Where to Fish in the Dordogne? Our Top 10 Spots
In the Dordogne, fishing is everywhere! From clear streams where trout leap to large lakes teeming with game fish, not to mention ponds that are perfect for a family outing. Here, every body of water has its own character: calm, wild, or challenging.
Pike, carp, zander, largemouth bass… there’s something for everyone! Whether you’re on vacation or just out for the day, it’s hard to resist the call of the fishing rod.
So, where can you go fishing in the Dordogne? Here are 10 spots less than 1 hour and 30 minutes from our 4-star campground in the Dordogne.
Tamniès Pond
Located near Sarlat, the Tamniès Pond is a municipal body of water surrounded by greenery. Ranked among the best fishing spots in the Dordogne, it is highly regarded for its family-friendly atmosphere and its mix of activities—including swimming and fishing—in the natural setting of the Périgord.
With a little luck, you’ll be able to catch carp, zander, pike, largemouth bass, and sturgeon.
Anglers’ opinion: With a mandatory catch-and-release policy for certain species, this is an ideal spot for families and beginner anglers.
Tamniès Pond, 24620 Tamniès, 19 km from our campground
Laurence
The Laurence is a small, first-class river typical of the Périgord region. Unassuming and tranquil, it attracts anglers who enjoy quiet spots far from the busy, heavily fished rivers.
The river is home to trout, chub, gudgeon, and minnows.
According to the anglers: Here, fishing is mainly done using natural bait or by casting, in compliance with the strict regulations governing the first category.
La Laurence, in Montignac-Lascaux (24290), 30 km from our campground
The Fossemagne Lake
In the heart of the Manoire Valley, the Fossemagne lake charms visitors with its 6 hectares of amenities—including a sandy beach, a recreation center, and a fishing area—all set in a friendly atmosphere surrounded by greenery, near Périgueux.
Anglers can catch carp, roach, and salmonids in season, all under a partial catch-and-release policy to preserve the fish populations.
Anglers say: The special “trout reservoir” area, which is open in winter, is ideal for fly fishing and lure fishing.
Fossemagne Lake, Fossemagne (24210), 32 km from our campground
Lake Neufont
Just a stone’s throw from Vergt, Lake Neufont covers 4 hectares and is set in a family-friendly recreational area with a beach, playgrounds, and trails. It is also a well-known spot for sport fishing in the Dordogne.
People fish for black bass, rainbow trout, perch, and roach there.
Anglers’ take: In winter, the “fly-fishing reservoir” policy requires catch-and-release, making the spot a favorite among fly fishermen.
Lac de Neufont, 24380 Saint-Amand-de-Vergt, 33 km from our campground
Lake Nette
Located between the Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne departments, Lake Nette covers nearly 28 hectares. Built in 1991, it is popular with both anglers and hikers, who enjoy its well-maintained trail.
You can catch pikeperch, pike, largemouth bass, and carp here.
Anglers’ take: This lake is one of the few where night carp fishing and float tube use are permitted, subject to strict regulations that limit the catch of predatory fish.
Lac de la Nette, 24560 Monmarvès, 50 km from our campground
La Beauronne de Chancelade
A small stream in the Périgord Blanc region, the Beauronne winds its way through the shade of the trees before joining the Isle. Classified as a Category 1 river, it appeals to anglers seeking peace and authenticity during their stay at our campground with a fishing pond in the Dordogne.
It is a trout stream where you can also find gudgeon, chub, and roach.
According to fishermen: Fly fishing, spin fishing, and fishing with live bait all yield good results here, though strict regulations must be followed.
La Beauronne, in Chancelade (24650), 52 km from our campground.
L’Ouysse
Looking for a place to fish in a river in the Dordogne? Head to this unassuming river, which rises in the Causses and flows into the Dordogne; the Ouysse winds its way through caves, gorges, and mills. In Lacave, its clear waters attract anglers and hikers alike in a setting typical of the Quercy region.
In this body of water, you’ll find perch, pike, chub, and sometimes beautiful trout or grayling, with a variety of fishing spots.
According to fishermen: fishing with a toc, fly, or lure often yields good results.
The Ouysse River, near Lacave (46200), 62 km from our campground
The Born Pond
In the heart of the Périgord Vert, the Étang de Born covers 20 hectares near Clairvivre. This vast federal fishing lake attracts visitors as much for its tranquility as for its rich variety of fish.
You can fish for pike, zander, perch, carp, and largemouth bass (catch-and-release only).
What the anglers say: Here, we appreciate the rare opportunity to fish for carp both day and night, all in a friendly and well-maintained setting.
Étang de Born, 24160 Salagnac, 66 km from our campground
The left bank of the Dordogne, downstream from the Gluges Bridge
Just a stone’s throw from the charming village of Martel, the Dordogne widens at the Gluges Bridge. Its left bank attracts anglers to the Dordogne with its untamed scenery, where beaches, shallow rapids, and deep waters alternate.
This area is known for its grayling and trout, as well as for its beautiful vandoises and chub.
What the anglers say: Fly fishing reigns supreme here, especially in the evening when the river settles down.
Gluges Bridge, Port de Gluges, 46600 Martel, 70 km from our campground
La Dronne
In Saint-Pardoux-la-Rivière, the Dronne winds its way through meadows and woods, offering a peaceful setting for anglers. This unspoiled river, classified as a Category 1 waterway, is a prime fishing spot in the Périgord Vert.
Anglers mainly fish for brown trout here, but minnows, gudgeon, and vandoises are also found.
Anglers’ take: In this body of water, a variety of techniques—such as toc fishing, casting, and dry fly fishing—are ideal for sport fishing enthusiasts.
The Dronne River, in Saint-Pardoux-la-Rivière (24470), 89 km from our campground
