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Trout opening: river or lake?
France boasts tens of thousands of kilometers of first-category rivers. All these rivers offer different flow rates, geologies and temperatures, but all have one thing in common: they are home to salmonids. Each one has its own charm, its own assets, its own characteristics that may or may not justify a visit.
The choice is vast, and what often limits an angler is the distance he has to travel to reach his chosen playground. First-class river facies differ from region to region, and you need to adapt accordingly. Among all the possibilities, lakes are an alternative not to be overlooked. Here's how to make the most of our rivers and lakes for the long-awaited opening of trout fishing.
River opening
First category rivers, also known simply as "trout rivers", are mountain streams or lowland rivers. They may be tributaries of other watercourses, small rivers or tributaries of lakes. What they all have in common is that they are dominated by salmonids. So it's natural for a trout angler to want to fish his favorite stream.
In addition to their trout populations, these rivers offer a variety of facets for anglers.
Small streams and torrents that are difficult to access often, with a little effort, many fish can be caught. Small streams are often home to modest-sized fish. These trout have the advantage of being wild salmonids, "natives" of the stream, with characteristic colors. These are tricky spots to tackle at the start of the season. The banks are often overgrown or the geology is impenetrable, making it difficult, tedious and slow to move along them. Wading is more suitable, but risks endangering late eggs present on the last spawning grounds and gravel pits. I can only advise against wading at the start of the season.
Lure anglers, still "rusty", will have to demonstrate their skill and precision from the outset of the season to cast their small swimming fish or spinning spoon over spots that are often congested or even tricky. A good knowledge of the area acquired in previous seasons is a major asset. It's tricky to set off into the unknown on the first day of the season. Catching salmonids in such conditions can be fun and rewarding.
A UL (Ultra Lightweight) set consisting of a short rod (1.40 m to 1.80 m) combined with a small reel (1000 or 2000) with a high retrieve ratio will be ideal for upstream prospecting. A few small sinking swimbaits, wobbling spoons and spinners will help you catch those coveted salmonids. Don't forget your landing net, which allows you to secure the catch, immortalize it, reoxygenate it and release it in optimal conditions.
In lowland rivers with larger rivers and greater flows, you'll come across more anglers eager to do battle. Fishing can be tricky as soon as you find a place to park! You'll need to get there early and prepare your gear the day before. These rivers are often easy and affordable to access, just a few minutes' walk from a parking spot. Populations vary from stream to stream, but big fish can be caught, which is what brings so many people to the water's edge...
Farmed fish, rainbow trout, brown trout or char may have been released to satisfy anglers wanting to catch a fish for the event. Rather than canvassing long stretches of river, you'll need to focus on marked spots to find a trout. Downstream fishing is then more relevant. Weirs, slowing of the current in pools or hollow bends are essential positions where fish "stock up".
An intermediate-ratio reel will be perfect for this purpose. The action of the rod will depend on the technique you prefer: swimming fish, metal lures, soft lures... A 2.10m Fast action rod is relatively versatile and will cover all these techniques. A size 2000 to 2500 reel fitted with 16 to 20/100 nylon will enable you to conquer beautiful fish while fishing efficiently. A clearly visible coloured nylon will facilitate control of the streamer and precise drifting of the lure.
Weather and flow
In addition to the angler's desire to fish a particular area, there's another important aspect to consider: the weather! Trout are sensitive to variations in water temperature, flow and color. This can make fishing tricky.
Because at the start of the season, conditions can range from mild to very difficult. Late snows can make fishing difficult, as well as complicated and even dangerous. The snowmelt that takes place in many mountainous regions during March and April keeps the water very cold and the flow high.
As far as flow is concerned, I advise you to spend some time on the Vigicrue website, where you can see the flow and head of water in almost real time for the river you want (often the main rivers in France). The recordings also allow you to see trends, whether the flow is falling or rising.
Another tip: a wavy curve with a regular frequency can also give valuable indications. Large-amplitude waves often indicate "mechanical" river management and the presence of a dam or lock. Water is released regularly, creating these large waves in the vigicrue... recordings. The advantage is that the flow will be regulated on this type of watercourse, even if small rainfall events occur.
Peaks represent bad weather, or more or less brief periods during which there is an inflow of water. Peaks followed by a rapid drop in flow materialize short, intense rainfall (a thunderstorm, for example). Rounded "peaks" indicate rain that is not very intense, but of relatively long duration. Finally, gentle rises in flow followed by a slow fall are the sign of snowfall, which gradually feeds the river as it melts.
Water flow will also influence fish activity. Too much water or too much commotion, and the fish will cut short their search for food and settle into the pools. Moreover, fishing will be a difficult exercise in currents that are too powerful, as the lure will be swept away too quickly by the force of the water.
Turbid, sediment-laden water with a high tint will not augur well for quality fishing either. Salmonids are sensitive to the density of particles in the water and will tend to slow down their activity if the water is too heavy. Less movement means less oxygen requirement and less circulation of "charged" water through the gills.
The last parameter you need to know is temperature. A simple thermometer immersed in the water will tell you this in a minute. A water temperature that's too cool can slow down the activity of lethargic salmonids.
