Fishing the Dordogne rivers

March 6, 2008

Carp fishing, cat fishing, trout, and even salmon and let’s not not forget course and pike fishing are just some of the fishing  that you can enjoy in the Dordogne.
Some places cater for the dedicated angler, whilst others are more for a family fishing holiday with accommodation supplied, and with so many types of fishing holidays available, do spend time looking around.

If you like trout fishing, do think ahead as you would need to book from around the middle to end of March up until around the first week of September, as this is only time you are allowed to fish for trout in France.

In certain areas of France, salmon fishing is prohibited all year, so it is always best to check on the area you are going, prior to thinking that you will be able to get a licence for fly fishing, just like that.

And you must have a fishing licence to fish in rivers, streams and lakes throughout Dordogne unless these are privately owned or booked as a fishing holiday with all holiday licence requirements included.

A fishing licence can usually be obtained from the local fishing tackle shop or alternatively from the local bar or tabac.

There are numerous different regulations as to what type of fish you can catch, when you are allowed to catch certain species of fish and what equipment you are allowed to fish with.

For some, this can be a daunting prospect, especially if you are not fluent in French, and although in some areas it will be easier than others to organise your fishing venue and licence, it is often easier to pre-organise a fishing holiday.

When it comes to catfish and carp fishing, you can get a licence to do this in the local rivers, but the majority of people will want to opt for a carp fishing holiday on a dedicated lake.  And when you go to a dedicated lake for carp fishing, cat fishing, etc, then you will not have to worry about getting your own individual licence as this will already have either been sorted out by the travel agency or the owner under their regulations. 

Also, night fishing is prohibited in a lot of places in the Dordogne, but when on a private fishing lake, or if with the correct licence on certain waters, this can be allowed.  If not, then you can only fish half hour after sunrise to half hour before sunset.

But did you realise that there are some fish that have been classified as ‘vermin’ and must not be put back into the water?  In fact, they must not be transported and must be killed, otherwise you could end up with a fine!  This is yet another reason why it is sometimes best to arrange your fishing holiday or excursions prior to arriving in the Dordogne !

For an excellent Fishing holiday in the Dordogne we highly reccommend Sweet Chestnut Lake Fishing holidays. click here for more info

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