Fly Fishing Campsite

When talking about fly fishing in the southwest of France, the Dordogne Valley naturally comes to mind. In the heart of the Lot, Camping L’Eau Vive in Carennac offers that little slice of paradise anglers dream of. No long drives each morning here, the river quite literally flows at the foot of your tent or mobile home.

Riverside Bliss: The Dordogne at Your Fingertips

The greatest asset of Camping L’Eau Vive? Its direct location on the banks of the Dordogne. Just imagine: sipping your morning coffee as the sun rises, then taking a few steps to cast your line into crystal-clear waters. It’s a rare luxury offered without fuss just nature, peace, and the thrill of the catch.

The Dordogne, with its fresh, oxygen-rich waters, is home to an impressive variety of trout, grayling, and predatory fish a true paradise for fly fishing enthusiasts.

The calm waters beside the campsite are perfect for a relaxed start to your day, but the real joy lies in the wider access to the valley’s full richness. Between Carennac and Argentat, the Dordogne reveals its most stunning stretches for fly fishing, with varied currents and deep pools where magnificent trout and grayling hide.

The Lot department offers an exceptional diversity of well-preserved fishing environments: 1,500 kilometres of first-category streams, 400 kilometres of second-category rivers, 35 lakes and ponds

This region, rich in natural beauty, boasts over 1,000 waterways winding through limestone cliffs, lush valleys, and picturesque landscapes.

Recommended Fishing Spots Near the Campsite

If you're staying at Camping L’Eau Vive, it would be a shame to limit yourself to the riverbanks right by the campsite. Just a short drive away, you’ll find some of the region’s most spectacular fishing locations:

The Meandering Bends of Carennac

These scenic curves offer prime fishing spots, where the shifting currents create natural shelters for impressive catches. Carennac, ranked among the most beautiful villages in, France blends heritage and nature in a truly exceptional setting. The deep pools downstream from the village are especially renowned for their grayling and large trout.

The Padirac Caves

A stone’s throw from the campsite, the surroundings of the famous Gouffre de Padirac provide excellent fishing opportunities in a dramatic natural landscape. The nearby tributaries offer a more intimate experience, ideal for tracking wild brown trout in peaceful, shaded waters.

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

For those seeking a peaceful retreat, this location offers a unique blend of breathtaking hilltop scenery and a no-kill carp fishing course along the Lot River. Whether by day or night, anglers experience pure joy in this serene setting. The surroundings enhanced by a medieval village clinging to the cliffside make this fishing spot truly unforgettable.

A boat ramp is available at the restaurant-pizzeria L’Oïlo in Tour de Faure, making it easy for boat owners to access the water and explore the river’s hidden gems.

The Célé

The Célé, the most important tributary of the Lot, is a true paradise for fishing thanks to its varied character. In its upper reaches, upstream from Figeac, the river is classified as first-category and teems with trout. Further downstream, it transitions into second-category waters ideal for catching chub, dace, spirlin, barbel, and other species.

With no fewer than 16 access points for light watercraft, the Célé is perfect for exploration by boat or kayak a peaceful way to immerse yourself in the river’s natural beauty and tranquillity.

Fishing & Techniques: A Seasonal Approach

The Lot River offers everything a fly fisher could wish for. Its rich diversity of fish species ensures that enthusiasts of this time-honoured technique can enjoy rewarding experiences throughout the year.

Salmonids

Brown trout (truite fario), grayling (ombre commun), and rainbow trout (truite arc-en-ciel) are among the most prized catches for fly fishers. These elusive and spirited fish deliver thrilling moments when they strike at an artificial flycarefully crafted to mimic the insects they naturally feed on.

Predatory Fish

Predatory species such as pike, zander, black bass, and perch can also be caught using fly fishing techniques specially with streamers that imitate small baitfish. The black bass is particularly intriguing: this species is found throughout the Lot River, but is especially abundant in the stretch that flows through Cahors.

Cyprinids

For those who enjoy variety, carp, chub, and barbel offer exciting challenges for fly fishers. These powerful fish deliver unforgettable battles, adding an extra thrill to the fly fishing experience.

Seasonal Approach

From March onwards, as the first mayflies begin to hatch, magical moments await with dry flies. An Olive Dun or March Brown in sizes 14–16 is often highly effective in spring, when insect activity peaks.

In summer, as the sun sets, sedges bring spectacular surface action. The Elk Hair Caddis is the go-to fly to provoke explosive strikes from trout. The balmy July evenings along the Dordogne when the sun dips behind the cliffs leave unforgettable memories for every angler. Trichoptera and mayflies also emerge during this period, making imitations like the Goddard Caddis excellent choices.

In autumn, fish become more selective but also more aggressive. Nymphs and streamers often prove successful, especially as the water cools. Though hatches are less frequent, this is the perfect time to bring out your small nymphs (sizes 16–18) or streamers (sizes 8–10) to tempt the larger specimens.

A Small-Scale, Welcoming Campsite

Camping L’Eau Vive is far from a large, impersonal holiday park. Here, you’ll find a small-scale, family-friendly atmosphere where hospitality takes centre stage. With 90 pitches, including 33 rental accommodations, the campsite offers the perfect balance between comfort and a deep connection to nature.

Camping L’Eau Vive offers 70 pitches with electricity and 5 specially designed motorhome spaces, all bordered by natural hedges and easily accessible. With a mix of shaded and semi-shaded areas, guests enjoy both privacy and the friendly atmosphere of a traditional campsite.

The pitches along the river are especially popular with fishers, offering direct access to the water no need to carry your gear far. For families, there are comfortable accommodations equipped with everything needed for a successful holiday, from mobile homes to fully furnished bungalow tents

A detail anglers will appreciate: pets are welcome, provided they are vaccinated and kept on a lead even in mobile homes and bungalow tents. So your loyal companion can join you on your fishing getaway.

More Than a Campsite: A Base for Anglers

What sets Camping L’Eau Vive apart is its focus on the specific needs of fishers. Each morning, you can get up-to-date information on fishing conditions, water levels, and insect hatches. A dedicated space is available for safely storing your fishing gear, so you don’t have to clutter your accommodation. Want to keep your catch to enjoy later? That’s possible too, under optimal conditions.

After a day by the water, there’s nothing better than a refreshing dip in the 120 m² swimming pool, followed by a relaxing drink at the bar. These moments of connection with fellow enthusiasts are part of the charm and often lead to valuable tips for your next fishing adventure.

For Those Who Don’t Fish?

Camping L’Eau Vive is designed for the whole family. While you’re off chasing trout, your loved ones can enjoy:

• An outdoor swimming pool with paddling pool (open from 1 June to 15 September)
• Sport and play areas for alle ages: pétanque, multi-sports pitch, mini golf
• Games and leisure facilities: table football, ping pong tables, billiards, board games
• A bouncy castle that children absolutely love

A variety of entertainment for all ages

• From 4 July to 22 August, a children’s club keeps the youngest guests entertained.
• In the evenings, musical and themed events create a lively and joyful atmosphere.
• For those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition, there are pétanque and table tennis tournaments.
• Apéro quizzes and shared meals like paella nights bring guests together for memorable moments.
• The welcome drink on arrival sets the tone for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday.

Thanks to the campsite’s location, it’s easy to explore the gems of the region: Rocamadour, the Gouffre de Padirac, and charming villages like Carennac and Autoire. Walking or cycling through this exceptional landscape is a wonderful alternative to a day of fishing.

Practical Amenities for a Carefree Stay

To make your stay as comfortable as possible, the campsite offers a range of useful services::

• Bread service with fresh bread and pastries, available to order at reception (from 1 July to 31 August)
• Sale of drinks and gas bottles
• Cleaning service during or at the end of your stay...
• Weekly rental of baby bath, cot, high chair, mini fridge, towels, and bed linen
• Two well-equipped sanitary blocks with unlimited hot water
• A full laundry room, baby bathroom, and accessible facilities for guests with reduced mobility
• A bar and snack bar (open from 4 July to 23 August), with takeaway meals
• A TV lounge for rainy evenings
• Wi-Fi: free at reception, available for a fee throughout the rest of the campsite

Useful Info for Your Fishing Holiday

Don’t forget: you’ll need a fishing permit to fish in the Lot. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A fishing licence, available at the local tourist office or online
• Several options are available from a day pass for beginners to an annual permit for dedicated anglers

Rules to Follow

• Respect the open seasons for each fish species and water category
• Maximum of 3 predatory fish per day, including up to 2 pike in second-category waters, and 5 salmonids
• In second-category waters, you may use up to 4 rods (except in designated zones)
• Fishing is permitted from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset

The campsite is open from April to the end of September precisely when fishing conditions in the region are at their best. During high season, reception is open from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM, and the team is ready to assist and advise you.

Discover More Than Just Rivers

Between fishing sessions, there’s plenty to explore in the Lot. The local gastronomy alone is worth the journey: at regional markets, you can sample foie gras, confit de canard, Rocamadour cabécou cheese, truffles, and the famous Cahors wines.

Heritage lovers will be delighted by historical sites such as the religious town of Rocamadour perched on the cliffside, medieval castles like Castelnau-Bretenoux, and prehistoric caves.

For the more active, the region offers a wide range of outdoor activities: hiking along marked trails in the Causses du Quercy Regional Nature Park, canoeing, kayaking, and climbing on limestone cliffs a perfect complement to your fishing adventures.

Whether you’re a passionate fly fisher or simply curious to try this unique technique in a stunning setting, Camping L’Eau Vive promises a stay where authenticity is key. Between fishing sessions, take time to enjoy the richness of the region, its colourful markets, and the gastronomy that has made the Southwest of France so renowned

Book Your Stay or Get in Touch

Want to book your stay or learn more about fly fishing opportunities from the campsite? Feel free to contact the Camping L’Eau Vive team they’ll be happy to help you plan a tailor-made holiday.