It's often said that the most beautiful fly-fishing places can be found abroad. Yet, we'll prove today, with this top 10, that even now, our beautiful France brims with incredible landscapes, valleys, lakes and rivers filled with trout, pike, zander and other species of all kinds.
Once you've found your favorite pieces in our fly fishing collection, you only have one thing in mind: going to the riverbanks with your fisherman friends. You're already considering distant destinations, but take a moment to discover the gems next door.
Fishing in our country offers many advantages, a reduced cost, majestic routes, uncommon species and beautifully hued waters in the four corners of France. Moreover, the proliferation of offers abroad undermines the dynamism that fishing devotees bring to our lakes, our rivers, and our valleys, and in turn, poses a threat to our environment.
Young people are the future, it is crucial for this generation to get involved within our borders or risk seeing the sport disappearing from our regions. All fishermen equipped with the right rod and suitable line can find their joy, whether you're looking for a carp, salmon, pikes, or zander, there is a place for you.
The Dordogne and its enchanting spots
The Dordogne
Hunting shade and trout on the banks of this iconic river is a classic, even internationally recognized for its magical landscapes and satisfactory quantity of fish in every season.
You can go to several places depending on your goals. Downstream in the Lot and Dordogne departments to hunt predators, upstream in Lot and Corrèze for salmonids. Depending on the season, you may need to venture off the beaten path, as the pressure can be very high in summer due to the popularity of some spots.
The Maronne
When the Dordogne isn't cooperating, is hard to fish or is too crowded, you can turn to La Maronne, just a few kilometers away. This is a 1st category water with moderate currents, prone to many variations downstream, mainly due to EDF dams and the Hautefage power plant.
In this corner, there is a good population of specimens, Trout throughout the course and Grayling downstream of the dam. The beautiful scenery, lush greenery and views of very pleasant places will surely delight you. We especially love the site of the ruins of Merle in the town of Saint-Geniez-ô-Merle.
The Cère
Go to the northern department near the border with Cantal, and you'll find La Cère, a first category watercourse with places that look fairytale-like. it originates in Cantal, where the salmonid population is larger, the multitude of dams mean that by the time it reaches Lot, it's reduced.
Some parts of this tributary are almost inaccessible, with very wild gorges, not for beginners or the faint-hearted.
Destination: Franche-Comté, well known to enthusiasts
The Ain River
This river offers you many highly-renowned places to discover, whether you're in lower or upper areas. You can go to Champagnole, one of the routes that gives this river its reputation. With a high density of fish, you're sure to find what you want.
Please note, the river's width reaches 15m upstream and 40m downstream, consisting of more or less rapid current followed by calm zones and deep holes. The gorgeous route, framed by valleys and turquoise waters, will make your day unforgettable.
The Bienne
This tributary is becoming increasingly popular, where you will find magnificant specimens of Fario. Very wild scenes make enjoyable days on its banks. If you're looking for species averaging around 40cm, this is the perfect place for you.
Enthusiasts recommend the sector of Vaux les Saint-Claude as the most likely to delight you, but beware of the high frequency of visitors during certain seasons.
The Doubs
A must-visit if you happen to be in the region, always set within a beautiful backdrop, and most of the time under perfect conditions and a good population of fish. Apart from the usual brown trouts, you will find carp, barbels and others. The diversity of this route is its main strength, with many surprises awaiting you below the surface.
The surrounding fauna and flora are very active, offering opportunities to observe chamois and other animals in their habitats!
Normandy: a paradise for fly-fishers from the Île-de-France
Moulin de Gémages
This reservoir is located in the regional natural park of Le Perch, where you can find a total of 11 water bodies that offer a large space filled with rigorously selected Fario, rainbow and gold trout.
Suitable for beginners who wish to practice and hone their techniques, the pools are designed to offer different levels of difficulty. The setting is very pleasant, and you can also dine and sleep on-site, with gîtes and guest rooms near the site.
The Touques
These Norman coastal rivers originate in the Pays d'Ouche, d'Auge, de Perche, and the campagne d'Alençon. It is simply the best watercourse in France for fishing sea trout, with approximately 6000 fish that pass through the coastal river in Lower Normandy.
This watercourse consists of shallow, calcareous waters. Its current is slow and regular, ideal for fly-fishing. It presents a fantastic environment that you wouldn't want to miss!
Moulin de Chaise Dieu du Theil
This route is open all year round. All fly-fishing techniques are allowed. Lake Émilie, 5 bodies of water and 3 km of rivers are located here, offering a plethora of landscapes. Salmons and others will be waiting for you with many releases throughout the year.
Very beautiful buildings are located on the property, offering the possibility to eat and sleep there. Many activities can be done in the surroundings, ideal for tourists who, in addition to indulging their passion, want to discover the region. Furthermore, its proximity to Île-de-France will surely delight many.
Auvergne and the Sioule
In the north of the Puy de Dôme, you'll find one of the most beautiful watercourses in the country. Nature lovers flock here to practice fly-fishing. You can meet the many faces that this beautiful and wild place has during its 90 km stretch.
Depending on the sector, you will have to adapt your technique. Prepare yourself before your trip to avoid strong disappointment. The lower Sioule offers very diverse spots. The fish population is strictly regulated to protect them as much as possible. Be aware of all the regulations of the concerned fishery associations.
Now all you have to do is take your rod, set up your line and go on an adventure! This top 10 is not exhaustive, as we can't cover the entire subject considering the large number of wonders that populate our lands.
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