Fishing in Périgord

When we think of fishing, we imagine a moment of ultimate relaxation. And yet, this activity is considered a sport, because it is not always easy... It is nevertheless a good way to recharge your batteries outdoors and observe nature. It is often a family tradition, which is perpetuated from generation to generation. We suggest you go fishing in Périgord, to share a day of leisure with your family.

Opening photo: Photo credit © Guide du Périgord

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Getting started in fishing?

First of all, you have to find your fishing style, to define which body of water to choose.

The main fishing techniques:

Coarse fishing is the most classic. We mount our rod, we find a good spot and we just have to let the fish bite.
Toc fishing is more sporty. It is practiced in areas with strong currents, with live bait.
Fly fishing is ideal for trout fishing. It takes its name from the shape of the hook.
Casting is probably the most technical. To send your hook with a lure or bait, at a sufficient distance, you need, of course, a good casting rod, but above all a lot of practice. Rest is not at the rendezvous because the fisherman always remains active and mobile!

Did you know: Today, the trend is towards the preservation of species. Many anglers have therefore switched to “no-kill”. The objective is no longer to fish for a good meal, but the principle is to have a good time in nature, without killing the fish. In order not to hurt the fish, you will use simple barbless hooks.

Depending on your style, you will choose a fishing spot:

For river fishing, there is a real desire to understand its environment to better understand it. You therefore need a great sense of observation and a good knowledge of the site. You will be looking for a clear stream. You will also have to take into account the current and the water depth, depending on what you want to fish. This will allow you to select the correct line and its leader. Finally, it is important to adapt your technique and equipment to the regulations.
As for so- called "white" fish, such as bream, carp and roach, it 's off to the fishing pond! It is a very pleasant fishing for the beginners, even if it requires a little technique at the beginning. First of all, you will have to learn how to mount your “coarse fishing line” and master the “pallet hook knot”. For more information on the stages of realization, follow the advice of Chtipêcheur (fr).

Photo credit © Hunter Brumels / Unsplash

Basic equipment to start fishing in Périgord

Fishing sounds good to you, but you're a bit lost in the technical jargon and you don't know the different rods and baits to use. Don't panic, we'll clear this up a bit.

The different types of rods and hooks:

To choose your fishing rod, nothing beats the advice of a professional. Whether it is carbon fiber, fiberglass, composite… Above all, keep in mind that the weight of the fishing rod and its rigidity are the main criteria. Here is a site to help you better understand your needs (fr).
Spinning, Casting, Spinning sea, Big baits, Ultra light… There are all kinds, but it would confuse your mind. The main thing to remember is that each fishing rod corresponds to a line, depending on the type of fish you want to catch.

Comfort equipment:

Fishing is above all a hobby of patience and you will have a good time there... So don't neglect a good folding seat.
You will stay in a wet area for a long time. In summer, think of protection against mosquitoes!
Finally, during spring and fall, a good rain jacket is essential.
Don't forget the boots either, to wade through the water if necessary.

Photo credit © Taylor Grote / Unsplash

What species can you fish in Périgord?

Let's discover together the species of salmonids, predators and white fish that you could find in the rivers and ponds of the Dordogne:

The salmonids found in our beautiful Périgord rivers are brown trout, grayling, brook salmon. There are sometimes a few introductions of rainbow trout in the fishing courses.
In the family of predators, the best known are perch, pike, black bass, catfish and zander.
For white fish, there is carp, rudd, ruffe, loach, goldfish, tench, dace, sculpin and common bream, gudgeon, minnow...
Eel fishing is quite unusual.
You can also meet some crayfish in the waterways, but they are rare.

Photo credit © Rick Wallace- Unsplash

The most fishy rivers in Périgord

We have taken a tour of Périgord for you to list the most interesting rivers for fishing. That said, whatever the spot, it's the angler's talent that makes the difference! The top 3 of the Périgord rivers with the most fish are:

Auvezere
La Loue
Read it

The Dronne is very nice for fishing from a boat. La Vézère, near Montignac, remains a good spot, even if the influx of canoe tourists can be disturbing. The same goes for the Dordogne, where the incessant ballet of barges and canoes can disturb the calm of your fishing sessions.

The good idea : Discover Limeuil in Périgord: where the Vézère meets the Dordogne (fr).

The Auvézère - Photo credit © Guide du Périgord

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Fishing lakes

With children or for beginners, the simplest is the fishing pond. We have selected for you the nicest bodies of water to please the whole family. Here are our favorite lake fishing spots:

In the Périgord Noir:

Tamniès ponds: for tench, carp, roach, pike, perch, gudgeon, zander and sturgeon. There are two ponds. The largest is ideal for swimming, with its leisure base. The smaller one is recommended for fishing.
At the Etangs du Bos: you will find roach, gudgeon, carp, tench, zander. No-kill is appreciated but not compulsory.
Fongran ponds in Thonac for trout and carp.
The Groléjac lake has beautiful specimens of white fish and predators, such as pike, zander, roach, bleak! There are also some migratory fish such as eels, or shad. Fishing on the lake is free and authorized by the municipality from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In the white Périgord:

The pond of La Barde at La Coquille is very fishy and also very popular with the many birds that come to nest and eat there.
Lac de Neufont is renowned for trout and carp.
Gurson lake: pike, zander, perch and black-bass. No-kill is compulsory on the small body of water “carpodrome”.

In the green Périgord:

The Coucou pond in Hautefort where fishing competitions are organized throughout the year.
Saint-Estèphe pond where you can fish for rainbow trout. It is replenished regularly.
The Mialet Reservoir, in the heart of the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park.
Lac de Rouffiac offers a certified fishing course.

In the purple Périgord:

The Pombonne lake in which you can fish for predators such as pike or black bass, but also rainbow trout. Natural bait is prohibited and limited to two hooks.

Regulations

Fishing is a family and convivial activity, but it must be practiced with respect for nature, the local fauna and flora. We give you a little reminder of the main rules to follow:

Read the fishing license carefully, with the authorized periods, restrictions and prohibitions.
Do not degrade natural spaces: pay attention to the flora when you walk on the banks and pick up your waste.
Have specific rods and hooks for fresh water.
Certain fishing techniques may be prohibited depending on the body of water or restricted.
No-kill may be mandatory in protected ecosystems.
Respect the number of captures authorized per person.

Find out more : The website of the Dordogne Fishing Federation (fr).

You are now ready for a fishing session in Périgord and we only have to wish you good catches.

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