The lake alternative
Whether natural or dammed, first category lakes are relatively numerous in France. They offer wild landscapes, but are less poetic and bucolic than rivers. What they have in common is that they are fed by first-category rivers. Indeed, to reproduce, trout need the gravelly substrate and fresh, oxygenated water of rivers. A viable lake population cannot survive without the arrival of a river.
Fishing on these stretches of stagnant water is also perhaps less playful: no precise casts or careful drifting in currents. Here, you have to prospect and beat the ground. The fishing is no less technical, as you have to understand the positioning of the fish, determine the right spots and the lures of the day...
Most natural mountain lakes date back to the Ice Age. They are basins on the mountainside, filled with pure, fresh water - too fresh, in fact. At higher altitudes, it's not uncommon for lakes to be completely covered by a thick layer of ice, made throughout the winter. Fishing is therefore impossible during the opening season. Please note that in certain regions, these lakes are subject to specific opening and closing dates that differ from those of the first category and the national dates.
Lowland and reservoir lakes are the best alternative to capricious weather conditions. Only the wind can really thwart your desire to tackle a lake. Water levels remain relatively constant, as does turbidity. As for temperature, you'll need to find the depth at which the trout can hold on. The water column in lakes provides a temperature that allows trout activity almost all the time. Extrapolating a little, once you've found the depth where salmonids will be active, you'll find the layer of water where the temperature is most comfortable for trout.
Lake fishing
Lake fishing for trout is full of surprises. It can be a tedious business, as bites are often rarer than in rivers. But the size of the fish is worth the effort. Lake trout are predators, hunting rich and abundant prey. Minnows, gudgeon and even trout are the main victims of these predators.
For prospecting, opt for pisciform lures. Dense lures with a strong presence are ideal for hollow fishing and locating active salmonids. I prefer sinking swimbaits, wobbling spoons and soft lures such as finesse or shad. I prefer natural colors on lakes and rivers, alternating between flashy, natural and black...
On touchdown, you need to bridle hard and counter rushes. The fish don't help themselves to the current, but have an annoying tendency to want to reach the rocks that are abrasive to our lines...
Equipment for opening lake fishing
From an equipment point of view, I use a set quite similar to a combo for big rivers: ML or M (Medium Light or Medium) power rod 2.10 m long or even longer (2.50 m) to shoot far. A size 2500 reel is ideal. It can be fitted with fine PE 0.6 or PE 0.8 (14 to 18 lb) braid or 18 to 22/100 nylon. Because of its thinness and low elasticity, braid allows you to cast far and work your lure precisely at distance and depth. A landing net with a long handle will make it easier to catch trout. Don't neglect shoes, panniers and jackets, which should be adapted to rocky conditions.
For this opening, be sure to keep a close eye on the weather, and visit the banks of a few rivers or Vigicrue to check river flows and trends. These parameters will help you choose the strategy to follow and the waters to fish.
Happy opening!
