Fishing in the Verdon: what you need to know before casting your line

With 3.8 million recreational anglers in France, fishing is becoming increasingly popular. And you, are you ready to tease a gudgeon during your next holiday? Dive into the world of fishing in the Verdon! Here, the freshwater rivers and lakes are teeming with brown trout, perch and pike. Do you prefer lure fishing, fly fishing or float fishing? Whatever your fishing technique, the lakes of this region are sure to delight you. Discover the best fishing spots, the regulations governing fishing in this area, and the fish species you might catch near our camping in the Verdon!

Fishing in the Verdon is governed by strict regulations designed to protect fish stocks and their habitats. Depending on the area and the species, specific rules apply and are regularly updated. It is therefore essential to always consult the annual notice published by the Var Fishing Federations (for the Var sections of the Verdon) and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Fishing Federation (for areas in department 04).

The river and the Gorges du Verdon are classified as Category 1 waters, reserved for salmonid fishing, especially trout. The lakes located downstream are classified as Category 2 waters. Before you start fishing, it is essential to be aware of the minimum sizes and catch limits for each species:

• Minimum size for trout: 23 cm in rivers, 30 to 40 cm in lakes.
• Minimum size for pike: 60 cm.
• Daily limit: 6 salmonids per angler.

Some fishing methods are restricted to protect fish populations:

• Live-bait fishing: prohibited in sensitive areas.
• Crayfish fishing: permitted in Category 2 waters and during the trout open season in Category 1 waters, with a maximum of 6 traps.
• Navigation (boats, kayaks, etc.): may be prohibited on certain lakes.

Regulations impose strict seasons and time slots for fishing in the Verdon:

• Predatory fish fishing: prohibited from the second Saturday in March to the second Friday in June inclusive in certain protected areas.
• Authorized times: from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.

The Verdon is a true paradise for anglers! Here are some of the best spots for your next fishing adventure. Please note: do not forget your fishing license. It is mandatory and available for a day, a week or a full year.

Lac de Sainte-Croix

Just 21.5 km from our camping l’Oasis du Verdon, Lac de Sainte-Croix covers an area of 2,200 hectares. This vast turquoise lake is shared between the Var and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Everything can be found here: beaches, wild coves, aquatic vegetation, cliffs. You can reach it on foot or by electric boat.

According to the Departmental Fishing Federation, predatory fish fishing is allowed all year round here, and black bass fishing is restricted to catch and release only. You are also allowed to use up to 4 fishing lines.

Lac de Quinson and the smaller lakes upstream

These lakes are located less than 22 km from l’Oasis du Verdon. They are less well known than Lac de Sainte-Croix, yet just as interesting. They are perfect for anglers who appreciate peace and quiet.

Lac d’Artignosc is a tranquil area where swimming is prohibited. Access is difficult without a boat, but even in peak season, you are likely to be alone.

As for Lac de Saint-Laurent, it is easily accessible on foot. It is rich in fish and particularly abundant in birdlife, which will delight birdwatching enthusiasts. It is the perfect spot for nature lovers dreaming of a peaceful fishing session in the Verdon.

Lac d’Esparron-de-Verdon

Lac d’Esparron-de-Verdon, located 35.6 km from our camping, is the last lake along the river’s course. It spans 328 hectares between Esparron-de-Verdon and the Gréoux-les-Bains dam. It offers a superb fishing setting, accessible on foot, sometimes a little steep, or by boat.

This lake has 2 zones: the main lake stretching over 6 km and the lower gorges extending for 8 km. You will find large pike here, often sought after for their size and strength. Perch are also very numerous, as well as white fish such as roach and tench. Trout are also present. A place that perfectly embodies the richness and diversity of fishing in the Verdon!

he Verdon and Lac de Sainte-Croix are home to a wide variety of fish species:

• Brown trout, mainly found in the gorges and fast-flowing areas;
• Lake trout, present in the larger lakes;
• Pike, highly prized in shallower areas and along the banks;
• Zander, well established in the lake;
• Perch, fairly common and easy to catch;
• Roach, found in shoals in calm waters near the banks;
• Bleak, often caught with float fishing and present in large shoals;
• Tench, found in the lake and calm waters of the Verdon;
• Carp, including large specimens;
• Gudgeon, a small fish commonly found in the region.

Get your rods ready, pull on your waders and come recharge your batteries in the heart of the Verdon Regional Natural Park! L’Oasis du Verdon, located in Aups, is the perfect base for unforgettable fishing holidays. The location is ideal for casting your line in the Verdon. So book your next camping holiday now!