Mountain lake fishing

Fishing in our rivers will soon close, but mountain lake fishing will remain open until early October. A great alternative to reservoirs, and just as productive.

Why mountain lake fishing?

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 magnificent, mountain lakes offer splendid scenery and high-quality water.

Because the average fish size is larger than in rivers. It's still important...

Because you can practice a variety of techniques. Most mountain lakes allow a wide range of fishing techniques (fly, lure, natural bait...).

What's more, it's also interesting to be able to fly-fish dry, nymph or streamer.

Because fishermen like to walk, and mountain lakes offer some very fine hiking trails. It's a great opportunity to combine two activities. And the more you walk, the more fish there will be, so don't hesitate to do a few extra kilometers....

Where?

Mountain lake fishing can be done in the Alps and Pyrenees, where most of France's mountain lakes are to be found.

Preferred positions are as follows:

• Water inlets and outlets.
• Drop-offs" (breaks between shallower and deeper parts).
• Shoals or submerged rocky tables.
• Banks swept by a crosswind or a headwind, preferably choose a position where the wind brings food to the surface (insects) and between two waters (larvae, minnows and fry pushed by the waves).

When?

Mountain lake fishing generally opens between early April and early May. Closing is at the beginning of October.

Fishing can be very difficult, and the best times are often early in the morning or in the evening...

How do you fish mountain lakes?

Firstly, in terms of equipment, the essentials are good walking shoes, warm clothing and a good backpack in which you can put all your gear and keep your hands free in case of a fall.  

Secondly, in terms of fishing equipment,

For fly fishing on mountain lakes:

• Cane #5/6
• Floating silk for dry and sight nymph fishing
• Diving silk for streamer fishing on drop-offs
• Silk basket (if not too bulky...)

And to launch it:

• Tip action rod, approx. 2.70 m long, for 5 to 20 gr. of power.
• 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 right solution 😉

With whom?

In the Pyrenees, we recommend guide Christophe BRUSAUD: http: //pyreneespeche.com

In Savoie, we recommend guide Jean-Christophe FRIANT: http: //www.savoiefishing.com

Don't hesitate to come and see us if you decide to go lake fishing in Haute-Savoie 😉

We hope you enjoyed the article. For further information, please feel free to send us an email in the "contact" section of our field & fish website .

Halieutically,

The Field & Fish team