Freestone · Granite · Savoie / Alps (Tarentaise valley)

Arc (Bessans reach)

No photos yet for this water.

The Arc descends from the high Vanoise through Bessans into a valley where snowmelt and granite are the dominant geology.

Species

A side-water session, not the main event

Low and clear — careful approach country. Long leader, small flies, slower casts.

75% confidence in this read
Water temperature for grayling
Cool — slow
3°C est.ideal 414°C
0°14°28°
Why this score · for grayling
  • Temperature6528% weight
  • Flow6022% weight
  • Clarity8518% weight
  • Feeding Time7013% weight
  • Pressure807% weight
  • Prey Activity2112% weight
Conditions
Level
Dry recently
No gauge reading
Water temp
3.0°C
Estimated
Clarity
Clear
Air temp
0°C
Wind
NW 5 km/h
Calm
Pressure
1015 hPa
Rain · 48h
0.6 mm
No meaningful rain
Rain · ahead
5.0 mm
Light rain · next 48h

Live readings — water temperature is an estimate where the gauge does not record it.

How to fish it · for grayling
When
Nymphing can work through most of the day.
Where
Cover mixed depths.
Method
Start with tight-line nymphs and adjust if fish rise or drift higher.
Kit
10 ft #3 rod, floating line, long leader to 4 lb fluoro for nymphs.
Why this works
Good conditions. Clarity is favourable (85), Prey activity is weakest (21).
Through the year
0–3 scale · May highlighted
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Trout seasonSeason
1
2
2
2
2
2
1
Grayling seasonSeason
1
2
2
2
1
GrannomHatch
2
2
Evening SedgeHatch
2
3
3
3
2
Large Dark OliveHatch
1
2
2
1
Iron BlueHatch
1
2
2
1

Numbers are intensity 0 (none) to 3 (peak) — a guide, not a guarantee.

Permits & access
Permit required — see local rules.
  • Alpine AAPPMA permits.
Directions
About this water

The Arc descends from the high Vanoise through Bessans into a valley where snowmelt and granite are the dominant geology. Short-season alpine water — May and June critical when melt provides volume and insect life emerges. Wild brown trout and grayling in cold, oxygenated freestone. Technical mountain fishing with small dries and nymphs. Check access to beats near Bessans.

  • Granite
Seasons & zones
  • Trout2nd Saturday of March → 3rd Sunday of September
  • Grayling3rd Saturday of May → 3rd Sunday of September
Other water nearby · 5
Booking & contacts