Fishing in the Alps

Wild landscapes in slow mode

Recharging by the water

Your line is taught and cuts through the surface of the crystal water. While you wait for the trout to take the bait, you let your gaze wander around this lush green decor and the Alpine peaks. The air is brisk, there’s a blazing sun and only the lapping of the water and birdsong to break the silence. Reconnect with nature, slow down, and smile as you remember some lovely childhood memories… There are only good reasons for fishing in the Alps. Especially as fishing, one of the timeless pleasures takes you where you choose to go: to the banks of a high mountain lake for hikers, with a good picnic for foodies, in no-kill mode for those who wish (a practice which means you release the fish after having caught it). A real joy for adventurers and even those who are less, those with a passion for fishing and novices.

High up in the French southern Alps

In the Hautes-Alpes, fishing enthusiasts often hope to come across Mediterranean brown trout with its back and sides marked with little black spots. Whether you are an enthusiast or a novice, with 1,700 km of Category 1 watercourses (see below “Fishing in the Alps, What you should know”) and 300 km of Category 2, the Hautes-Alpes are heaven for all types of fishermen.
Adventurers searching for wild environments can climb up high to reach the basin heads – where the Guil, Drac or Clarée rivers and their tributaries originate. The cold, crystal waters remain pure after the snowmelt. In introductory or discovery mode, to tame your fishing rod or just make the most of the accessible spots, the “parcours attractifs” sectors on the plain are perfect.

Interactive map of fishing spots in the Hautes-Alpes

Guide to fishing in the Hautes-Alpes

In a valley full of character in the Mercantour

Life is sweet on the banks of the Tinée, which winds along the foot of the high cliffs in the Mercantour National Park. You’ll see the forests and the surrounding Alpine pastures, which bear witness to the valley’s rich pastoral tradition, with one eye on the float – which is already bobbing! The Tinée, with a high fish population, especially for trout, very rarely disappoints the fisherman, and you’ll seldom leave empty-handed.

Our favourite spots are Saint-Etienne-de-Tinée, an authentic Alpine village on the hillside, and Saint-Sauveur-sur-Tinée, with its tall old houses, some of which have kept their slate roofs. A little Alpine fishing Eldorado with 45 km of river, many valleys and 22 lakes.

Interactive map of fishing spots in the Alpes-Maritimes

Guide to fishing in the Alpes-Maritimes

At the limits of the Alps and Provence

Get yourself comfortable and cast a line, but keep your eyes peeled: in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, mythical places can be great fishing playgrounds where fishing becomes a journey. Settle on the banks of the Verdon, the emblematic river which flows through the biggest canyon in Europe to the Lake of Castillon – full of salmon. We recommend the Pont du Moulin or the Pont d’Ondres itinerarie as fishing spots. The latter offers a sublime morning light over the Verdon Valley. In the Haute-Ubaye, you can try the legendary Col de la Bonette in Jausiers, a key spot on the Tour de France with the highest road in Europe. At the Clapouse torrent, complete serenity. Let’s not forget the Blanche itinerary from the village of Selonnet, where the river winds gracefully beside the prairies and undergrowth. And the itinerary around the hamlet of Aurent, in the wild setting of the Coulomp, where trout reign supreme.

Interactive map of fishing spots in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence

Fishing in the Alps, what you should know

Categories and opening dates
Fishing is regulated in France to preserve water environments and fish species. Watercourses, lakes and artificial lakes where you can fish are divided into two categories:

– Category 1 spots: Mainly populated by trout, char, grayling and other salmonids. Open from the 2nd Saturday of March to the 3rd Sunday in September inclusive.
– Category 2 spots: All the others. Fishing is authorised all year round but limited for certain species.
– Mountain lakes: fishing authorised from the 3rd Saturday in June to the last Sunday in October.

Fishing licence
A fishing licence issued by AAPPMA (Association agréée de pêche et de protection des milieux aquatiques) is compulsory.

Supervised activity
To get off to a good start, we recommend you use the services of a qualified fishing guide instructor.

Hautes-Alpes
Alpes Maritimes
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence