Alsace's rivers
Alsace is crossed by several rivers and streams with high asp densities. The best-known rivers include the Rhine the international river famous for its power and wealth of asps.
Marking the border with our German neighbors, the Rhine has been extensively rectified and developed for various local economic uses. These modifications (creation of a canal, maintenance of an old Rhine) have certainly greatly disrupted the initial ecological functionality of the environment, but present an extremely varied range of spots for asp fishing.
L'Ill this river, the main tributary of the Rhine in Alsace, is well known to all self-respecting asp anglers. With its highly diversified morphology, the river offers a multitude of spots and good asp densities, almost to the point of being classified as a 1st category river in the Haut-Rhin region.
Crossing the two départements and the three main towns of Alsace, there are many very productive street-fishing routes. Notable among these is the route through Mulhouse: the Ill, the new basins and the RhÃ'ne au Rhin canal. But also the Colmar area from the port to the Lauchâeuros-Ill confluence. Not forgetting the enormous potential of Strasbourg, where asp fishing in the city has delighted street-fishermen for years.
Moder, Sauer all the canals and adjoining environments classified as second category represent very good runs, often less pressurized. Good populations are also found in certain gravel pits, permanently or temporarily connected to flowing environments. From the north to the south of the region, each river and body of water has its own particular characteristics, offering diverse habitats and areas conducive to the species' development.
Aspe fishing zones
To maximize the chances of a successful outing, it's important to know which areas are suitable for the species. In general, eddies, swift currents and pit entrances are places where asps like to gather in search of food. Submerged structures, riprap, end of riffles, beaches, pools, sills and confluences are all ideal positions for stalking asps on the Ill and medium-sized rivers. On the canalised Rhine, we prefer the inside of bends with riprap. Indeed, the presence of rocks is a feature of many productive stations.
On the Old Rhine, the search for old groynes resulting from the first rectification in the early 19th century is a good approach, as are accelerations, riffles and old watchtowers.
In the Bas-Rhin department, downstream of the last dam, the riverbanks are reinforced by a number of highly visible groynes, well known to asp fishermen. Beware, however, of possible submergence when passing a barge.
In the Haut-Rhin department (the more upstream of the two), the flow and morphology of the rivers make for thrilling sight-fishing and the selection of the prettiest fish.
Depending on the season and local conditions, it is advisable to look for areas where the asp is most likely to be active and where the chances of capture are highest. The species' habits and ecology will be discussed in greater detail in subsequent articles.
