Fishing

A day of fishing Those in the know can always find a spot where the fish are likely to bite. In nice weather, fishing is the perfect way to spend a day relaxing. © Johnny Stockshooter - age fotostock

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With its 1740 mi of rivers, rapids and streams, the Lozère is one of the most attractive fishing destinations in the whole of France.
This should come as no surprise given that all of the region's watercourses are classed as first-class, and fishermen can choose between the Lot, the Tarn, the Truyère and the mountain lakes for slightly more sporty fishing.
The area's water quality really comes up trumps when it comes to the wealth of diversity of fish life, and fishing enthusiasts may, with a bit of luck, enjoy the sight of pretty brown trout (or another fish from the salmon family) in their landing net.
'No Kill' zones: the 'Fédération Départementale de Pêche de la Lozère' local fishing department and AAPPMA (a registered association for fishing and the protection of water environments) have put in place 26 'No Kill' zones in Lozère.
In these zones, only fly fishing is allowed, and it is forbidden to keep any fish caught. The zones in question can be accessed free of charge; all you need to do is pay the fishing tax and standard fee for fishing in first-class waters.
Recreational fishing zones.
The 'Fédération Départementale de Pêche de Lozère' local fishing department has also put in place three zones for recreational family fishing.
'Etang Saint Léger du Malzieu', a pond in the northern part of the area, is open for fishing from the 30th April on weekends and national holidays until the 30th June, from 9:00am to 12:00pm and from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.
It then opens daily at the same times from the 1st July to the 3rd Sunday in September.
The 'Etang de la Bastide' pond, to the east, opens for fishing from the 30th April on weekends and national holidays until the 30th June, from 9:00am to 12:00pm and from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.
It then opens daily at the same times from the 1st July to the 3rd Sunday in September.
'Etang de Barrandon' pond, on Mont Lozère in the centre, opens daily from the 14th May to the 3rd Sunday in September, from 9:00am to 12:00pm and from 2:00pm to 7:00pm.
On this pond, a special zone has been designated to instruct and practise fly fishing.
Fédération de la Lozère pour la Pêche et la Protection du Milieu Aquatique:
12, avenue Paulin Daudé - 48000 Mende, France.
Tel.: +33 (0)4 66 65 36 11.