COME FISHING IN THE LIMOUSIN

The Limousin is known as the land of a thousand lakes - they're not far wrong actually. The area has many peaceful lakes and slow moving rivers that rarely get crowded with other anglers.

There are large lakes of over 100 hectares, smaller municipal lakes, rivers and private fisheries offering the travelling angler many opportunities to fish for the quarry of their choice.

Just this year a fishery has opened a mere 10 mins away from us that offers trout fishing on one lake using fly, worm or bait, and another much larger lake offering carp, pike, and perch fishing. The owner, Patrick, is a charming frenchman who fishes himself so he knows the needs of anglers. His plans for 2008 include a toilet and shower block and a small café offering snacks and drinks. As this is a private fishery, you do not need any permits whatsoever. You just pay Patrick per session. His prices are very keen - for example 5 hours trout fishing for just 13 euros, and you can take 7 fish!!! Compare that to UK prices! The fishery is in a peaceful part of the countryside and not over fished at all. For full details of his tariffs please click Domaine de Jarlat.

Just 10 minutes to the east there is a beautiful and well stocked lake which offers you fishing for carp, not the famous French 50lb+ monsters but fish up to around 5lb which can give superb sport on light tackle. Once again no permits or licences are needed to fish the lake. 2007 prices were 3 euros for half a day and 5 euros for a full day. You can if you wish take a few carp for tea......not something we have tried I have to say. The lake can be fished using normal coarse methods or if you fancy a change - try carp fishing on the fly. A customer of ours this year had some success with this method.

photo of Ryan by Jodi.

If you prefer wandering the river banks, you will need to buy a permit. These will be available locally and will cost 10 euros for a one day permit (available from January - December) or 32 euros for a 15 day holiday permit (Available from June - December) Both of these permits allow you to fish only in the Haute Vienne region of the Limousin.

Fishing Regulations.

A full years licence to fish most of France costs €78,50 and enables the holder to fish 1st and 2nd category waters.

There is a distinction between 1st and 2nd Category Lakes and rivers in the region.
1st (Premiere) Category Lakes and Rivers are predominantly inhabited by game fish. Season mid March - end Sept
2nd (Deuxieme) Category Lakes and Rivers are predominantly inhabited by coarse fish. Season, mostly all year

The holiday licence is now available from June 1st - December 31st and costs €32,00 for a period of 15 days. This entitles you to fish within the Haute Vienne, and enables the holder to fish 1st and 2nd category waters. For other regions it would cost the same per region.

Daily licences are now available for just €10 and can be purchased from January 1st - December 31st. If you wish to fish in the bordering departments to the Haute Vienne, these are available also. This enables anglers to fish earlier in the season which is great news.This too permits the holder to fish 1st and 2nd category waters. This is the perfect solution if you only wish to fish for a day or so when staying here. The daily permits only cover the department in which they are issued, i.e. Haute Vienne 87, Charente 16 or Dordogne 24. The Haute Vienne permits are available at our local Boulangerie or from us and are a necessity to fish legally in the region. There are some lakes locally that do not require anglers to be in possession of a permit, although there is usually a daily ticket fee.


For full regulations in English for the Haute Vienne, please click FISHING REGULATIONS

The River Vienne that meanders through our region holds many species of fish including carp, pike, perch, zander and a few species which we have seen, but not caught, so we are not sure exactly what they are.

Just a short walk from the centre of the village we have the River Tardoire, a small babbling brook. Our local club stock the river from March onwards and it's any method. Fly fishing can be difficult once spring starts as the growth rate of the riverside vegetation is very quick. The locals prefer using a small spinner or minnow to catch the trout. There are a few roach in the river too.



For more venues and information please click Fishing Venues in Haute Vienne.

A range of tackle for both fly and coarse fishing which can normally be hired on a weekly or daily basis is available locally. (Not available to those under the age of 14.)



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