fishing for carp, catfish and pike, with day-only bank access making it ideal for anglers wanting structured fishing sessions. Located 370 miles southeast of Calais, this venue rewards patience with quality fish and varied habitat, though you'll need to pack your tackle carefully as boats aren't permitted. You'll need a valid French fishing licence and membership with AAPPMA Villars-les-Dombes to fish here — contact them in advance to confirm current access arrangements.
At 370 miles from Calais, le Grand Marais 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 le Grand Marais 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.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at le Grand Marais under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Ain departmental card or CHI/EHGO/URNE.
Managed by AAPPMA Villars-les-Dombes. 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.
le Grand Marais 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 le Grand Marais — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA Villars-les-Dombes. Licences are available online before your trip.
Join to unlock full rules, night sectors, access notes and local camping spots for le Grand Marais 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 Villars-les-Dombes) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish le Grand Marais, 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. le Grand Marais is 370 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 le Grand Marais on PiscaMaps: