Fishing in perfect country

Treat yourself!

Lac de Montbel, high-altitude lakes, rivers and streams are here to tempt anglers! Rich in fish stocks, they offer a dream setting for teasing gudgeon or trout, in sublime landscapes in the heart of unspoilt nature… Amateurs, enthusiasts, beginners, take a break here, put down your lines and take the time for pleasure. 1st and 2nd category lakes and rivers, trout, carp, pike, by boat, fly fishing, there’s something for everyone in the Cathar Pyrenees.

As the water flows

Streams and rivers

Five rivers criss-cross the Cathar Pyrenees. In 1st and 2nd categories, you’ll find no-kill courses and hand-fishing stations. Trout, salmon and gudgeons have nothing to fear…

The Hers-vif : rises in Prades (09), north of the Col du Chioula at 1470 m altitude. It feeds Lac de Montbel. Its peaceful course is ideal for less experienced anglers. With a fairly dense fish stock, it offers great fishing with great chances of success!
Le Touyre: 39.2 km long, this tributary of the Hers-Vif runs from the Tabe massif to join the Hers at Lagarde. It’s home to some lovely trout for fly-fishing enthusiasts.
The Douctouyre: This is the longest river in the Cathar Pyrenees (41.9 km). Its source is at an altitude of around 1,400 m in the commune of Freychenet. Lovely fishing spots for fly-fishing enthusiasts.
Le Lasset: This 13.6 km-long torrent descends from the Etang du Diable to the commune of Montségur, in the Tabe massif, before joining the Hers-Vif under the name of Ruisseau de Saint-Nicolas.
The Sios: the smallest trout-fishing river (16.5 km long), it rises in the commune of Freychenet and flows into the Ariège.

With its clear, high-quality water, enchanting landscapes, peaceful natural spots and abundant fish stocks, you’ll be a happy angler here…

A fisherman's paradise

Lakes and ponds

Of all sizes, at all altitudes, from carnivorous to salmonid, the lakes of the Cathar Pyrenees will give you the chance to see all the colors and brush up on your fishing techniques. Calm and serenity reign here, not to mention the beauty of the scenery…

Lac de Montbel: the largest, this lake is classified as 2nd category. You can fish for carnivorous fish while admiring the snow-capped Pyrenees in the distance, either from the shore or from your boat. You can even fish here at night (carp), outside reserve zones marked with signs.
Etang du Diable: a lake that has to be earned. It takes 2h30 to walk up to 1971 m. Here you can fish for trout and salmon in peace.
Etang des truites (or des druides, there’s a debate!): at an altitude of 1,857 m in the Tabe massif (Pyrénées ariégeoises), a body of water
Etangs de Fagebelle: a 1-hour walk from the Monts d’Olmes resort, these two pretty ponds are perfect for those who want to discover high-altitude fishing. You can even rent your equipment at the resort itself and take the springs chairlift.
Etang d’Appy: This sunny pond thaws out early in the season and is ideal for trout and gudgeon fishing.

Please note that the Etang de Moulzoune is closed to fishing! It’s a salmon nursery!

A few rules

For good fishing!

Respect your fishing environment

– Close field gates after passing through, – Respect fences and crops, – Park your vehicles without obstructing passage, – Follow riverside paths, – Never throw objects that could injure people or animals, – Respect the environment by leaving the area clean. Follow the paths along the river, – Never throw objects that could injure people or animals, – Respect the environment by leaving the area clean.

Fishing associations

AAPPMAs (Associations Agréées de Pêche et de Protection du Milieu Aquatique) help protect aquatic environments and fish stocks, and combat poaching, pollution and the destruction of areas essential to fish life.

Belesta – Le Peyrat : La Fario de l’Hers
Carla de Roquefort: Douctouyre Pyrenees Cathares
Freychenet: Trout on the Douctouyre and Scios rivers
Lavelanet: Pays d’Olmes
Mirepoix: Mirapic fishing society
Montferrier: Association de pêche du Touyre

Fishing card

To fish, you need a fishing licence and membership of an approved association. By becoming a member, you contribute to the financing of actions to protect and preserve our natural environment and its fish fauna. There are different fishing cards to suit your profile (adult or minor card, Discovery card, daily or weekly card).

Where to buy your card :

Office du Tourisme des Pyrénées Cathares (Mirepoix and Lavelanet) ;
fishing tackle retailers, press, cafés, convenience stores;
Local fishing associations.

Useful info

River classification:

1st category: rivers or parts of rivers dominated by salmonids.
2nd category: rivers or parts of rivers dominated by cyprinids (white fish).

Fishing opening dates for 2024: – 1st category: from March 9 to September 15, 2024 – 2nd category: from January 1 to December 31, 2024 – Mountain lakes (+ 1000m altitude): from May 25 to October 6, 2024