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Carnivore fishing on the Saint-Etienne-Cantalès dam

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The Saint-Étienne-Cantalès reservoir is located in the communes of Saint-Gérons (left bank) and Saint-Étienne-Cantalès (right bank). It retains the waters of the Cère and Authre rivers at a height of 69 metres.

It was inaugurated in 1945. This 561-hectare reservoir is renowned for the presence of highly sought-after fish populations such as the Pike perch, the Pike, the Perch, the Catfish and to a lesser extent cyprinidae. You can even catch a few Rainbow trout which come from fish farms and are sure to surprise us with some great fights. Finally, for several years now, the AAPPMA managers have been taking the necessary steps to stock fish in Black Bass. After a difficult start and a period of uncertainty linked to a lack of specific protection during the breeding season (since adopted), and even if the population remains fragile, the introduction seems to have been a success.

It is one of the most productive reservoirs in the Massif Central, and is also one of the cradles of vertical fishing in France. It is elongated and the banks are often steep on the main branch. But it is also indented, with numerous secondary arms and coves of varying profiles. The lake bottom is sparsely populated because it was deforested before it was impounded, and there are no grass beds because of the high tides in winter. The fish grow rapidly, with a high survival rate for juveniles, linked to the abundance of food in the first year (plankton). An inventory carried out by ONEMA indicates "optimal" growth conditions for pike-perch in the first year. This abundance of varied food results in an undeniable wealth of carnivorous fish and rapid growth.

The reservoir is very popular with tourists in the summer, and there are a multitude of water sports available, including 3 beaches at Renac, Espinet and Puech les Ouilles. A 124-metre-long Himalayan footbridge links the Rénac and Espinet peninsulas.

Information about your guide

Thomas

Born in the Cantalien region of France, I've been fishing since I was very young. As an instructor fishing guide, I'm really lucky to be able to make a living out of it.

As the new manager of the Lac des Graves fly reservoir, I encourage you to discover this 9-hectare lake located in the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d'Auvergne in the Jordanne valley, overlooked by the majestic Puy Mary (1,725m).

Aware of my department's fishing potential, I decided to turn my passion into my profession. Now a qualified fishing guide, my ambition is to welcome you, guide you and help you experience intense emotions in unspoilt areas.

Languages spoken : French