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Retenue de Charmines is a compact 20-hectare reservoir in the Ain region offering solid carp and bream fishing from the bank, situated around 367 miles south-east of Calais. Night carp fishing is permitted here, giving you flexibility for extended sessions across this intimate water. Bank access only, so focus your swims carefully — contact AAPPMA de l'Ain beforehand to confirm current night fishing permissions and any seasonal restrictions.
Retenue de Charmines is 367 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 Retenue de Charmines 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 Retenue de Charmines under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Ain card or CHI/EHGO/URNE.
Managed by AAPPMA de l'Ain. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Retenue de Charmines holds carp, pike, perch, 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 Retenue de Charmines — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA de l'Ain. Licences are available online before your trip.
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France is the closest mainland European fishing destination for UK anglers. The Channel Tunnel (Folkestone–Calais, ~35 min) is the fastest crossing, while P&O Ferries (Dover–Calais, ~90 min) offer good value for heavy kit. Most northern French venues are within 2–4 hours of Calais; southern venues require a full day of driving.
A Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence) is required for all freshwater fishing. Buy online at cartedepeche.fr before you travel. Annual, weekly and daily options are available and include your AAPPMA affiliation for the selected department.
To fish Retenue de Charmines, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA de l'Ain is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Retenue de Charmines is 367 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.
France offers outstanding fishing year-round. The main coarse close season applies to some rivers (typically January–March for certain species), but still-water carp fishing on private and AAPPMA-managed lakes is available throughout the year. Spring (March–June) is the classic French carp season, with fish actively feeding and moving into shallow margins. Summer nights (June–August) are ideal for big-fish sessions on the large public reservoirs and rivers. Autumn (September–November) is particularly productive on the Auvergne and Languedoc lakes as temperatures drop. The Loire and Saône river systems produce excellent catfish sport from June through September, while the Dordogne and its tributaries fish well for chub, barbel and trout from spring through autumn.
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