Lake Issarlès, with a surface area of 97 hectares and more than 100 meters deep, fills an old volcano crater.
1st category fish pond. Rainbow trout spills are held regularly.
Lake Coucouron, with a surface area of 12 hectares, is ideal for fishing. Its pure waters are home to trout, carp, common perch and white fish.
Fishing with a single barbless hook.
1st category fish pond.
Brown and rainbow trout spills are held regularly. You will also find a nice population of white fish and common perch there.
Fishing with a single barbless hook.
Private body of water, managed by the municipality of Saint Martial, the lake benefits from special fishing regulations.
You can practice floating fishing. This technique is aimed at both beginners and enthusiasts.
Professional Ardèche fishing guides, experts in the field, offer tailor-made support so that everyone (experienced fishermen, beginners or families) makes the most of their experience in a natural and wild setting.
Located in the town of Lavilatte, at an altitude of 1100 m, facing north-east, south-west, this one kilometer course where each fish caught must be returned to the water alive, offers a very nice population of trout. native fario.
You will find on the Montagne d'Ardèche a high density of 1st category fish watercourses.
Plateau river or deep river, their pure waters are home to very beautiful populations of wild brown trout.
Practice fishing in the Ardèche Mountains
In lake or river, fly or lure, here, we fish the way we like! Beginner or enthusiast, come and indulge in fishing in the Ardèche Mountains and enjoy quality rivers in a dream setting.
A popular playground for freshwater fishermen
Ardèche has a total of 5 km of waterways, which guarantees you a real diversity of sites and species. Mountain torrents, rivers, ponds and lakes: choose the ideal environment for your next fishing trip in the Ardèche Mountains.
Water bodies are divided into three types: first category, second category and reservoirs for tourist purposes. As for streams and rivers, there is something for everyone: sustainably managed sites, “no kill” routes, fishing reserves, etc. Some sites are also designed for people with reduced mobility.
Ardèche also stands out for its management of fish resources. Emphasis is placed on the preservation of sedentary fish populations, as well as the return of migratory species, including salmon. The department also works on protecting and restoring populations of endangered species, including the white-clawed crayfish. Finally, an ambitious environmental policy aims to preserve fragile ecosystems, in particular those of swamps, peatlands and other wetlands.
What species will you fish in Montagne d’Ardèche?
One of the things to know about our lakes and rivers is that the vast majority are classified as first category. You are therefore sure to practice your favorite activity in pure water and find salmonids. The fishing routes that await you are varied, to meet all your desires.
The most common fish in the region are brown trout, rainbow trout, brook salmon, grayling, perch, chub, as well as pike at Lake Saint-Martial. But you will also come across minnows, sculpins and loaches.
To make the most of your leisure, several guides are at your disposal. Do not hesitate to contact the Federation or the Montagne d’Ardèche Tourist Office.
Fishing in the Ardèche Mountains: what are the regulations in force?
To practice your favorite sport, you must have a fishing license. Concerning the opening dates, the ideal is to get closer to the Ardèche Fishing Federation. Most sites are open from the beginning of March to mid-September, but Lake Issarlès, for example, remains accessible a little longer.
When it comes to types of fishing, you are spoiled for choice:
- fly fishing ;
- toc fishing;
- spoon fishing;
- lure fishing.
The lines must be equipped with single barbless hooks. As for bait, note that fish eggs are prohibited everywhere. In the first category, maggots, dipteran larvae, and live fishing are also prohibited.
Finally, before your day of fishing in the Montagne d'Ardèche, don't forget to find out about the minimum sizes and the number of authorized catches.
Where to go fishing in the Montagne d’Ardèche?
The region is full of exceptional natural sites, intelligently managed and home to a variety of species. Two main types of waterways await you: lakes and rivers.
In the first category, you have the choice between Lake Coucouron, Lake Issarlès, Lake Lapalisse and Lake Saint-Martial. Please note, for the latter, you must purchase a municipal card at the town hall. This site is particularly suitable for introducing you to floating line fishing.
Multiple streams and rivers also await you: the Loire, the Veyradeyre, the Gage, the Borne, the Espezonette, the Allier are just a few examples. Mountain streams are also attractive places.
Organize your fishing trip in the Montagne d’Ardèche
Beyond fishing activities, the region conceals numerous natural and heritage attractions. Of course, you can combine the joys of fishing with those of bathing, especially if you come with family. There is no shortage of accommodation offers near the lakes: discover the most beautiful campings of the region.
Whether you are on vacation in the region and want to learn fishing or are looking for a fishing course in the Montagne d'Ardèche, the region is an ideal destination! Enjoy an exceptional natural setting between basalt juices and flows, as well as a warm welcome from the Ardéchois!