The Dordogne River offers wonderful opportunities for fishing.
Our house is situated on the river between Argentat and Beaulieu and is said by many to be the cleanest part of the Dordogne river. Here you can fish for grayling and there are also trout in this part of the river.
During the summer months the river is fairly shallow and we often watch the anglers wading in the water or fishing from the bank opposite. They appear to pass many a pleasant evening along the river banks when it is quiet and peaceful.
The picture header on this blog was taken, by us, not far from our house.
Imagine the peace and utter bliss of a time spent in the cooling water, making its way westwards, whilst buzzards hover on the thermals above the rock face, at the bottom of your own garden.
The fishing seasons vary but to give an idea of the fishing season, the following maybe useful.
Fishing is allowed during the season only from half an hour before dawn to half an hour after sunset
Grayling: The grayling season is from 13th March to 21st November inclusive.
Pike: The Pike season is from the 3rd Saturday in April to the last Sunday in January. Pike under 50cms are to be returned to the river.
Salmon: Salmon fishing is not allowed on the Dordogne.
Sea Trout: Sea Trout fishing is not allowed on the Dordogne
Shad: From mid May to Mid June.
Trout: The season opens on the 2nd Saturday of March and closes on the 3rd Sunday of September. Fish under 25 cms must be returned to the water alive. You have the right to take 6 fish per person per day but fish stocks of the wild fish are unsustainable at this level so a policy of ‘no kill’ is encouraged and appreciated.
Zander: The season is from the 2nd Saturday in May to the 3rd Saturday in January.
It is a legal requirement to buy a fishing permit or “Carte de Pêche”. Rivers are patrolled by gendarmes and by ‘gaurdians de pêche’ to ensure that anglers have one. “The Carte de Pêche de Vacances” is valid for 15 consecutive days and currently costs in the region of 30 Euro’s, this can be used between 1st June and 30th November.
After 30th November and before the 1st June an annual permit is obligatory. This currently costs in the region of 60 Euros though prices may vary from department to department. It may be used for the whole year but only in one department. You can add another 45 departments by purchasing a stamp of the Club Halieitique so your total annual cost will be about 84 euros, which is a little more than one euro a week and no driving or parking problems!
