It's probably the most renowned river in Haute-Savoie for trout fishing.
It's also the closest river to Annecy... but it's also the one under the most fishing pressure.
It's truly the quintessential alpine river, alternating between short rapids and deep pools where the biggest trout hide.
Fishing on the Fier can be AMAZING! The Fier genuinely offers the best conditions for rearing big specimens.
Where and when fishing ?
Fishing on the Fier can be excellent, yet quite challenging due to the high traffic on this waterway. Indeed, in summer, it's nearly impossible not to encounter other anglers, even early in the morning.
"The Fier truly presents the best conditions for rearing large trout specimens. The most famous stretch runs from Thônes to Dingy Saint Clair. But you have to get to the spot very early."
Over the past few years, due to excessive heat, it's becoming increasingly challenging to dislodge the larger, somewhat sluggish trout from the holes where they seek cooler temperatures (and also to escape multiple angler approaches).
My experience on the Fier river mainly revolves around July and August. Summer is undoubtedly the most challenging season to fish due to water levels.
In this kind of fishing spot, it's needless to say that it's absolutely essential to wake up very early to find the trout taking advantage of the only cool moments of the day.
"My local angler friends like Axel Mugnier (an excellent fishing guide in Haute-Savoie) have often told me that the best period is spring when the Fier's flow is at its peak."
The Fier is a pluvio-nival type river, meaning its flow is largely based on winter/spring rainfall (unlike the Arve, another river I talk about in other articles, which flows through Chamonix and is significantly influenced by snowmelt and mountain streams).
THE moment not to miss !
"I've noticed there's a really good time for trout on the Fier, even in the middle of summer, that truly awakens the fish: rain!"
"Just after the heavy summer storms that release a large amount of water at once, the trout go completely wild because the flow can go from three meters per second to 20 meters in just a few hours."
I imagine this sudden coolness along with the phenomenal influx of food carried by the current must be the cause of this sudden awakening. Anyway, it's just the perfect moment to catch some beautiful specimens.
Personally, in this setup, I usually use medium-sized jerks, around six to seven centimeters, like the Ryuki size 70 from Duo. However, the ultimate weapon during these sudden water surges remains the large spoon, sizes 3 and 4, to thoroughly comb the big current veins (the smaller ones will be swept by the current).
How to fish on the Fier river, near Annecy ?
Personally, I use a 2.10-meter spinning rod, with a power of 2-10 grams. It allows me to cast well across the other side of the bank while keeping the gear relatively light.
Small jerks are very effective, like the Cultiva suspending size 55 from Owner, because due to the lack of water, it's not necessarily ideal to use sinking jerks.
For spoons, Mepps like the basic Aglia No. 1 or No. 2 work very well but might not be as selective, resulting in catching many smaller fish. Don't miss this moment!
My best spot of the river ?
I recommend the entire plain, especially around La Balme de Thuy, where the biggest trout reside (but it's also the most heavily fished spot).
On the same topic, read also my article on another great river in the area, the Fillière.
Good to know / Where is the fishing spot ?
A fishing permit is required (from AAPPMA Annecy Rivières) that you can buy at the store Loisirs et Pêche in downtown Annecy. It's a great store. http://www.loisirsetpeche.com/
Alternatively, you can purchase your fishing permit on the AAPPMA Annecy Rivière website. AAPPMA Annecy Rivière 92 Rue des Marquisats, 74000 Annecy, France aappma.annecy.rivieres@gmail.com
On the AAPPMA Annecy Rivière website, you'll find the fishing opening dates and the allowed fish sizes for capture (but please fish catch-and-release, especially if you're a sports fisher!). Good to know: the Fier is in the second category.
You also have Décathlon in the commercial area of Epagny. A classic. The fishing season for brown trout is from 11/03 to 08/10.
The Fier is the most suitable river for fishing near Annecy. From Annecy, it takes between 20 to 30 minutes to reach the plain of Alex (but much longer to return, especially in summer...)
Also to visit in btween Annecy and Thônes
The village of Thônes is very typical, and if you love Reblochon cheese, it's an essential stop. Be aware, you're entering 'The Reblochon Capital'!
According to my father, you can also take a trip to the Col des Aravis. Otherwise, a great alternative is to go to La Croix Fry (where he learned skiing as he is a local guy). He still talks about the blueberry tarts or the gratin dauphinois from Fonfon's restaurant. Seriously...
For something more cultural, there's the Château de Menthon,
Last but not least, you can visit the Maurette cemetery where the maquisards from Glières are buried. It's a must-do even if I can't quite recall the museum at the Plateau des Glières and its film about the resistance.
Thank you! I was almost desperate to catch anything in La Fier after a few walks around Thones. Occasionally found your post and just after reading got a good trout near Balme. Magic!