Wild trout and farmed trout
A river called the Lignon flows through the region of Mézenc Loire Meygal. It is renowned for the beautiful river course it offers to anglers and also for its fishing with a large density of graylings and brown trout. Annie MAILFERT breeds brook trout and salmon all year at an altitude of 1200 m at Fay-sur-Lignon.
The source of the Lignon is at the foot of the Mont Mézenc and the river covers a distance of 90 km before flowing into the Loire. Classed in the first category, the river Lignon in Mézenc Loire Meygal and the Haut-Lignon, flows through the villages of Chaudeyrolles, Champclause, Fay-sur-Lignon, Les Vastres, Mazet-Saint-Voy and Le Chambon-sur-Lignon.
For an angler, the reputation of the Lignon goes far beyond the limits of the Haute-Loire simply because the river offers a fabulous wild fishing area, both wild and with a good fish population of average size due to the temperature of the water. Among the typical species, there is of course brown trout, but also grayling in the downstream section.
Its diversity permits all types of fishing techniques: fly-fishing, for which the Lignon can be very early but also jig and bait fishing …
In its upper part, the water course is 3 to 8 metres wide and is placed under environmental supervision and management. Three No-Kill stretches have been created to protect the fishing resources and to make anglers respectful of the fish. It is to be noted that the AAPMA « La truite du Lignon » does not accept any reciprocal agreement.
Lastly, let’s not forget the gourmets and those who prefer eating fish rather than catching it. You will find the suitable place at Fay-sur-Lignon, on the banks of the Lignon, a fish-farm called “Les Truites du Lignon” where high quality brown trout, rainbow trout and brook salmon are sold as well as on local markets. For many restaurants “ Les Truites du Lignon” are a must on the menu.
For an angler, the reputation of the Lignon goes far beyond the limits of the Haute-Loire simply because the river offers a fabulous wild fishing area, both wild and with a good fish population.