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NederlandsThe fishing area around Tournon-sur-Rhône spans across two different departments: Ardèche (07) and Drôme (26). And beware: there is no reciprocity between the two!
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Ardèche: is not part of the Interdepartmental Angling Club. An Ardèche fishing license does not allow you to fish in Drôme, except in shared waters like the Rhône.
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Drôme: a member of the Angling Club, it offers reciprocity with many departments. An interfederal license or a Drôme license allows you to fish in many reciprocal water bodies — but not in Ardèche.
To fish on both sides of the Rhône or in several regional water bodies, it is recommended to:
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Either get a fishing license in each department depending on your targeted locations,
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Or limit yourself to Drôme if you want to take advantage of reciprocity.
Where to buy your fishing license?
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Tourist offices
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Online at www.cartedepeche.fr
Regulations: Minimum sizes and fishing season
Before casting your line, here’s an essential reminder of the rules in effect for the main species targeted around Tournon-sur-Rhône. This information helps ensure respectful fishing of aquatic environments while staying within the law, especially for those who wish to keep their catch.
Pike
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Minimum catch size: 60 cm
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Opening date: April 26, 2025
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Closing date: January 25, 2026
Zander
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Minimum catch size: 50 cm
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Opening date: June 14, 2025
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Closing date: January 25, 2026
Black Bass
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Minimum catch size: 40 cm
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Opening date: July 5, 2025
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Closing date: January 25, 2026
Trout (all species)
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Catch size: between 23 and 30 cm depending on the area
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Opening date: March 8, 2025
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Closing date: September 21, 2025
Note: These dates and sizes are specific to the year 2025 and may vary depending on the departments or areas classified as 1st or 2nd category. It is always recommended to check the websites of the Ardèche or Drôme Fishing Federations for local details.
The Rhône: a powerful river with many faces
At Tournon-sur-Rhône, the river asserts its presence. Wide, powerful, and alive, the Rhône offers a variety of fishing spots that make it a prime playground for enthusiasts. You can practice coarse fishing, carp fishing, catfish fishing, or lure fishing, either from the shore or by motorboat. Navigation is allowed, but be cautious: the current can be strong, especially depending on the season or near the Roche-de-Glun dam, where a lock regulates the flow.
The fish population is remarkable: catfish, zander, pike, carp, perch, bream, roach, bleak, eel, sunfish, asp, rudd, chub, barbel… and even some koi and grass carp for the luckiest. The Rhône is a river full of genuine surprises.
As for fishing spots, the port of Tournon is perfect for street fishing enthusiasts right in the heart of the town. Further downstream, the mouth of the Doux River and the Roche-de-Glun dam offer more natural and peaceful settings, with particularly interesting fish densities, especially for predators, carp, and white fish. These areas are easily accessible and attract both regular anglers and curious visitors.
An Ardèche or interfederal fishing license is required to fish along the entire riverbank. The Rhône at Tournon is at once technical, generous, and symbolic: a must-visit spot for any angler seeking thrills or tranquility.
The Doux: a wild river with many faces
A tributary of the Rhône, the Doux flows through the Ardèche landscapes before joining the Rhône at Tournon-sur-Rhône. This river offers two distinct atmospheres depending on the area.
In its upper part, the Doux is classified as first category. Its cool, well-oxygenated waters are ideal for brown trout, rainbow trout, minnow, bullhead, and also chub. It’s a perfect playground for lovers of fine fishing. The river is shallow here and pleasant to wade upstream.
From the Douce Plage dam, the Doux becomes second category. The waters slow down, hosting roach, bream, barbel, carp, perch, zander, pike, chub, and even some catfish. This diversity attracts anglers looking for exciting fights.
The confluence with the Rhône is particularly rich in species and easily accessible from Tournon. An Ardèche fishing license allows fishing throughout the entire river.
Étang des Goules: a discreet spot rich in predators
Located south of Tournon-sur-Rhône, Étang des Goules is a public water body accessible with an Ardèche fishing license. Easily reachable by car, it charms visitors with its natural setting, despite a slight proximity to housing on one of its banks.
This place offers a calm atmosphere, rarely overcrowded, ideal for anglers seeking peace and quiet. The pond hosts a healthy population of predatory fish: pike, zander, black bass, perch, sunfish, catfish, as well as white fish species like carp, bream, tench, and catfish.
All fishing techniques are allowed, and the pond is especially suitable for float-tube fishing, which is very pleasant on its calm waters. Whether you’re a lure predator fishing enthusiast or a fan of coarse fishing, this spot will meet your expectations.
Bassin des Musards: a nature break at the gates of the Rhône
Located in La Roche-de-Glun, just 8 km from Tournon-sur-Rhône, the Bassin des Musards offers a natural and lively setting appreciated by fishing enthusiasts. Easily accessible thanks to a nearby parking lot, it is a strategic water spot in the heart of the Rhône Valley.
This public water body can be fished with a Drôme fishing license or an interfederal license. All fishing techniques are allowed here, and float-tube navigation is permitted, providing great mobility to explore its banks.
Fish species include:
Catfish, zander, pike, carp, perch, bream, roach, bleak, sunfish
The environment is pleasant, with a natural, green atmosphere, although it can be relatively busy, especially due to the recreational activities regularly taking place around the basin.
Lac des Pierrelles: a wild gem just steps from Tournon
Located in Mauves, only two kilometers from Tournon-sur-Rhône, Lac des Pierrelles is a public water body accessible with an Ardèche fishing license. Easily reachable thanks to a designated parking area, this natural lake offers a peaceful and green setting, ideal for fishing in complete tranquility.
Less frequented than other water bodies in the region, it appeals to anglers seeking calm and nature. All fishing techniques are allowed, and float-tube fishing is especially enjoyable here. However, boat navigation is not permitted.
This water body hosts a wide variety of fish species: carp, pike, zander, catfish, black bass, perch, sunfish, catfish, bream, and tench. The lake is particularly known for its large carp and strong pike, making it a top spot for anglers specializing in these species.
Jointine Lake: A peaceful destination for carp anglers
Located about 18 km from Tournon-sur-Rhône, Jointine Lake offers a calm and preserved setting, ideal for anglers seeking tranquility. Easily accessible thanks to a nearby parking lot, this private water body is accessible with an Ardèche fishing license.
Navigation is prohibited, helping to preserve the serene atmosphere of the place. All fishing techniques are allowed, although carp fishing is the most practiced here. The lake hosts a healthy population of carp, accompanied by white fish species. No predatory fish have been recorded so far, naturally steering fishing practices towards static fishing.
Seldom crowded and surrounded by wild natural environment, the lake is a great alternative to more popular water bodies in the region for those seeking peaceful fishing, away from the hustle and bustle.
Meinettes Lake: peaceful fishing in a natural setting
Located about twenty kilometers from Tournon-sur-Rhône, this private lake is accessible with an Ardèche fishing license. Access is easy thanks to a nearby parking lot, making it convenient for a quiet day of fishing.
All fishing techniques are allowed, but navigation (by boat or float tube) is prohibited. The lake is rich in carp, crucian carp, roach, and common roach, but it also attracts predatory fish enthusiasts, especially for perch and pike, which are highly sought after here.
With its moderate attendance and natural surroundings, the lake offers a peaceful atmosphere. However, be aware that during drought periods, the water level can drop drastically, reducing the lake's surface area by more than half, which may impact fishing.
Champos Lake: regulated fishing in a tourist setting
Located 27 km from Tournon-sur-Rhône, Champos Lake is an artificial water body designed for leisure, swimming, and tourism. It is easily accessible thanks to its parking lot and attracts a wide public, especially during the summer season.
Fishing is allowed with a Drôme fishing license, an interfederal license, or a specific “Champos Lake Fishing” permit. This is a private site with strict regulations to follow.
All rod fishing techniques are permitted (lures, pole fishing, bolognese, feeder), but navigation is prohibited, as well as night fishing and carp fishing with weighted rigs. Groundbaiting is strictly forbidden during spring and summer.
The lake hosts trout, pike, carp, black bass, tench, roach, rudd, bream, and other white fish. Pike catch is limited to one per day, trout to six per day. Carp, black bass, and tench are subject to total catch-and-release, with immediate release mandatory.
The atmosphere of the lake strongly depends on the season: quiet in autumn and winter, more lively and very crowded in summer. It’s an interesting spot for fishing outside the tourist season, in a well-maintained but pleasant setting.
A rich space for all fishing styles
From the majestic Rhône to the quiet hidden lakes, and the winding rivers like the Doux, the area around Tournon-sur-Rhône offers an exceptional diversity for fishing enthusiasts. Whether you seek calm and wild spots for carp, urban banks for street fishing, or fast-flowing waters for trout, everyone can find their perfect fishing ground here.
The richness of the local fish populations, combined with generally easy access and well-regulated fishing rules, makes this area a top destination for anglers of all skill levels. This territory, both welcoming and respectful of its environment, deserves to be explored with care and passion.
Whether you’re a beginner, experienced angler, or just curious, the banks of the region offer wonderful opportunities to cast your line, surrounded by nature.
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