It's the largest lake in the Chamonix Mont Blanc plain, not far from the city center, but it's incredibly favorable for fishing due to the numerous species that coexist there. The trout area N°1 in Chamonix.
Gaillands Lake shares many similarities with Lac des Praz, but due to its considerably larger size, the approach is different.
Big trouts more than 40 cm !
From a fishing perspective, Lac des Gaillands is much more interesting than Lac des Praz. In addition to brown trout and minnows, you can find roaches, carp, and especially perch there.
"The brown trout are extremely wary. However, they are even larger than those in Praz, and it's not rare to spot specimens of over 45 cm swimming in the mid-depth."
Read also : Fly fishing 40+ trouts at the foot of the Mont Blanc in Chamonix, France
What fishing techniques ?
You can fish for them with lures, spinners, or with a small jerkbait (see my trout fishing on the Turia River near Valencia). But honestly, the most effective method, just like at Lac des Praz, is using natural bait.
I recommend fishing for them in two different ways: either with a float or with a light rig. If you're coming to fish in Chamonix for the day from Annecy, I advise stopping at Decathlon and buying your minnows there (which I do all the time). I don't think there's a fishing store in Chamonix. Alternatively, there are two fishing stores in Cluses and Sallanches, but I'm not familiar with them.
Fishing with a float will be exactly the same as at Lac des Praz (see my article on that fishing spot in Chamonix).
"You can use a roach instead of a minnow to target the larger trout specimens and the numerous perch in this waterbody."
The spot that gathers the most large specimens is at the base of the climbing wall, where the depth is the greatest (between two and three meters).
Fishing with the light rig, on the other hand, is more meticulous and challenging (Himara Eden-type rig). It involves placing the minnows on a weighted rig of grams and enticing them to graze the bottom within the trout's field of vision.
"If you're fishing with the light rig, I highly recommend exploring the shore on the spillway side where the water is often clearer and shallower. The trout tend to roam there."
The trout roam there in search of larvae, especially as this part of the lake is completely free of algae (exclusively gravel). If the trout approaches, you'll need to perform very delicate animations close to the bottom, gently moving our bait just a few centimeters.
A fishing spot with multiple possibilities.
f the trout aren't interested in your minnow, you can always target the perch, which are quite easy to catch with this type of bait, being the ultimate weapon. But again, if natural bait isn't available, you can easily resort to using the lure technique.
The strikes will just be a bit less frequent. I haven't mentioned that it's obviously much more effective to fish early in this kind of lake for reasons of discretion.
Reed also: Chamonix is not only about hiking. Live huge fishing experiences in the Chamonix's moutain lakes !!
In summary, this waterbody is a great alternative to Lac des Praz. If trout fishing proves challenging, you can switch to perch. Another good reason to explore this spot: within a two-minute walk, you have the opportunity to explore another beautiful spot, Lake à l'Anglais.
Good to know / Where is the fishing spot ?
A fishing permit is required (from AAPPMA du Faucigny). Beware, fishing wardens are vigilant and conduct checks. The fishing season is open from April 1st to October 15th.
How to get there?
It's located near Lake à l'Anglais. From Aiguille du Midi station, take the Pècles road. The lake is less than 10 minutes away by car. Alternatively, if using public transport, take the train to the "Les Pèlerins" stop (click on the map to enlarge).
To visit in the area, according to Marie, my cousin from Chamonix.
Hi!
I'm Marie, Arno's cousin, the sporty fisherman/writer of this site.
I live in Chamonix. I'm a high-level skier at Ski Club des Houches. I love nature and sports... let's just say Cham is my spot!
Arno asked me for my favorite things about Chamonix in six lines. I went a bit over, but well, when you love it...
Chamonix is both a typical and vibrant small town, but above all, it's a natural space of extraordinary beauty!!!
My advices:
Hiking: An absolute must! How can you not take advantage of the view offered by the Mont-Blanc massif? I recommend hiking to Lac de Chéserys via the Flégère cable car or climbing to Aiguillette des Posettes. An incredible spot that's a bit off the beaten path.
Eating: Chamonix is also a place where you eat very well. Want to indulge after a good fishing session? Mumma restaurant (Asian cuisine) is by far my favorite, Anapurna II (Indian) and Bivouac (Savoyard specialties) are also great. But my favorite is Maison Carrier: candied raspberries, snow eggs, chocolate fondant, flan, coulis, tarts... an excellent buffet for 15 euros. Enough to comfort you if you had a tough time fishing!!
Mountain Biking: An excellent way to discover the valley in a fun way through various paths. If you like speed (like me!), I recommend going for a ride in the Les Houches area, where you'll find downhill mountain biking trails... intense sensations!
I would have added ski spots like Les Grands Montets, but if you're here for fishing, winter isn't the season, Arno mentioned.
Enjoy your time and happy fishing in Chamonix!
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