Fishing
The Burgundy Canal is an excellent destination for course fishermen.
The lakes, rivers, reservoirs, canals, and small trout streams have a large number of species, allowing all types of fishing.
Underneath the water’s surface, you can catch Pike, Zander, Bream, Perch, Tench, and Carp; on the Saône, you will even find Wels Catfish “Silurus Glanis”.
On the faster-flowing rivers, there are Trout and Aspe. The reservoirs have become popular amongst the experts, and you can camp by the water's edge and fish at night.
Obtaining a permit is very simple and can be purchased in many bars, newsagents, etc. French fishing law is based on a federal system. The license you buy will give you the right to fish in specific zones and waters.
Here are some of the simple rules and politeness to respect. You should keep at least 50 meters away from the locks up and down. Fishing is not permitted in the lock; this is also for safety reasons. Avoid fishing from bridges and mooring sections. I have seen some local fishermen become annoyed because a barge wanted to use one of the few bollards to moor up! There is a rule of no more than three rods and one spinning rod; be careful, as there is a control for permits, minimum fish size and quotas.
Fishing on the canal is a calm affair, many fishermen use a simple rod, float and a fixed-line, with no reel. However, much skill is required to land large fish with such techniques. Ledger fishing is a recent practice in the area, but some fish for the heavy carp using sweetcorn or small potatoes. Spinning is used for the perch, pike and sander. Live bait is also used for the pike and sander. You can obtain maggots (‘asticot’ or ‘tima’), worms and minnows from nearby shops.
Although the water is calm on the canal, there is a ‘turbulence’ caused by the filling and emptying of the locks and when the large barges pass by.
In the nearby rivers, the Ouche and Armançon, trout season is very popular, and good brown trout are stocked during spring.
The River Saône offers more diversity and large fish. There are impressive records for many species.
Types of fish in the canal and nearby waters
Here is an essential and non-exhaustive list of the fish found in the local waters.
On the left is the English name, followed by the French name and the Latin name in brackets.
- Barbel : Barbeau commun (Barbus barbus)
- Bitterling : La Bouvière (rhodeus sericeus amarus)
- Bream : Brème (abramlis brama)
- Carp : Carpe (cyprinus carpio)
- Dace : La Vandoise (leuciscus)
- Pearch : Perche (perca fluviatilis)
- Pike : Le Brochet (esox lucius)
- Rudd : Gardon (rutilus rutilus)
- Silure : Silure (silurus glanis)
- Tench : Tanche (tinca tinca)
- Zander : Sandre (stizostedion lucioperca)
