La Dordogne river is one of the best known spots for angling in France, sought after by locals and visitors alike. This beautiful 483 kilometer long river flows along much of south-west France and creates along its path perfect conditions for many fishes to thrive and for anglers to enjoy catching them.
The river and its basin has been since 2012 a UNESCO natural heritage site and is part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. It is definitely an anglers paradise, but also a great place to do some tourism. The river goes through majestic cliffs, medieval towns, deep lakes, river side pastures and more.
About the river
Besides being one of France's most important rivers and a UNESCO natural heritage site, the river is also known for being one of the few rivers in the world with a tidal bore at its delta in the Gironde estuaries.
What to fish
La Dordogne is home to many fish species including: graylings, salmon, trout, silure (Wels Catfish), pike and zander (keep in mind it that fishing for salmon is not allowed). Trouts in the Dordogne reach in average 30 cm and graylings 35 cm just to give you an idea. As for predators like the silure, last year a 2,58 meter long specimen was caught there. There's definitely a bit of everything for all kinds of anglers.
Fishing season
The fishing season in La Dordogne varies, depending on the lake or stretch of the river or tributaries where you want to fish. Along the main Dordogne river one can fish all year long except from around January to April/May for certain fish species like pike, zander, and black bass. Trout fishing is also closed from September to December. Tributary rivers differ.
Fishing licenses
As for the size and amount fish that you are allowed to keep it is important to check in each department and stretch of the river you are in, for there are inforced restrictions you shouldn't miss. You need a licence all along the river to fish, unless off course you go fishing with a guide that will take care of your licences. Don't forget to check out our map if you are looking for a guide or anything else you might need on a fishing trip to la Dordogne.
Other activities
La Dordgone is also a perfect place for water sports. Canoeing and kayaking are some of the favorite ways to admire the region's magic countryside and some of the calmer parts of the rivers which you would't see otherwise. You can also practice stand-up paddle, sailing and water skiing, and if you need an extra adrenaline there are some stretches where you can do some rafting. A great way to change gears and move around a bit between your fishing sessions.
Nearby places to visit
La Dordogne, being such a long river has many amazing places along the way. Some of the coolest sites are the caves of Montignac, Lascaux and Les Eyzies-de-Tayax, classic grounds for the study of the Paleolithic man. There are also a number of castles along the river like that of Lanzac, Belcastel and La Treyne. You will also find old fortresses and beautiful villages on cliffs and along the river which are worth visiting like those of La Roque Gageac and Beynac-et-Cazenac.
What are you waiting for? Contact one of our local guides or anglers in the area, look at our map and find everything you will need for your trip and don't forget to share the photos with all of us on the app.
Image sources: Wikipedia and Chevesne Hunter
