Lozere's rivers
The Bes (Aubrac plateau)
The river Bes begins its journey at an altitude of 1400 m, gathering strength from its passage between Basalt and Granite obstructions, then calmed by wetlands and moorlands, tumbles from the plateau into a deep Gorge, reappearing down stream in a far more torrential form.
Among many opportunities, a 3 kilometre ‘fly only’ stretch above the thermal springs at La Chaldette offers waters rich in aquatic life and a fine population of fighting fit, wild brown trout.
The Tarn
The Tarn begins its journey at an altitude of 1500 m on the southern slopes of Mont Lozere and is generally considered to be the jewels in Lozere’s crown. In particular, the upper Tarn in the lee of the magnificent Chateau La Caze, presents one of the most revered and spectacular stretches in the region.
Here, on the edge of the Tarn Gorge, the waters of La Caze take on an eerie, almost luminous opalescence in early morning, bringing a wonderful sense of magic to the scene.
In addition to the stretch’s heavy-weight trout, a wonderful population of Chubb and Barbel can respond to a thoughtfully presented artificial fly.
The Lot
The Lot springs from southern slopes of the Goulet mountains at an altitude of 1200 m, traversing a 95 kilometre path across the lowlands of the entire region. The Lot is considered the most consistent of Lozere’s rivers (the lower altitudes of the Lot Valley being more conducive to aquatic life - extending early season possibilities beyond the more upland rivers)
The medieval, regional capital of Mende lies at the centre of the Lot Valley and is considered the fishing capital of Lozere. From the eastern upstream stretch at Bagnols-les-Bains to the lower western reaches at Chanac (approx 30 kms) you’ll discover some of the best and most varied fishing in the region.
The Truyere (Margeride)
The source of the Truyere first appears in the Croix-de-Bor forest at an altitude of 1450m, flowing gin-clear over gravel, granite and sandy beds before darkening to peat-stained from it’s path across high moors. It’s prized reputation as one of Lozere’s finest trout rivers is due in no small measure to her diverse, aquatic-rich tributaries, and in particular, the beautiful Rimeize (known as ‘the daughter of Aubrac’). The Truyere unmistakably symbolizes the Margeride stream. Relentlessly twisting and turning through bright yellow gorse-covered landscapes and hillsides swathed in Scotch Firs.
The Truyere offers high quality fishing in the most beautiful and tranquil of surroundings.
The Allier (Margeride)
Originating at 1450m in the high beach forests at Moure-de-la-Gardille, the Allier epitomizes Lozere’s wonderful mountain rivers. Gathering strength in its 50 kms descent through basalt and granite gorges, waterfalls and woodland valleys, the Allier presents many wonderful fishing opportunities along its length. .
Her absolutely pristine waters, rich in diverse, aquatic life, produce hard fighting, brightly speckled wild mountain trout, heads of common grayling (males can exceed 50cm and sport wonderful steely blue coats at spawning time). In addition, since the leveling a hydro-electric dam, Atlantic Salmon can reach the high spawning grounds as far as Luc.
The Altier (Mont Lozere)
The Altier springs to being at the highest point in the department (1699m) near the peak of Mont Lozere. After tumbling the mountain slopes, it follows a valley neatly hemmed by steep banks of schist and 30 kms later enters the Bayard-Villefort reservoir.
The reservoir plays host to some huge trout – some of which swim back up the Altier’s lower reaches at spawning time (Chubb reside there all season long)
The granite-pebbled beds, deep pools and glides of the upper Altier produce wonderful habitat for hard-fighting mountain Browns. This is a challenging river with waters of incredible clarity and where every taken fish gives the angler immense satisfaction.
The Gardons (Cevennes)
The Gardon Cevenols are in fact made up of three steams, born at altitudes between 700-900m at the centre of an arc from La Can-de-l’Hospital in the west to the slopes of Bouges Mountains in the east.
Progressively increasing in volume, the rushing Gardons widen and calm at the base of the Cevenol hills. And there in the shade of high valley Chestnut tree forests, the Gardons Cevenol’s limpid clear waters provide wonderful habitat for innumerable pockets of wild mountain Trout.