Retenue de Matafelon-Samognat is a 60-hectare reservoir in the Ain department offering solid carp fishing alongside pike, perch and zander—a genuinely mixed fishery if you fancy variety. Night carp sessions are permitted here, and electric boats are allowed, giving you flexible options for exploring this mid-sized water (about 371 miles from Calais). Confirm night fishing and any access requirements with AAPPMA RLHB before your trip, and you'll need an AAPPMA licence to fish.
Night fishing at Retenue de Matafelon-Samognat is authorised under Ain regulations. Night carp confirmed — Retenue de Moux (Matafelon-Granges) is explicitly listed in the Ain 2026 parcours table: left bank 1200m and right bank 1000m sections, from downstream end of campsite to RD18 bridge. Year-round, all days. Year-round, all days. Vegetable baits/boilies only. Immediate release. Source: federation-peche-ain.com/parcours-carpes-de-nuit/
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Retenue de Matafelon-Samognat 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 Rivières et Lacs du Haut-Bugey. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Retenue de Matafelon-Samognat holds carp, 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 Matafelon-Samognat — you will also need to be affiliated with AAPPMA Rivières et Lacs du Haut-Bugey. Licences are available online before your trip.
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To fish Retenue de Matafelon-Samognat, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with AAPPMA Rivières et Lacs du Haut-Bugey is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online. Retenue de Matafelon-Samognat is 371 miles from Calais — plan for a full travel day from Calais.
Night fishing is permitted at Retenue de Matafelon-Samognat — always check the current rules with AAPPMA Rivières et Lacs du Haut-Bugey before your session, as night carp regulations can change seasonally and vary by sector on larger waters.
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