Fishing in the Charente at Jarnac, discover the street fishing route

Fishing in Charente

Jarnac is a pretty commune known as the birthplace of François Mitterrand. This Charente village is also a destination of choice for its terroir, its cognac (to be enjoyed in moderation) and its Charente riverbanks, ideal for street fishing.

The route

The peaceful town of Jarnac is located in south-west France, in the Charente region.

In fact, it's this river that runs through the town in a picturesque, calm and highly pleasant setting.

The small town is known as the birthplace and resting place of President François Mitterrand.

It's also a popular spot for Cognac lovers, with some of the cellars adjoining the banks of the Charente.

The course offers many possibilities in terms of species to track and techniques to use. The upstream section is extremely wild, with a calm arm and a fast one.

Les bords de Charente sont très agréable à arpenter
The banks of the Charente are very pleasant to walk along

Downstream is wider and slower.

Hot spot

First of all, it's tempting to prospect downstream weirs, which oxygenate the water and provide comfort and food for the fish.

Some shallower or deeper pits are also very prolific.

The riverbanks should also be prospected, particularly for perch.

Special features

From chub to pike and black bass, there are plenty of species to catch in Jarnac.

Black bass are extremely wary and know their music.

Barbel can also be seen at the foot of bridge piers.

Une perche leurrée au micro jig en compétition
A perch baited with a micro jig in competition

A few large perch and pike-perch also prowl around, especially in autumn.

Dominant species

  • Poles
  • Pikelets
  • Sheepsheads

Microjigs and Texan light rigs give excellent results on chub, barbel and perch.

The larger swimming fish or shads often win over the pike, of which there are quite a few on the course.

Black bass, extremely educated and difficult to lure, may be seduced by a perfectly presented wacky worm...

Une perche pêchée le long de la berge sur la partie amont
A perch fished along the bank on the upstream section

Our tips for success

Using two rods is a good option. A light rod (L or UL) for sight fishing and the use of small, light lures, and a heavier M or MH rod to try and catch a pike, which is a very viable option on the Charente at Jarnac.

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