The range of fishing venues in the Limousin region is simply enormous. At least 12 lakes are open all year round for fishing, and most of the other lakes offer fishing during the season.
Limousin has over 2,240 km of riverbank for fishing, of which 1,956 km is classed as prime trout and salmon water (Category 1), the remainder for predatory fish species (Category 2). In addition to this there are 39 dammed reservoirs with nearly 5000 hectares of water.
To fish at many lakes in Limousin, such as St. Sulpice Lauriere, you will need a day ticket. Fishing permits (carte de peche) for Category 1 and 2 lakes and rivers are available at over 200 tackle shops, tobacconists, camp sites, bars and cafes.
Various types of permit are available – those authorising fishing in 1st or 2nd categories of lakes and rivers, permits for the under 16s and a special holiday permit, which enables you to fish in all categories of lake and river for a 15 day period.
Permits are generally issued according to the department - (Haute Vienne, La Creuse and Correze). The ‘timbre halieutique’ is an inexpensive additional stamp authorising you to fish in any part of the Limousin providing you hold at least one of the departmental permits.
Before you start, check where you wish to fish, which category of lake or river you intend to fish in, which fish you are permitted to catch at that time of year, then obtain the appropriate permit. If you are used to paying high prices for fishing in the UK then you will be pleasantly surprised at how much cheaper it is in Limousin.
