Freestone · Limestone · Jura-edge / Ain (Varambon–Rhône)

Ain (lower / Plaine de l'Ain)

Ain (lower / Plaine de l'Ain) terrain map
Terrain map

The Ain from Varambon to the Rhône confluence flows through limestone with multiple designated no-kill beats and fly-only sections.

Prime · Chub
Daddy Longlegs · Hook 10–12 with knotted pheasant tail legs
Primelive now
About as good as it gets
Low and clear — careful approach country. Take your time — read the water before you cast.
65% confidence
What moved it
  • Flow15.8 m³/sLast reading 1h ago
  • Water temp19.4°C
  • ClarityClear
Today’s fly
DL
Daddy LonglegsHook 10–12 with knotted pheasant tail legs
in season · matches water height
Conditions on the water
Live gauge
Flow
Steady
15.8 m³/s
Last reading 1h ago
Water temp19.4°C
ClarityClear
Weather21°C
WindNE 6 km/h
Pressure1018 hPa
Rain · recent0.2 mm
Rain · ahead0.4 mm

Live readings — water temperature is an estimate where the gauge does not record it.

Water temperature for chub
Ideal
19°C est.ideal 14–22°C
0°14°28°
How to fish it · for chub
When
March–October
Where
The Ain from Varambon to the Rhône confluence flows through limestone with multiple designated no-kill beats and fly-only sections.
Why this works
Chub: comfort conditions look perfect. Water clarity clear — read accordingly for chub.
Hatch timeline · todayQuiet day

Hatch predictions

Today's headline hatch shown — see all 7 active hatches hour by hour with Pro.

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Evidence
Survey-backed · regionalModerate confidence

Backed by regional invertebrate surveys; no sampling on this exact reach yet.

Through the year
0–3 scale · July highlighted
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Trout seasonSeason
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
Grayling seasonSeason
1
2
2
2
1
GrannomHatch
2
2
Evening SedgeHatch
2
3
3
3
2
Large Dark OliveHatch
1
2
2
1
Iron BlueHatch
1
2
2
1

Numbers are intensity 0 (none) to 3 (peak) — a guide, not a guarantee.

Ranked for today
Chub fly box
SB
Small Black Streamer
Hook 8–10 weighted · Fly
in season · matches water height
Permits & access
Permit required — see local rules.
  • AAPPMA permits.
What's coming
Plan ahead
5-day outlook
Other water nearby · 5
Suran
14 km
Brown trout · Grayling
Ain
24 km
Brown trout · Grayling
Chaley Lake
31 km
Brown trout · Rainbow trout
Albarine
35 km
Brown trout · Grayling
Lac de Vouglans
49 km
Rainbow trout · Brown trout
About this water

The Ain from Varambon to the Rhône confluence flows through limestone with multiple designated no-kill beats and fly-only sections. Stable spring-fed character, prolific insect life, selective trout and grayling. Chalk-stream water where presentation matters more than fly choice. Spring through early autumn. Some beats private; public access on certain stretches. Verify local regulations.

  • Limestone
Water quality (WFD)
  • Ecology: Good
  • Chemical: Unknown

WFD classification · FRDR484

The full read · show the working · for chub · confidence 65%
Perfect · warmwater comfort — temperature and clarity led
Water temperatureWater temp 19.4°C — prime band for chub.
FlowStable flow — predictable holding lies.
SeasonPrime month for this species.
Water clarityWater clarity clear — read accordingly for chub.
Can you trust it?
Water temperatureair-to-water estimateestimated
Level / flowon-river gaugeobserved
Directions
Apple MapsGoogle Maps
Seasons & zones
  • Trout2nd Saturday of March → 3rd Sunday of September
  • Grayling3rd Saturday of May → 3rd Sunday of September
Related guides
Grayling Playbookgrayling tacticsPyrenees PlaybookFrench riversEuro Nymphingsubsurface methods
Booking & contacts