Fishing in our rivers will soon close but fishing in mountain lakes will remain open until early October. A great alternative to reservoirs, and one that can be just as productive .
Why fishing in mountain lakes?
Firstly because the rivers are closed and the lakes allow us to continue to practice our passion.
Because the setting for mountain lake fishing is often beautiful, mountain lakes offer a splendid landscape and high quality water.
Because the average size of the fish is bigger than in the river. This is still important...
Because you can practice different techniques. Most mountain lakes allow many different fishing techniques (fly, lure, natural bait...)
Moreover, it is also interesting to be able to fly fish as well in dry, as in nymph or streamer.
Because the fisherman likes to walk and the mountain lakes offer beautiful hiking trails. It's an opportunity to combine two activities. And the more you walk, the more fish there will be, so don't hesitate to do a few more kilometers....
Where?
Mountain lake fishing can be done in the Alps and the Pyrenees because most of the mountain lakes in France are located there.
Preferred positions are as follows:
- The water inlets and eventually the outlets.
- The "drops" (breaks between the shallow parts and the deeper parts).
- Shoals or submerged rocky tables.
- Banks swept by a crosswind or a headwind, preferably choose a position where the wind brings food on the surface (insects) and between two waters (larvae, minnows and fry pushed by the waves)
When?
The opening of fishing in mountain lakes is generally between the beginning of April and the beginning of May. The closing is at the beginning of October
Fishing can be very difficult and the best times are often in the early morning or evening...
How to fish in a mountain lake?
First of all, in terms of equipment, the essentials are good walking shoes, warm clothes and a good backpack in which you can put all your equipment and keep your hands free in case you fall.
Then, in terms of fishing equipment,
For fly fishing in mountain lakes:
- Cane #5/6
- Floating silk for dry fishing and sight nymphing
- Diving silk for streamer fishing
- Silk basket (if not too bulky...)
And to launch it:
- Rod of action of point of approximately 2m70 for a power from 5 to 20gr.
- A light braid with a leader between 16/100 and 12/100 depending on the weight of your lure.
- The type of lure depends on the configuration of the lake and the behavior of the fish. It's up to you to find the solution 😉
With whom?
In the Pyrenees, we recommend the guide Christophe BRUSAUD: http://pyreneespeche.com
In Savoie, we recommend the guide Jean-Christophe FRIANT: http://www.savoiefishing.com
Don't hesitate to come and see us if you decide to go fishing in the lakes of Haute-Savoie 😉
We hope you enjoyed the article. For more information, feel free to send us an email in the "contact" section of our field & fish website.
Halieutically,
The Field & Fish team
