This summer, I went to the Isère Valley several times to fish for chub. I had some incredible sessions: huge specimens (several over 50 centimeters), regular strikes, and a super fun fishing technique. You'll see how to achieve success for sure!
Usually, the Isère River is known for the size of its trout, both in the mountains and the valley. However, its tributaries are also very interesting and rich in fish.
"I went to the Gelon River (around Saint Pierre d’Albigny/Chamousset). My goal was to catch big chub, and I wasn't disappointed!"
A hard-to-reach spot, but it's worth it.
Gelon is a small tributary of the Isère River, joining it in the town of Châteauneuf. The lower part of the Gelon is suitable for big chubs, but in the summer, you can also catch barbels and large brown trout that migrate up the Gelon to avoid the powerful current in the Isère caused by snowmelt. In the upper part, you'll find smaller chubs but, most importantly, the river's king specimen: the common chub, which you can target with sight nymphing.
But today, we're going to talk about chubs. Big chubs !
How to reach the fishing spot ?
Not easy. In the parking lot, you're closer to the end-of-protest atmosphere than the countryside setting of a fishing trip.
"Moreover, access to the river is tricky because it's bordered by impenetrable brambles. Nothing is marked. It's quite rugged. At one point, I thought we were going to leave without fishing. Eventually, we succeeded after a few scratches and nettle stings ! "
Once you arrive in the river, it's idyllic !
You're in a crystal-clear river, surrounded by incredibly dense bushes and tall trees with branches skimming the water. The particularity of these brambles: they are mulberries, and chubs love them. I'll talk more about that...
The topography is quite similar throughout the downstream part, with an alternation of large shallows (no fish) and fairly deep holes where all the chubs and barbels reside.
Right across from the parking area is the main pool where we caught several chubs, including two over 50 centimeters.
Having good vision and... blackberries!
You may have guessed it; to catch chub on the Gelon, you don't need lures!
The blackberries found in the bushes along the river are the best bait, and they are in endless supply.
And the fishing is incredibly simple!
Simply pierce the fruit through its center (wild blackberries are hard and don't break on the cast), carefully observe the water to spot the chub, cast, let it sink, and wait for it to come and gulp down the fruit!
Then, set the hook! Zero animation! Just good vision and accuracy.
"I went there with my uncle Olivier, skilled at trout fishing but completely new to chub: he caught several, including a 55cm one!! Very pleased, but not enough to reward me with a McDonald's in Albertville..."
2 imperatives: be discreet and perfect your casts.
In fact, there is one mistake that is unforgivable: being noisy. The real challenge on the Gelon lies in being discreet because the water is clear, and the current is quite gentle, allowing the fish to spot us quickly. It is essential to approach the pools as quietly as possible and perfect your casts. Often, you will need to aim for the shaded areas of the river under the trees.
Other alternatives...
In the summer, even though blackberries are by far the best bait, you can also go float fishing with nymphs or natural baits to target barbel and trout. It's also possible to fish for chub on the surface with insects like Woodlose because the Isère valley is teeming with grasshoppers in July and August, providing some fantastic strikes.
In conclusion, targeting big chub with mures and sight fishing on the Gelon River is one of the most enjoyable fishing experiences, with the added bonus of catching magnificent fish!
How to get there? Head to Albertville, continue on D1090, turn onto D925, and stop in Chateauneuf. After that, as you may have guessed, it gets a bit adventurous.
Alternatively, in the area, continuing on D925, you can visit Barouchat, the best "trout area" in the region!
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