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. How about you—are you ready to try your hand at fishing during your next vacation? Dive into the world of fishing in the Verdon! Here, the freshwater lakes are teeming with brown trout, perch, and pike. Do you prefer lure fishing, fly fishing, or bottom fishing? Whatever your fishing style, the lakes in this region are sure to delight you. Discover the best spots, the fishing regulations in this area, and the species of fish you might catch near our campground in the Verdon!
Fishing Regulations in the Verdon
Fishing in the Verdon is governed by strict regulations designed to protect fish and their habitat. Depending on the area and species, specific rules apply, and these are updated regularly.
It is therefore crucial to always consult the annual notice published by the Var Fishing Federation (for the Verdon areas in the Var department) and the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Fishing Federation (for areas in the 04 department).
Regulations by Area and Affected Species
The Verdon River and Gorges are classified as Category 1, meaning they are reserved for fishing for salmonids, particularly trout. The lakes, located downstream, are Class 2. Before you start fishing, it’s essential to know the minimum sizes and catch limits that apply to each species:
- Minimum size for trout: 23 cm in rivers, 30 to 40 cm in lakes.
- Minimum size for pike: 60 cm.
- Limit: 6 salmonids per day per angler.
Permitted and Prohibited Techniques and Practices
Some techniques are restricted to protect species:
- Live bait fishing: prohibited in sensitive areas.
- Crayfish fishing: permitted in Category 2 waters and during the trout fishing season in Category 1 waters, with a maximum of 6 traps.
- Boating (boats, kayaks, etc.): may be prohibited on certain lakes.
Fishing Seasons and Hours
Regulations impose strict fishing hours and seasons in the Verdon:
- Predator fishing: prohibited from the second Saturday in March through the second Friday in June (inclusive) in certain protected areas.
- Permitted hours: from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Where to Fish in the Verdon?
The Verdon is a fisherman’s paradise! Here are some of the best spots for your next fishing adventure. Remember to bring your fishing license! It’s required and available for purchase on a daily, weekly, or annual basis.
Lake Sainte-Croix
Just 21.5 km from our campground, L’Oasis du Verdon, Lake Sainte-Croix covers 2,200 hectares. It’s a vast turquoise body of water straddling the Var and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence departments. It has everything: beaches, secluded coves, underwater grass beds, cliffs…You can get there on foot or by electric boat.
Read more
According to the Departmental Fishing Federation, predator fishing is permitted year-round here, and black bass must be caught on a catch-and-release basis. You are also allowed to use up to four lines.
Lake Quinson and its smaller counterparts upstream
These lakes are located less than 22 km from the Oasis du Verdon. They are less well-known than Lake Sainte-Croix, but just as interesting. They are perfect for anglers who enjoy peace and quiet. Lake Artignosc is a tranquil area where swimming is prohibited. Access is difficult without a boat, but you’ll have the place to yourself, even in high season. As for Lake Saint-Laurent, it’s easily accessible on foot. It’s teeming with fish and home to a wide variety of birds, which will delight birdwatchers. It’s the perfect spot for nature lovers who dream of a peaceful fishing trip in the Verdon.
Esparron-de-Verdon Lake
Lake Esparron-de-Verdon, 35.6 km from our campground, is the last lake along the river’s course. It covers 328 hectares between Esparron-de-Verdon and the Gréoux-les-Bains Dam. It offers a superb fishing setting, accessible both on foot—though the terrain can be a bit steep at times—and by boat.
This lake has two areas: the main lake, which is 6 km long, and the Lower Gorges, which are 8 km long. Here you’ll find large pike, often sought after for their size and strength. Perch are also very abundant, as are whitefish such as roach and tench. Trout are also present. This spot perfectly embodies the richness and diversity of fishing in the Verdon!
What kinds of fish can you catch in the Verdon?
The Verdon River and Lake Sainte-Croix are home to a wide variety of fish:
- Brown trout: mainly in gorges and areas with a current;
- Lake trout: found in large lakes;
- Pike: highly sought after in shallower waters and along the shoreline;
- Zander: abundant in the lake;
- Perch: fairly common and accessible;
- Roach: found in schools in calm areas near the shore;
- Bleak: often caught by bottom fishing, found in large schools;
- Tench: found in the lake and the calm waters of the Verdon;
- Carp: including large specimens;
- Goujon: a small fish commonly found in the region.
Get your fishing rods ready, put on your waders, and come recharge in the heart of the Verdon Regional Nature Park! L’Oasis du Verdon, located in Aups, is the perfect base camp for unforgettable fishing trips. The location is ideal for casting your line into the Verdon. So don’t wait—book your next vacation at our campground today!
