Freestone · Granite · Massif Central / Puy-de-Dôme

Dordogne (upper)

Dordogne (upper) terrain map
Terrain map

The upper Dordogne flows from Puy-de-Dôme mountains through classic Massif Central terrain — granite and volcanic rock creating cold, clear freestone.

Species

A proper day on the water

Low and clear — careful approach country. Stay small, stay accurate.

55% confidence in this read
Water temperature for grayling
Ideal
6°C est.ideal 4–14°C
0°14°28°
Why this score · for grayling
  • Temperature10028% weight
  • Flow6022% weight
  • Clarity8518% weight
  • Feeding Time1013% weight
  • Pressure807% weight
  • Prey Activity2612% weight
Conditions
Level
Dry recently
No gauge reading
Water temp
6.3°C
Estimated
Clarity
Clear
Air temp
5°C
Wind
W 4 km/h
Calm
Pressure
1017 hPa
Rain · 48h
0.0 mm
No meaningful rain
Rain · ahead
3.6 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
Autumn through November prime.
Where
Faster runs in the middle and lower upper-Dordogne reaches.
Method
Euro-nymphing through the deeper pockets; switch to dries when sedges or olives come off in autumn afternoons.
Kit
10 ft #3 nymphing rod for the deep pockets; 9 ft #4 for dries. 4 to 5 lb fluoro tippet, 12 ft leader.
Why this works
Good conditions. Temperature is favourable (100), Feeding time is weakest (10).
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.
  • AAPPMA permits.
Directions
Apple MapsGoogle Maps
About this water

The upper Dordogne flows from Puy-de-Dôme mountains through classic Massif Central terrain — granite and volcanic rock creating cold, clear freestone. Wild brown trout and grayling. Strong mayfly, caddis, and stonefly populations. Designated no-kill parcours on some sections. Upper reaches more technical, lower more accessible. Check local regulations for restrictions.

  • 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