The Guisane river is fed by water from the gushing torrents that leave the mountain lakes. And fishermen or women, who know when to go, will be rewarded with trout and brook trout.
The mountains above the Serre Chevalier valley also hide numerous lakes and ponds.

The crystalline purity of the water means it is home to several species of fish, including: brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout and arctic char.

Mountain lakes

The mountain lakes are found above 1800m. They are very often glacial in origin and are fed by mountain streams. A few of them have spawning areas and fish can reproduce in them.

Fish cannot reproduce naturally in the lakes. They can, however, live in the majority of them and the population of farmed fish is rising. The farmed fish are brought up to the lakes (sometimes by helicopter) in July every year, which is the best time to introduce them. The mountain lakes in the Guisane valley where fishing is allowed during the official fishing period for 2008 are: the Lac de l’Oule, Lac de Cristol, Lac Rond de Cristol which are easily accessed from the Col du Granon; and the Grand Lac du Monêtier, the Lac des Béraudes and the Lac de la Ponsonnière are a little further to get to and are accessed from Alpe du Lauzet but it’s worth the trip.

Only those holding valid permits, on sale in the Tourist Office and newsagents, are allowed to fish in the valley.

Professional fishing guides are also available for amateur fishermen and women wanting to explore the Hautes-Alpes’ impressive fishing heritage.

Prices: