Catfish
The catfish, the largest freshwater fish found in France, has been present in the Loire for several decades and reaches record sizes. To face this colossus in a wild environment, the Loire is indeed one of the favorite destinations in France. Even from the shore, it is possible to see them, and just watching them is worth the detour!
More information on catfish here: catfish fishing in the Loire.
The asp
Arrived more recently in the Loire, the asp is a fish which can be fished like no other in France, which makes its interest and its originality. In the Loire, the asp reach very nice sizes, 80 to 90 centimeters. A beautiful adversary to fight, especially as the asp is fished in areas subject to currents.
More information on the aspe here: the fishing of the asp in the Loire.
The barb
The barbel, very appreciated by anglers, is a species that can be caught with lures. For that, the ultra light remains the best solution, with leaded heads of very low weight and small soft lures, of worm, creature or shad shape, and of brown or dark green color.
Its fishing is largely done by sight. Once a fish is spotted, you must anticipate where it will pass and place the lure on the bottom. Thus, when the barbel will pass over it, there is a probability that it will suck the lure, thinking that it is an insect or a mollusc.
When to go to the Loire River ?
Summer and early fall are the best times to try for these three species, as the water is always clear and the water levels are low. This is the best time to fish for Asp and Barbel.
Any other species to fish for?
Apart from these three species that it is interesting to come and discover on the Loire, because they are not always present elsewhere, there are other fish that can be caught with lures. Like the pike, the perch, the chub, a little pike-perch and also, very rarely, of the ide mélanote, of what to have fun in a magic frame.
