Let's just say it outright: it's THE dream river for any angler (flyfishing or lures fishing)!
A fishing spot I recently discovered and where I return every summer, in the heart of the Vanoise National Park, France!
"This is one of the most beautiful rivers I've fished in, with trout showcasing incredible colors. The Ponthurin is truly a one-of-a-kind river"
A fishing spot in the heart of the Vanoise National Park !
Firstly, we're talking about a high-mountain river (around 2,100 meters above sea level). It's a large stream with a winding course, devoid of trees nearby, with very few exposed rocks, snaking through a lush alpine pasture in the heart of the Vanoise National Park.
It's not uncommon to encounter ibex, chamois, or more frequently, marmots there. And if you don't see them, you'll at least hear their piercing cries.
In short, a beautiful setting that's well worth the hour and a half ascent.
Result: highly regulated fishing...
Fishing at altitude in Ponthurin is highly regulated, with only three possible fishing days during the week: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday, and holidays. Prior to that, you must obtain a relatively expensive daily permit (nine euros), which you can get at the Peisey Tourist Office or the Entre Deux Lac refuge. But it's worth it...
Note that it's a "no-kill" area, strictly for fly or lure fishing (natural bait is prohibited), and fishing wardens will inevitably check your permit (they reside in a chalet overlooking Lac de la Plagne, so there's no chance of avoiding them, and the fine is substantial...).
Some absolutely incredible colored brook trouts !
If you're in the area, it's crucial to go fishing there for the plentiful brook trouts (really!), for their breathtaking colors, the brown trouts that can grow to good sizes, and the highly preserved Alpine biodiversity (you're in a National Park).
"The Ponthurin Valley is home to two species: brook trouts and brown trouts."
The brown trouts have been outnumbered by the brook trouts, which are much better adapted to this type of habitat, where the river freezes for five consecutive months, making the feeding period quite short.
Three fishing spots: The Lac de la Plagne, the spillway, and the bends of Plan Bertou. If the biggest fishes are certainly in the irst spot, I always fish in the last two, which I find more enjoyable
How to fish in these spots with lures ?
Regarding fishing, I would recommend using a light setup. For this spot, I'd suggest lure fishing and fly fishing.
When using lures, the approach should be very discreet and precise due to the meandering nature of the stream. Since natural bait fishing is prohibited, I'd recommend lures that imitate grasshoppers (abundant and the main food source for the fish) like the Mayfly from Illex.
"My technique with lures involves using a fixed-line-style hook and attaching your Mayfly (Illex) cut in half because a whole one is too large."
It's an incredibly visual fishing experience in clear and cool water, where you'll need to cast your imitations on the surface and wait for the rise.
In these winding and calm waters, the fish immediately detect the insect caught in the current and don't hesitate long before launching aggressive attacks.
A good advantage for us
My technique with lures involves fishing with a fixed-line-style hook and attaching your Mayfly cut in half (otherwise, the whole Mayfly is too large). It's the most effective technique for me because the bait is smaller and it sinks, causing the fish to hesitate less.
Additionally, for areas with stronger currents, it allows for effective fishing in the "pools" by descending into the water column.
A dream spot for fly fishermen !
For fly fishermen, this fishing spot is the ultimate dream: a location without trees, usually with little wind, crystal-clear water, and stunningly colored salmonids. I recommend fishing with "dry flies".
"I strongly recommend fishing 'dropper' style with a DDD or a small nymph, or even with a not-too-large 'duck butt'."
The trouts and brook trouts are quite active on this type of fly.
It's crucial to understand that these fish have only a short period to gather weight to survive during winter.
As a result, they are highly opportunistic and ready to engulf almost anything that resembles food.
However, I recommend staying reasonably far from the stream or the flat areas as the fish remain very cautious, and any object protruding from a tuft of grass could be perceived as a potential threat.
In terms of technique, I strongly recommend fishing "dropper" style with a DDD or a small nymph, or even with a not-too-large "duck butt" to elicit quality rises and effectively hook even the smaller fish.
So, the Ponthurin is.. ?
... a truly extraordinary river, set in an environment that remains highly preserved within one of the most beautiful Natural Parks in France, the Vanoise, with very active fish during the summer period.
Good to know / Where is the fishing spot ?
A fishing permit is mandatory (available at the Peisey Tourist Office or the Entre-deux-Lac Refuge). Be mindful of fishing guards who supervise and conduct checks.
Fishing is allowed from 4th June to 9th October and just certain days of the week. Enquire before going fishing or you could be fined (more than a hundred euro)
How to get there?
From Bourg Saint Maurice, head towards the village of Peisey (73) and park. Then follow the hiking trail. Expect about an hour and a half to reach the fishing spot.
To do in the area
Of course, hiking in the Vanoise National Park is a wonderful activity.
Visiting Annecy in summer—brace yourself!
It's reminiscent of the return traffic after weekends in the Paris region, quite a bit of congestion.
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