The Risle is a classic Normandy chalk stream flowing through Seine-Maritime, born from pure chalk-spring sources and carrying that rare combination of technical precision and natural abundance that defines the best chalk-stream fishing. The presence of wild brown trout and grayling reflects centuries of careful management; the stream's clarity means surface feeding windows can stretch across whole summer evenings. The Risle meanders through a landscape of hedged fields and old mills—the physical embodiment of Normandy fly-fishing tradition. Upstream dry-fly work is the sport; small, precise presentations required. The stream-bed is silt and chalk, which means it fines down quickly after rain. Mayfly hatches, particularly the March brown and upright duns, draw selective feeding from fish that have learned to distinguish imitations from the real thing.

• Chalk