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Copyright J. Yesavage 1999
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Copyright J. Yesavage 1999
The following are a few shots taken on a trip to visit a friend who lives in Privas in France. This is in an area called the Ardeche that is relatively primative compared to much of France- it is just to the west of Valence in the valley of the Rhone. Much of the fishing is on small streams such as the above. Rod is a neat 3wt 7 foot 6 piece (yes six piece) from Doug at Kane Klassics.
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The Fish are Wild Browns from 6-12"
Most of the the trout are relatively small, such as found on the Gunpowder River in Maryland, but they are wild and in large numbers.
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Lunchs "Chez Manu" Near the Stream
One advantage of fishing this area is that guided fishing includes lunch, potentially at local restaurants, this one in St. Pierreville includes wine (note serious size of carafes on table) and from the mural you can see they take the fishing (and eating seriously). The following streamside lunch is is in the Gorges of the River Loire -- one of the prime fishing spots -- no climbing out of the gorge to go for lunch at the local bistro.
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Headwaters and Gorges of the Loire.
Some excellent fishing is found in the gorges of the Loire near its headwaters. There are larger (smarter) fish here. The local guide who knows the area is "Manu" for Emanuel and he runs a service called "Une Autre Peche" . The number is 33 (for France) then 475666566 and fax 475666224. The following is his promotional material translated into English and prices (no commission to me- this is just a neat place- and the prices are right).
From the Atlantic to the Mediterranean
You will fish for trout in two of most famous headwaters in France. You will be accompanied by a guide who will allow you to progress in your own skill and learn new techniques on two beautiful streams. You arrive Friday night at the Hotel des Voyageurs (two-stars) at St. Pierreville. On Saturday you fish the Glueyre. Saturday evening you transfer to the Hotel du Nord (two-stars) at St. Eulalie. On Sunday you fish the Loire.
The price includes:
2 hotel nights
2 breakfasts
2 dinners wine included
2 picnics
Necessary equipment
2 days guiding
No-take flyfishing only areas within two minutes of each hotel.
For accompanying persons:
Selected sightseeing, hiking and cultural visits in the region.
Price 960 French Frank (FF) or 160 US$/person
Based on a minimum of 4 person
Accompanying persons 1160 or 193 US$/person
Exchange estimate is 6FF/US$
Twelve Rivers in Six Days
Discover twelve first-quality fishing rivers in the Ardeche Mountains. Each day two new rivers will be fished from the following list:
"l’Eysse, l’Eyrieux, la Fontauliere, la Bezorgue, l’Espezonette, le Vernaizon, la Glueyre, la Volane, la Loire, le Gage, la Padelle, la Bourges
The price includes:
5 hotel nights (two-stars)
5 breakfasts
5 dinners
6 lunches
Wine with meals
Necessary equipment
6 days guiding
Whatever your level of skill at flyfishing a guide will be with you to improve your technique and show you the best sites to fish in an area that is soon to be declared a "park naturel" in France.
Price 2900 French Frank (FF) or 487 US$/person
Based on a minimum of 2 persons
Exchange estimate is 6FF/US$
The Gorges of the Loire
(The trip most often in demand)
A fishing adventure in the headwaters canyon of the longest river in France. In one unforgettable weekend you will fish for wild brown trout in the deep and beautiful canyon.
The price includes:
2 hotel nights (two-stars)
2 breakfasts
2 dinners
Wine with meals
Necessary equipment
6 days guiding
Your guide will be familiar with all the natural sites of the canyon and provide safe access to areas difficult to fish by the average angler.
For accompanying persons:
Selected sightseeing, hiking and cultural visits in the region.
Price 1160 French Frank (FF) or 193 US$/person
Accompanying persons an additional 560FF or 93US$
Based on a minimum of 2 persons
Exchange estimate is 6FF/US$
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