Exceptional throughput
When I usually fish the Verdon, the average flow is a minimum reserved flow released by the Quinson dam, 6 cubic meters per second. However, this year, torrential rains in south-eastern France caused some impressive flooding. On the eve of the opening, 150 cubic meters were rushing down the river, and the weather was not favorable either. A few days later, after the flow had risen to over 230 cubic meters, it was time to discover the ravages of the water and try to decide on a fish.
When we arrived, we quickly realized that the lower part of the river was far too dirty to have any chance of hooking a trout. The riverbanks are flooded, making fishing difficult with all the trees and bushes preventing us from passing even a Texan lure.
Change of plan
To avoid moping around all day or turning back after 1 h 30 of driving, we decide to explore upstream in search of a calm area or clear water. On the way, I find a small arm where the flow is relatively reasonable, but the water is still very dirty. However, I'm starting to spot chub on the edges, under the foliage. The aim being to catch a trout, I continue on my way without paying too much attention.
Despite our best efforts, we couldn't decide on a fish, as the algae, branches and leaves carried by the current prevented us from fishing properly. I take the opportunity to try out the most visible colors possible, thinking it might make a difference, but the result is the same everywhere we go.
The empty nest
After a few hours without touching, I return to the small backwater and start targeting chub. Under a submerged tree, I spot two fish of about 40 centimetres and casually cast my shad, not imagining that one of them might bite. Chub are usually very shy and it's easier to bite a trout than a chub. In clear water with no flow, they wander nonchalantly along the edges without paying attention to the lures. However, one of the two fish begins to emerge from its hiding place and rushes in the direction my lure is supposed to go. So I let my lure hover, thread taut, it disappears into the chocolate water and I catch a nice chestnut.
This chub had no hesitation in swallowing a rather unusual 4-inch green and red shad. After a few photos, it returned to its environment in great shape and was the only fish of the opening. Sometimes fishing can be tough, but you have to adapt and make do with what you've got!
