We often hear that it's abroad that we discover the most beautiful fly fishing spots. And today we're going to prove to you, with this top 10 list, that even today our beautiful France is full of incredible fly fishing spots landscapes, of valley, of lakes and river full of trout, of pikes, of pike-perch and other species of all kinds.
Once you've found what you're looking for in our collectionfly fishing, you've got one thing on your mind: to get to the banks with your friends fishermen. You're already looking at far-flung destinations, but stop for a moment to discover the gems right next door.
La fishing in our country has many advantages, including low costs, majestic courses species and water magnificent to the four corners of France. What's more, the proliferation of offers abroad means that our lakes, our rivers and our valleys the dynamism brought by those who follow our passion and, at the same time, the fervent defence of the protection of our environment, which is prey to many dangers.
Young people are the future, and it's vital that this generation gets involved within our borders, otherwise we risk seeing the sport disappear in our own countries. All fishermen equipped with the right rod and a line whether you're looking for a new or old-fashioned carp, of salmon, of pikes or pike-perch, there's a place for you.
The Dordogne and its magical spots
The Dordogne
The hunt for shadows and trout on banks of this mythical waterway is a great classic, recognised even abroad for its landscapes and a satisfactory quantity of fish in all seasons.
You can go to several places depending on your objectives. Downstream in the Lot and Dordogne departments for predator fish, and upstream in the Lot and Corrèze departments for salmonids. Depending on the season get off the beaten track: the pressure can be very great in summer because of the popularity of certain spots.
La Maronne
If the Dordogne isn't up to the challenge, because it's difficult to fish or too crowded, you can fall back on La Maronne, just a few kilometres away. This is awater 1st category with medium currents, subject to numerous variations downstream, notably due to EDF reservoirs and the Hautefage power station.
You will find a good population of specimens in this area, Trout along the entire route and Ombre downstream of the dam. You're bound to be delighted by the magnificent scenery, the greenery and the views. The ruins of Merle in Saint-Geniez-ô-Merle are a particular favourite.
La Cère
Head for the north of the département, close to the Cantal border. This is where you'll find the Cère, a 1st category river with its fairy-tale landscapes in places. It rises in the Cantal, where the salmonid population is higher, but the multitude of dams means that when it reaches the Lot, the population is reduced.
Some parts of this tributary are virtually inaccessible, with some very wild gorges, so it's not for beginners.
Destination Franche-Comté, well known to enthusiasts
The River Ain
This waterway offers many famous places to discover, both on the lower and upper reaches. You can go to Champagnole, one of the routes for which Champagnole is famous. Very good density of fish, there's something for everyone.
Beware of its width, which reaches 15m upstream and 40m downstream, it is made up of more or less fast currents followed by calm zones and deep holes. A magnificent course, between valley and turquoise seabed, will make your days memorable.
La Bienne
This tributary is becoming more and more famous, and you'll find some magnificent Fario specimens. The wild scenery makes for a very pleasant day on the river. If you're looking forspecies which averages around 40cm, then this is the place for you.
Enthusiasts recommend the Vaux les Saint-Claude area as the best place to enjoy a good meal, but beware of the crowds, which can be very high depending on the season seasons.
The Doubs
A must-do if you're passing through the region, the setting is always magnificent, the conditions are perfect most of the time and there's a good population of fish, as well as the usual brown trout, carp, barbel and others. The diversity of this course is its main strength, and there are plenty of surprises in store for you under the stars surface.
The flora and fauna around you are very active, giving you the chance to spot chamois and other animals in their habitats!
Normandy, a paradise for fly fishermen in Ile de France
Moulin de Gémages
This reservoir is located in the Perch regional nature park, where you'll find a total of 11 lakes offering a wide range of carefully selected fario, rainbow and goldfish.
Suitable for beginners who want to practise and perfect their techniques, the pools are laid out to offer different levels of difficulty. The setting is very pleasant, and you can also eat and sleep on site, with gîtes and B&Bs close by.
La Touques
Normandy's coastal river rises in the Ouche, Auge, Perche and Alençon countryside. It is quite simply the best waterway in France for sea trout fishing, with around 6,000 fish passing through the channel of the Lower Normandy coastal river.
This watercourse is made up of shallow limestone water, with a slow, steady current that is perfectly suited to fly fishing. It's a magnificent sight in one of the most pleasant places to visit.
Moulin de Chaise Dieu du Theil
This course is open all year round, and all fly-fishing techniques are permitted. It includes Lac Émilie, 5 lakes and 3km of rivers, offering a wide range of fly-fishing techniques landscape. . Salmon and others will be on hand with numerous releases throughout the year.
There are a number of beautiful buildings in the grounds, offering dining and sleeping facilities. There are plenty of things to do in the surrounding area, ideal for tourists who want to discover the region as well as indulging their passionIsland of France is sure to delight.
Auvergne and the Sioule
To the north of the Puy de Dôme, you'll find one of the country's most beautiful waterways, and there are plenty of lovers of greenery to wander the banks and fly-fish in the corners. You can discover the many facets of this magnificent and very wild place along its 90km length.
Depending on the sector, you'll need to adapt your technique, so be prepared before your trip or you could be sorely disappointed. The lower Sioule offers a wide variety of spots. The fish population is highly regulated to protect them as much as possible, so make sure you read all the regulations of the aappma concerned.
All you have to do is pick up your rod, to fit your stocking line and set off on an adventure! This top 10 list is not exhaustive, and we can't cover the whole subject, given the sheer number of wonders that inhabit our lands.
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