Fishing has long been one of France’s favourite pastimes, and there’s no better place to indulge in it than along the Dordogne and its tributaries as well as in lakes.
The fact that the area has been designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO is an indication of the quality of the environment and the variety of wildlife.
In fact, the waters are now so clean that salmon have been successfully reintroduced – but you’re not allowed to fish for those! There are plenty of species you can take, however, including shad, bleak, carp, barbel, pike, zander, perch and many more.
Fly-fishing is a very popular sport here, and enthusiasts even breed special ‘coqs de pêche’ (fishing cocks), whose feathers are used as lures for trout and grayling. Holiday fishing licenses are easily obtained: details and other information are given in a guide to angling available from all local Tourist Offices.
You’ll soon be hooked!
Fishing regulations
Warning ! To fish in the Dordogne Valley, you must have a valid fishing license. You can buy one on-line from the National Fishing Federation, from the official accommodation providers, “hébergement de pêche” or “gîtes de pêche” (“fishing accommodation”) or from various tourist offices.
The Dordogne Valley, as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is internationally known for the quality of its natural environment and the motivation of its authorities and inhabitants to preserve its natural resources. To preserve those fish species that are threatened with extinction and which are protected by official measures, some fishing zones have a “no kill” policy, meaning that all caught fish must be returned to the water.
Useful addresses for fishing enthusiasts
The national label “hébergement de pêche” or “gîte de pêche” (“fishing accommodation”) indicates accommodations where you can buy fishing equipment or have it repaired, and obtain your fishing license. At these locations, you are also certain to find fishing sites nearby, accommodations that are open during at least six months of the year, documentation and guides on fishing and fishing sites, secure storage facilities for your equipment (accessories and bait), and accommodation services, restaurants and stores adapted to fishing hours.
