In Lozère, lake fishing is popular: it opened this Saturday in Naussac and Villefort

L'ouverture au lac de Naussac, sur la retenue d'eau, ce samedi 10 f̩vrier 2024. MIDI LIBRE РTHIERRY CHARAMOND

Before the general opening on March 9, fishing is already permitted on the lakes of Naussac and Villefort, in Lozère.

It is raining on this opening day of fishing on the lakes of Villefort and Naussac, in Lozère. Classified as large inland mountain lakes, they are entitled to an early opening for certain species, before the big day of March 9, 2024. 

"Formerly, poses the president of the departmental fishing federation, Pierre Vlahovitch, in Lozère , the opening was the general one, at the beginning of March. The rest was anecdotal. Now, lake fishing is attracting more and more s." This February 10 is therefore a date that counts, while lake fishing now attracts 20 to 30% of fishermen. Especially since the department is well equipped with enthusiasts of this leisure activity: 14,000 fishing permits are listed. 

Trout and predators

Each of these lakes has its own specificity. That of Villefort is "the flagship lake at the start of the season“, estimates Sébastien Cabane, president of the AAPPMA (Approved Association for Fishing and Protection of Aquatic Environments) of Mende. Since this Saturday, February 10, 2024, you can fish for perch, but especially rainbow trout. That of Naussac, even if it is also home to trout, is more attractive to predator fishermen, zander and perch (the pike will open later, see box), explains Grégory Richard, facilitator with the federation. ;: "These are larger fish, between 60cm and 1m while trout often measure around thirty centimeters. We catch a pretty fish, take a photo of ourselves with it, and often put it back into the water."

Fishing in the lakes of Lozère

Lac de Naussac. Brown trout from March 9 to September 15; pike from April 27 to December 31; zander from February 10 to March 10 and from June 8 to December 31. Other species, from February 10 to December 31.

Lac de Villefort. Brown trout from March 9 to September 15; cristivomer, from March 9 to September 15. Other species, from February 10 to October 27. 

Lake of Charpal. From May 25 to December 31. No-kill fishing only (the fish must be released). Species: perch, pike, cyprinids. 

In all cases, a fishing license is required.

"These are two lakes conducive to the development of the fishing hobby", insists the president. Also, the federation is working to revitalize the sites, which both host fishing houses. That of Villefort, for example, has just reopened with a new manager. In addition to a catering service, it will be able to issue small equipment, permits, and will offer boats for rental, half of which are electric motors. Please note that on Lake Charpal, only electric motors are authorized.

The fisherman's paradise

At the same time, river fishing of course still has its devotees. It was she who made Lozère famous as a fishermen's paradise. A reputation which is not usurped, according to Pierre Vlahovitch: "When we speak to fishermen who are not from Lozériens, whom we quote  Truyère, Bès, Allier or even Tarn, these are evocative words. Lozère remains one of the leading fishing destinations in France." The most popular area remains the Lot valley, whether downstream or upstream of Mende. "It's the river that has the strongest attraction. It attracts fishermen from all over France", insists Sébastien Cabane.

Fario or rainbow

Trout is a carnivorous fish from the Salmonidae family. Brown trout and rainbow trout are found in Lozère. Brown trout is a wild trout, while rainbow trout is a farmed trout. the rainbow trout which are released into the rivers and lakes of Lozère come from the federal fish farm of Trémoulis, in La Canourgue.

The federation is well aware of this, and develops and encourages events and activities around fishing, whether in a river or a lake. Sixteen AAPPMAs cover the departmental territory, and seven nature fishing workshops introduce people to the practice of fishing and raise awareness of environmental preservation.

For any information on regulations, activities, fishing news in Lozère, contact the departmental fishing federation, 12 avenue Paulin-Daudé in Mende, on the internet, at 04 66 65 36 11 or info@lozerepeche.com  I subscribe to read more