Fishing in Lozère: street fishing on the Lot at Chanac and Mende

Fishing in Lozère on the Lot. © Morgan Calu

Chanac and Mende are two Lozère towns crossed by the River Lot. Both are very pleasant places to fish, especially in summer.

On the river Lot

Chanac and Mende are two Lozère towns located on the River Lot. Their proximity makes them two fairly similar courses to tackle, with almost identical populations. Apart from the fishing, the surroundings are also very pleasant. The courses are dotted with old bridges and buildings, all in the Lozère department, known for its peace and quiet.

It's an ideal spot for trout, large chub and barbel fishing, and is classified as a first-class fish river.

First and foremost, you need to find out all you can about the Lozère fishing federation's website, as the region has quite a few no-kill runs and reserves... And you need to be familiar with the regulations before you start.

Les truites peuvent être de belles tailles sur ces parcours
The trout on these runs can be quite large.

Also, and I still find this aberrant, but bear in mind that Lozère is not reciprocal with the other federations (Club Halieutique, Entente Halieutique Grand Ouest and URNE), so you'll have to pay an extra stamp if you're not from the region.

The different spots

In summer, currents and deep, oxygenated veins are ideal areas for fish to find comfort and food.

The clear, relatively shallow waters lend themselves particularly well to sight fishing.

Evening and morning shots are preferable on hot days.

These courses are very fishy. Large chub and barbel are extremely wary.

It has to be said that they see many fly and lure fishermen who release these formidable fighters who have become highly educated.

Il y a beaucoup de gros chevesnes mais ils sont particulièrement difficiles à leurrer
There are plenty of big chub, but they are particularly difficult to lure.

Trout and grayling are more discreet, but still present. There are plenty of surprises in store.

These fish are very fond of loaches and crayfish, which are abundant.

Dominant species

  • Chub
  • Barbel
  • Brown trout

Techniques to be used

Sight fishing with insect imitations offers an effective, fun and sporting approach to stalking large chub.

La pêche à vue est plutôt prolifique
Sight fishing is rather prolific

At the bottom, leaded microheads mounted with a larva or crayfish imitation will decide trout and barbel, which can be stalked on sight.

Tips for success

Be very discreet in your approaches so as not to arouse the suspicions of very wary but very present fish.

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