This massive 228-hectare reservoir in the Ain offers excellent carp and catfish fishing across open water and sheltered bays, with the bonus of pike and zander for variety. Night fishing is permitted in designated zones, giving you flexibility for extended sessions, and motorboats are allowed throughout, making exploration straightforward. Located 365 miles south-east of Calais in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, it's a serious destination for a dedicated trip. Note: You'll need a valid French fishing licence and to check current RLHB regulations before visiting.
Retenue de Cize-Bolozon is 365 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 Cize-Bolozon is authorised under Ain regulations. Night carp confirmed — located on the Ain river confirmed parcours (Lots B05–B15, Corveissiat to Poncin section, 25km). Year-round, all days. This retenue falls within the authorised river section. Year-round, all days. Vegetable baits/boilies only. Immediate release. Source: federation-peche-ain.com/parcours-carpes-de-nuit/
Boat fishing: Boats are permitted at Retenue de Cize-Bolozon. The Retenue de Cize-Bolozon is part of the public fluvial domain (domaine public fluvial) on the Rivière d'Ain — a 2nd category water. Boats with motors are permitted for fishing (mise à l'eau confirmed in the 2017 Guide Pêche de l'Ain for this retenue). As per general French inland navigation law (domaine public fluvial), motorised boats over 4.5 kW (6 cv) require the inland waterways boating licence (permis bateau eaux intérieures). Boats with motors over 9.9 cv require a VNF vignette (navigation tax). No specific local motor ban or restriction has been found for this retenue via available sources. Night fishing from a boat is strictly prohibited (carp night fishing is bank-only under French law). No APABR-specific boat permit cost found in available sources — verify directly with APABR (apabr01@orange.fr).
Required permits & cards: Standard departmental fishing licence (carte de pêche) required — réciprocité départementale or nationale accepted (APABR is a reciprocity AAPPMA). No additional lake-specific permit found in available sources. For motorised boats: French inland waterways boating licence required if motor >4.5 kW; VNF navigation vignette required if motor >9.9 cv. No APABR-specific surcharge or day-ticket system confirmed for this retenue from available sources.
Managed by RLHB (Retenue des Lacs du Haut Bugey). Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Retenue de Cize-Bolozon holds carp, catfish, pike, perch, zander, 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 Cize-Bolozon — you will also need to be affiliated with RLHB (Retenue des Lacs du Haut Bugey). 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 (RLHB (Retenue des Lacs du Haut Bugey)) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Retenue de Cize-Bolozon, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with RLHB (Retenue des Lacs du Haut Bugey) is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Retenue de Cize-Bolozon is 365 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Night fishing is permitted at Retenue de Cize-Bolozon — always check the current rules with RLHB (Retenue des Lacs du Haut Bugey) before your session, as night carp regulations can change seasonally and vary by sector on larger waters.
Ain is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Ain or explore all of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
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