FISHING ON THE RIVER DORDOGNE

Back

The course of the river covered by French Affair really divides itself into three sections. From Argentat down to Beaulieu; from Beaulieu down to the confluence of the Vézère at Limeuil, and from Limeuil down to the river Garonne. At least for one outing we would recommend the services of a local fishing guide.

From Argentat to Beaulieu
In the first of these three sections the river is cleanest, and is particularly interesting because you can fish for grayling, though there are also trout in this part of the river. Fishing is most often done from the bank or by wading. On the last day of the 2004 grayling season, M Reix, local fishing guide, reported catching 14 grayling with friends and loosing another 15. So there are fish to be caught. He and his friends were fishing with a fly from the bank.

From Beaulieu to Limeuil
The section from Beaulieu down to Limeuil is also clean, fast flowing and except in spate relatively shallow. This is a good part of the river for trout, though fishing is usually done in the evening when there is less activity on the river. You will usually fish from the bank or by wading. Please note that west of Beaulieu the grayling season is closed all year though you can fish for trout from the 12th March to 18th September.

From Limeuil westwards
After Limeuil the hydroelectric barrage at Lalinde slows the river down. It becomes much shallower again then deeper once it passes Bergerac, after which there is good pike and carp fishing. A good house for this part of the river is Béarnaisse, which is right on the river. The owner of this house knows the river well and can indicate good spots from which to fish. Shad also comes up the river Dordogne as far as Bergerac.

The river Lisle at Monpon Monesterol
You can fish for a wide range of fish here, mostly coarse fish and clearly the house at Le Vieux Port, right on the river is ideally placed for this.

You will need to know the opening and closing dates of the fishing season shown below of the fish in which you are interested. You will also need a fishing permit. It will save you time to order one from French Affair when you book your house.

French Affair houses that are conveniently located for the sections of the river above:

Argentat to Beaulieu: 114, 125
Beaulieu to Limeuil: 101, 103, 106, 114, 121, 125
Limeuil westwards: 104, 113, 119, 112, 125
The river Dronne: 121, 123, 120

2008 FISHING SEASONS ON THE RIVER DORDOGNE WEST OF BEAULIEU

For all fresh water fishing you will need a fishing permit.

You can fish from half an hour before to sunrise to half an hour after sunset. In practical terms, for most of June, July, August and September it will be best to fish from the late afternoon onwards.

Grayling
The grayling season is closed west of Beaulieu.

Pike
The Pike season is from the 12th March to 18th September on 1st Category water and 16th April to 31st December on 2nd Category water.

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
The shad season is closed all year on 1st Category water and open 1st February to 30th June on 2nd Category water.

Trout:
The season opens on the 12th March and closes on the 18th 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 12th March to 18th September on 1st Category water and 18th May to 31st December on 2nd Category water.

Black Basse
The season is from 12th March to 18th September on 1st Category water and 12th June to 31st December on 2nd Category water.

Gudgeon
The season is from 11th June to the 18th September on 1st Category water and 11th June to 31st December on 2nd Category water.

Other fish
12th March to 18th September on 1st Category water and all year on 2nd Category water.