In the calendar of openings, trout fishing in 1st category is undoubtedly one of the most popular among fishermen. There are many questions: where to fish? Lake or watercourse? When does this opening period take place? How and why to participate in the trout opening? What card should I have?
The launch of the trout is therefore scheduled for the Saturday, March 14, 2026 at the national level, it will require great preparation, as well as the adequate equipment that you will find in our trout fishing equipment collection. This date is different every year but corresponds to the second Saturday in March.
The schedule does not change, like every year the 2026 launch of the fishing of the trout ladies will take place 30 minutes before sunrise, or at 6:40. Check directly within your department, as this may vary slightly. The brightness is not at its maximum at this time, so don't forget the headlamp and coffee, while waiting for the daybreak prepare your line!
Before going to the opening of fishing, it is essential to know the sizes of fishing in freshwater and own a card authorizing you to practice on this or that course. This applies to any opening, whether for trout, pike, or another predator fishing like salmon, crayfish, or eel. Regulations are a duty ensuring the fisherman a perfect adaptation to the rules of his federation in his department.
At the time of writing, the minimum catch size in waters, lakes, and watercourses of the first category is 23cm, in second category waters this is also the case, 23cm minimum.
Caution, the mesh can vary according to the regulations of your department, we therefore advise you to check directly with your fishing federation! Some areas will also be subject to no kill, i.e. no capture.
The closure period for the year will begin on Sunday, September 20, 2026, this is the national date, with an easy landmark to remember this date, it's the third Sunday in September. It will thus be prohibited after this date. If you have any questions, it is always better to get closer to your federation, the regulations can vary from one to the other, especially for a high mountain lake.
You are now aware of the opening period, as well as the closure period, all that remains is to equip yourself properly to be ready on D-day.
Participating in the trout fishing opening.
Each fisherman has a story to tell about the opening of fishing, trout or , every year it's an event that brings together and allows for exchanges with many people by the water. Let's cross our fingers that the fishing conditions will be optimal, if that's the case, then the day is likely to be incredible, with many trout and maybe other fish being caught.
This event is also a good excuse to go on a trip and have a nice picnic by the water. Trout fishing rhymes with great preparation, just like another predator fishing, you should not skip the choice of your technique, your equipment, the baits and of course the place you will choose.
The choice of your technique will depend on the waters you are in and the species you are targeting. If you didn't know, a river, fast water, lakes and ponds are divided into two fishing categories, in 1st or 2nd category. The first category concerns watercourses, ponds, and lakes where noble fish (salmonid species) are protected and make up the dominant stock.
They are subject to special regulations throughout the opening and closing period. It will be essential to pay attention to the provisions of forbidden or authorized fishing, no-kill, or the presence of a bridge with reserved sectors upstream and downstream.
As for 2nd category plans, they represent the waters where white fish (roach, carp, pike, zander, perch, catfish...) dominate. You can fish the white fish all year round except for the predators. You should always refer to your AAPMA to find out the periods when fishing is allowed. A river can be in CAT 1 on a common distance and end in CAT 2, pay attention to this.
Generally, all techniques are permitted in category no 1, you can then practice trout fishing on the spot, toc, fly and lures for all species.
Succeeding in the opening, our advice
When fishing is allowed again, don't rush headlong, it requires real preparation upstream just like pike fishing or zander for example. The closing dates may be long, but this should not make you lose your patience.
The spotting
We advise you to do a spotting of the place where you are going to fish. Indeed, a little walk on the banks of your spot will not hurt you, the winter floods can potentially modify the bed and thus directly impact your way of apprehending it on D-day. This will allow you to identify forbidden or no-kill fishing trails.
Don't hesitate to go off the beaten track, you can find very pleasant places a little more wild, ideal when you know the number of people there will be. You will be much more attentive to the various details that could make a difference.
The technique
You now have the ideal location for your trout day, it's time to think about your technique. The water will be cold, the fish will be numb and sleepy, freshwater fishing with toc would be an adequate solution. You will be able to pass your bait as close as possible to your targets, it's an extremely effective technique for an early season, especially on a course near the mountain.
Equip yourself with a bottom line in 14/100 or 16/100, a hook no. 6 to 12 as well as an earthworm for tinted water or a moth for clear water.
Fishing with lure is also a solution favored by many fishermen. You must be able to adapt to the conditions, take with you swimming fish, soft lures and spoons in order to best scan all water layers. We advise you in the morning to opt for very conspicuous flashy colors, ideal for attracting the attention of nonchalant fish, in the afternoon go for more natural colors. Equip your mount with a clip so you can change the lure in just a few seconds.
One last little tip to ensure your start to the season is a complete success, choose a spot in the sun. Indeed, when the sun is at its peak, salmonids start hunting and are therefore much more inclined to get caught. Let's cross our fingers that the weather is kind!
You are now ready, just wait for the big day… We'll meet again soon to prepare ourselves for pike fishing, zander or even perch and black bass.
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