You don't know where to fish for trout at the opening of the season ? Do you dream of trout fishing in the most beautiful parts of France ? We understand your passion! At Rodmaps, we've been travelling the length and breadth of France in search of the most beautiful rivers in France for years, and we never tire of it. Whether you're a seasoned angler or noviceour article will reveal the best trout fishing spots in France as well as our secrets for successful trout fishingin rivers and lakes.
Our article in brief
In our opinion, these are the best spots for trout fishing in France:
- Must-see spots the Alps (Isère, Durance), the Pyrenees (Gave de Pau, Neste), the Massif Central (Tarn, Allier), the Vosges and Brittany (Elorn, Scorff) offer exceptional rivers.
- Effective techniques : Fly fishing, nymph fishing and lure fishing are the key techniques for trout fishing.
- Adopt responsible fishing : We invite you to practice no-kill for preserving trout populations.
- Off-season alternatives Fly tanks, 2nd category courses and trips abroad for fishing all year round.
Unmissable trout fishing hotspots in France
France is full of exceptional places to fish for trout. From mountain streams to the great rivers of the plains, each region has its own surprises in store. We've travelled the length and breadth of France to find you the most promising spots.
In the Alps, Pyrenees and Massif CentralThese tumultuous rivers are a trout fisherman's paradise. Visit Gave de Pauwith its crystal-clear waters, is renowned for its record-breaking trout. La Durance and the VerdonThere are also a variety of routes for fly and lure fishermen.
Further north, the Vosges are home to some lesser-known but equally interesting gems. We were lucky enough to fish for wild trout in some breathtakingly bucolic settings.
The BrittanyBrittany, with its intimate rivers, is also a prime destination for trout fishing. The rivers of Brittany, although not as wide, are teeming with trout. The rivers here are therefore more technical and will put your skills to the test.
Here is a summary table of the best trout fishing spots by region:
| Region | Notable rivers | Special features |
|---|---|---|
| Alps | Isère, Durance | Big trout, varied courses |
| Pyrenees | Gave de Pau, Neste | White water, fighting trout |
| Massif Central | Tarn, Allier | Wild landscapes, brown trout |
| Brittany | Elorn, Scorff | Intimate rivers, fine fishing |
Techniques and tips for trout fishing
As we explained in our previous articlesTrout fishing is a technical sport. Over the years, we've fine-tuned these techniques to maximise our chances of success. Here are some of our favourite techniques:
- Lure fishing : Our preferred technique, of course. It's effective in all seasons and allows you to cover large areas quickly.
- Fly fishing : Probably the most technical fishing. It is ideal in spring during the hatching period and in summer for morning or evening fishing.
- Tackle fishing : This is THE technique that enabled us to discover this fish. It's a formidable traditional technique for wary trout.
For beginners, we recommend starting with lure fishing. It's a versatile technique that will give you a lot of fun in no time. Don't hesitate to vary the colours and the types of lure depending on the clarity of the water and the light.
More experienced anglers will enjoy fly fishing, especially on the no-kill runs. These areas, where catch and release is compulsory, are often home to some remarkably large specimens. This is the perfect opportunity to test your skills against record-breaking trout, as in the Isère and Ain rivers.
Regulations and conservation: fish responsibly
Trout fishing is regulated by certain laws in France. We therefore urge you to find out about local regulations so that you know where to fish for trout and, above all, when to fish before each outing. Here are a few key points to bear in mind:
- Respect the opening and closing dates for trout fishing in France. Any infringement is severely punished by law.
- Bring your fishing licence tailored to your profile
- IRenseignées-vous sur les tailles légales de capture.
- On no-kill runs, always catch and release.
We are convinced that preserving trout populations is everybody's business. That's why we strongly encourage the practice of no-kill, even outside compulsory areas. This helps maintain healthy populations and guarantees high-quality fishing for years to come. In departments such as Lozère and Haute-Loire, for example, conservation efforts have helped to maintain exceptional wild trout populations.
Alternatives for trout fishing all year round
The closure of river fishing does not mean the end of trout fishing. There are several alternatives for continuing to enjoy your passion all year round:
The reservoirs, ponds and dedicated trout areas offer trout fishing even out of season. These private sites are often managed by individuals, companies or associations. They offer optimum fishing conditions and quality fish, including exotic trout.
Some 2nd category rivers remain open all year round for trout fishing. These areas, generally located downstream of large dams, have favourable conditions for the presence of trout throughout the year.
For the more adventurous, why not consider a fishing trip abroad? Spain offers exceptional fishing opportunities during the French closure. Further afield, South America and Oceania are dream destinations for anglers looking for a change of scenery and big trout.
And let's not forget the ponds dedicated to recreational fishing, such as those found in the Hauts-de-France region. These regularly stocked lakes make fishing easy and accessible, ideal for beginners or simply for a good family day out.
Whichever option you choose, remember that fishing is above all a time for sharing and connecting with nature. Take the opportunity to discover new environments and perfect your techniques. And don't forget: the best catch is the one you let go!
