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. Check out the Lakes and Rivers section for some venues.

In the Limousin there are over 2,240 kms 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.

The photographs left and below are on the lake at St. Sulpice Lauriere. This lake has carp and pike. To fish here you only need a day ticket, obtainable from the hardware store, bar or town hall in St. Sulpice.

There is also 24 hour carp fishing two weekends each month. (There is no need for a general licence to fish here.)


Fishing permits (carte de peche) for Category I and II lakes and rivers are available at over 200 tackle shops, tabacs, camp sites, bars and cafe's in the La Creuse department alone. 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. The permits are generally issued according to the department - (Haute Vienne, La Creuse and Correze). The ‘timbre halieutique’ is a inexpensive additional stamp authorising you to fish in any part of the Limousin providing you hold at least one of the departmental permits. So, before you start, check which area you wish to fish, which category of lake or river you are intending to fish in, which fish you are permitted to catch at that time of year and that it is not reserved for private use, 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 the Limousin.

Fishing Permits

Full :
Authorised to fish 2nd category with 4 rods (managed lakes, dams and running water) and 1st category with 2 rods (managed lakes) or 1 cane (running water)

Reduced :
Authorised to fish only 2nd category with 4 rods excluding spinning, fly, live bait, basket and trap.

Holiday :
Authorised to fish as as for a full licence and is valid for 15 consecutive days from 1 June to 30 September

Day Tickets:
Available only in certain places.

Young Angler :
As for the Full Licence but for young anglers up to 16 years of age

Free Young Angler :
Authorised for match fishing up to 16 years of age with one rod

CLICK HERE - For detailed information on fishing in La Creuse

Top of Page