Fishing season begins Saturday
The season starts a fortnight later in 16 departments in the north - and this year permits can be bought online
THE TROUT and salmon fishing season gets under way this Saturday, March 13, in most parts of France.
Exceptions include 16 departments in the north of France (including the Ile-de-France region), where it does not start until March 28.
The season will last until September 19 (or October 3 for the areas with the later start date).
The pike fishing season does not begin until April 17, and runs until January 31 next year. New rules are being discussed at the moment that would push the opening date back to May 1.
Local préfectures have the power to fix individual dates for certain local species of fish. These special conditions generally apply to big lakes and mountain rivers.
People wanting to fish must be sure to get a proper permit from their department's branch of the AAPPMA fishing association and read up on the rules.
You can find your nearest branch at this website.
Permits can often be bought at outlets like bar-tabacs - they are also available online this year from www.carte-de-peche-ehgo.fr if you live in the north and www.ma-carte-de-peche.fr in the south.
Stefan Florea - Fotolia.com
