COME FISHING IN THE LIMOUSIN

The Limousin is known as the land of a thousand lakes - they're not far wrong actually. The area has many peaceful lakes and slow moving rivers that rarely get crowded with other anglers.

There are large lakes of over 100 hectares, smaller municipal lakes, rivers and private fisheries offering the travelling angler many opportunities to fish for the quarry of their choice. In the Haute-Vienne alone we have 6500 km of category 1 rivers, 400km of category 2 rivers, 190 hectares of category 1 lakes and 1800 hectares of category 2 lakes. Enough for the most ardent angler.

Or if you are "The Occasional Angler" who just likes to fish if the opportunity presents itself, we can cater for you with complete tackle hire available. See below for details.

Just this year a fishery has opened a mere 10 mins away from us that offers trout fishing on one lake using fly, worm or bait, and another much larger lake offering carp, pike, and perch fishing. The owner, Patrick, is a charming frenchman who fishes himself so he knows the needs of anglers. His plans for 2008 include a toilet and shower block and a small café offering snacks and drinks. As this is a private fishery, you do not need any permits whatsoever. You just pay Patrick per session. His prices are very keen - for example 5 hours trout fishing for just 13 euros, that's about 9 quid and you can take 7 fish!!! Compare that to UK prices! The fishery is in a peaceful part of the countryside and not over fished at all. For full details of his tariffs please click HERE.

Just 10 minutes to the east there is a beautiful and well stocked lake which offers you fishing for carp, not the famous French 50lb+ monsters but fish up to around 5lb which can give you superb sport on light tackle. Once again you do not need any permits or licences to fish the lake. This year you paid just 3 euros for half a day and 5 euros for a full day. You can if you wish take a few carp for tea......not something we have tried I have to say. The lake can be fished using normal coarse methods or if you fancy a change - try carp fishing on the fly. A customer of ours this year had some success with this method.

photo of Ryan by Jodi.

If you prefer wandering the river banks, you will need to buy a permit. These will be available at our farmhouse next year and will cost 10 euros for a one day permit (available from January - December) or 32 euros for a 15 day holiday permit (Available from June - December)Both of these permits allow you to fish only in the Haute Vienne region of the Limousin.

The River Vienne that meanders through our region holds many species of fish including carp, pike, perch, zander and a few species which we have seen, but not caught, so we are not sure exactly what they are.

Just a short walk from the farmhouse we have the River Tardoire, a small babbling brook. Our local club stock the river from March onwards and it's any method. Fly fishing can be difficult once spring starts as the growth rate of the riverside vegetation is very quick. The locals prefer using a small spinner or minnow to catch the trout. There are a few roach in the river too.

Most airlines are now charging a lot of pennies to bring your fishing tackle over to France, up to 40 pounds for 1 rod!!! So we offer you the easy solution.

A range of tackle for both fly and coarse fishing which can be hired on a weekly or daily basis .

We have the following Fly fishing outfits:

8'0" # 3/4 Greys GRX 2Pc Rod
8'6" # 4/5 Greys GRX 2Pc Rod x 2
9'0" # 5/6 Greys GRX 2Pc Rod
9'0" # 5 Lefty Kreh TiCr 4Pc Rod
9'0" # 8 Tiemco 4Pc Rod

We charge 25 euros per week for an outfit or 5 euros per day. There is a refundable deposit of 25 euros payable per outfit. All that we ask is that the gear is returned in good order and clean condition. Any damage may be deducted from the deposit.

All of the above are supplied with fly reel, floating fly line, leader and landing net. All you need are your favourite flies and accessories.
We normally stock flies and tapered leaders here if you run short. A comprehensive fly tying kit* is also at your disposal and a substantial library of books on fly fishing/ coarse fishing to sit and read in the evening with an ice cool beer............sounds good............ yes?
* whilst materials are supplied for no charge, there is a small charge for fly tying hooks.

Professional fly casting tuition is available too. Tony holds the STANIC(Trout) qualification. Tuition can cover roll casts, overhead casts, single and double haul casts, and casts for overcoming adverse wind direction and moving water. An introduction to entomology is freely available. Tuition costs are 25,00 euros per hour unless you are a guest at Le Petit Verger or La Vue in which case there is a reduction of 5 euros.

Coarse Fishing Outfits:

We have 6 complete kits giving you the following:

Fladen Warbird 12 foot 3 piece carbon match rod with SIC rings.
Fixed spool reel with 7 ball bearings.
Line fitted to the reel.
Keep net with bank stick
Landing net.
Bank stick with rod rest.
Tackle box with most of the goodies that you will need.
Floats and weights etc are readily available at our local supermarket which is just 4 kilometres away.
Believe it or not the supermarket also sells maggots, worm and groundbait.....

We charge 25 euros per week for an outfit or 5 euros per day. There is a refundable deposit of 25 euros payable per outfit. All that we ask is that the gear is returned in good order and clean condition. Any damage may be deducted from the deposit.

As can be seen from the above we can cater for up to 6 anglers. Our sister gite being run by Keith and Margaret should be ready for occupation early 2008 - Watch this space.........................................................................