Fishing

With its crystal-clear rivers and varied lakes, the Pays de Gex – Monts Jura is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts. Each site offers an exceptional setting for teasing trout, pike and carp. But before you take out your rod and reel, it’s best to be aware of the regulations and best practice. Find out here everything you need to know to fish with peace of mind!

Rivers and lakes in Pays de Gex

The Pays de Gex is criss-crossed by numerous rivers, mainly populated by trout, char, grayling and other salmonids. The presence of these fish is a good indicator of good water quality, with little pollution, and classifies these rivers as 1st category (salmonid rivers).

Lac de Divonne, an artificial lake classified as a mountain, is also very popular with anglers for its wealth and diversity of fish, including pike, perch and night fishing for carp.

The Etang de Cessy is another well-known and popular fishing spot in the Pays de Gex, in addition to its green, shady areas. Anglers catch pike, perch, tench and carp here, along with sun perch and catfish.

The Etournel marsh, a restored former gravel pit, has been developed for fishing, with a pontoon accessible to people with reduced mobility. This site, which has been awarded the “Espace Naturel Sensible” (ENS) label, is also popular with walkers and birdwatchers.

The Rhône, which borders the Pays de Gex, is classified as a second category river, unlike the rivers of the Pays de Gex. At the end of the lines, you’ll find white fish, pike, carp, common perch, pike-perch and fario trout. The fauna is very rich.

Take care: on the banks of the Rhône, the water can rise quickly. Follow the signs.

Focus on the Valserine

The best-known river is the Valserine, located in the Valserine valley and flowing past the villages of Mijoux, Lélex and Chézery-Forens. It is the first river in France to be awarded the “Rivière sauvage” label, in recognition of the exceptional preservation of its natural environment, which has made it famous.

The regulations

The lakes and rivers of the Pays de Gex offer a wide and varied terrain for fishing. Fishing is regulated and varies according to the fishing grounds, techniques and species of fish.

To find out about them, contact your local fishing associations and ask at licence sales outlets.

Fishing in public rivers and lakes is regulated by the Ain Fishing Federation. Fishing permits can be purchased online at www.cartedepeche.fr and at the Pays de Gex – Monts Jura Tourist Office, at the Mijoux tourist information office for fishing in the Valserine; at the Gex tourist information office and at the Duvillard garden centre for fishing from Divonne-les-Bains to Collonges.

When you buy this licence, you become a member of an AAPPMA (Association Agréée de Pêche et de Protection des Milieux Aquatiques). They manage waterways and combat pollution and poaching. There are 3 in our area: AAPPMA of Thoiry, AAPPMA of Divonne-les-Bains and AAPPMA of Chézery-Forens – La Haute Valserine.

When you buy this licence, you also pay the annual national “Cotisation Pêche Milieu Aquatique” (CPMA) fee. It is also known as the “CPMA stamp”.

Fishing in the Rhône is open to all anglers with a paid-up fishing licence from a CPMA.

Rates

• Please note: Fishing licences are issued in the name of the holder.

Fishing permit for the Cessy pond

The Etang de Cessy is a private pond, managed by the Amicale des pêcheurs de l’Étang de Cessy (APEC), and requires a dedicated permit on sale at the Pays de Gex Tourist Office and at the Duvillard garden centre in Gex.

Rates

• Please note: Fishing licences are issued in the name of the holder.

Start fishing in Pays de Gex

Let yourself be seduced by a morning by the water and in the shade of the trees, your senses awakened as you wait for the fish to be hooked. Reconnect with nature and take a break in a peaceful environment, far from the stresses of everyday life.

Learn the basics of fishing with professional guide Jonathan Neuville from Fly Fishing Jura Suisse. He’ll teach you the basics while having fun: which techniques to use, which hooks and bait to choose, how to retrieve your catch and release it.

Do you already know the basics? Lakes and ponds are ideal for practising, thanks to their calm and easy-to-access natural areas, some of which have facilities.

Do you already have a bit of experience in lakes and ponds and want to test the next level by tackling rivers? Start out in the river in no-kill zones, also known as graciation courses.

There are 5 no-kill zones in Pays de Gex:

• in the Valserine at Lélex ;
• in the Allemogne at Thoiry ;
• in the Versoix at Divonne-les-Bains ;
• at the Divonne-les-Bains lake for carp ;
• Lake Crassy in Divonne-les-Bains for black bass.

Consult their limits and regulations online or in the essential 2025 fishing guide, available from fishing licence sales outlets.

Stock up on fishing tackle and consumables at the following shops:

• Duvillard garden centre in Gex
• Carrefour Segny supermarket
• Bricomarché shop in Gex

For the most experienced

How and when to choose the right lure or bait? Have you always been fascinated by fly fishing? Develop your knowledge and fishing techniques with professional fishing guide Jonathan Neuville from Fly Fishing Jura Suisse, during a fishing course or workshop.

Vary your fishing spots and the fish you want to catch!

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, the rivers and lakes of the Pays de Gex offer the ideal playground for your passion. With their unspoilt natural environment, diversity of species and appropriate regulations, there’s something for everyone. So get equipped, respect the environment and enjoy some unique times on the water!