The different fishing techniques
In Pra Loup, mountain fishing is practiced in peace, in sumptuous and preserved settings. Fiery torrent or high altitude lake, each spot offers a different experience… and each angler has his own technique! Fly, toc, lure or natural bait: discover the different ways to tease trout in the Ubaye valley.
A little extra here: Pra Loup is part of the municipality of Uvernet-Fours, included in the membership area of the Mercantour National Park, thus offering a carefully preserved natural environment, to be explored with curiosity and respect.
One Throw, a Thousand Emotions
Here, in the Southern Alps, nestled in the heart of the Ubaye valley, Pra Loup has everything the perfect spot for your next fishing session. Between crystal clear torrents, high-altitude lakes and breathtaking landscapes, there is enough to cast your line with a smile.
The hardest part? Choose where to go! Because frankly, the area is full of good spots.
Among the must-sees, the Bachelard torrent, a wild torrent that runs between cliffs and forests, ideal for flushing out brown trout in a magnificent alpine setting. Calm in the morning, mysterious at the end of the day… Every moment is unique.
Are you more of a high-altitude fisherman? You’ll love mountain lakes.
Special mention for the Costebelle lake, a discreet body of water perched on the ski area, perfect for a quiet session, far from the hustle and bustle. And if you push a little further, you will come across Lake Allos, nothing less than the largest natural high-altitude lake in Europe! Up there, at more than 2,200 meters, the panorama is magical.
And here, we have a little extra privilege: the municipality of Uvernet-Fours – to which Pra Loup belongs – is part of the Mercantour National Park’s membership zone. The result: a protected, preserved setting, which we explore with respect and wonder.
A hobby for contemplatives some would say, fishing is nevertheless a demanding discipline, which requires patience, precision and a sense of observation to hope to see brown trout, rainbow trout, brook salmon or Arctic char at the end of its line.
Do you know the different fishing techniques? We help you see more clearly, and choose the right one depending on whether you are fishing in a torrent or in a high altitude lake.
Fly fishing
Fly fishing, often favoured by experienced fishermen, is a fine and sporty practice. It is generally practiced in no kill — the fish being released alive after capture — thanks to the use of simple barbless hooks, which allow a quick and respectful release. A method that is increasingly appealing to enthusiasts concerned about preserving aquatic environments.
Cork fishing
Cork fishing, more traditional and accessible, is ideal for beginners or family outings. Easy to install, it uses a float (the plug) that signals the fish’s bite by moving on the surface of the water.
Ideal in mountain lakes such as Costebelle, this technique allows you to fish with natural or artificial bait at different depths , without too many technical complications. It offers a beautiful approach to the pleasure of fishing, while enjoying the calm and beauty of the alpine landscapes.
Fishing with a toc
Toc fishing is a very popular traditional technique for river and torrent fishing, particularly suitable for white water such as the Bachelard. It consists of letting a natural bait (worms , maggots, or small pieces of meat) drift at the bottom of the current, following the fish’s bite with the line to hook at the right time.
For torrents such as the Bachelard, with its cool and fast waters, toc fishing is ideal for hitting fish posted in deep water veins or holes, with all finesse.
Lure fishing
More sporty and dynamic, lure fishing consists of manually animating an imitation of prey (fish, insect, larva, etc.) to trigger the attack of the fish. This technique requires observation, movement and a bit of strategy, making it a modern and challenging approach.
It is also practiced very well in no kill, using simple barbless hooks and releasing the holds in the best conditions. It is an active and respectful way to enjoy mountain rivers and streams, while limiting its impact on aquatic fauna.
No equipment? No worries
In the Ubaye valley, several shops offer fishing equipment suitable for all levels, whether for an improvised session at the lake or a more technical outing in a torrent.
Where to fish in Pra Loup?
Among the must-see places, the Bachelard torrent is a real nugget. Wild and winding, it crosses cliffs and forests in a spectacular alpine setting. It is an ideal spot to try to flush out brown trout. Calm and bright in the morning, more mysterious at the end of the day… Every moment offers a unique atmosphere.
Do you prefer fishing at altitude? Mountain lakes should seduce you. Special mention for the Costebelle lake, a discreet body of water nestled in the ski area, perfect for a quiet session, far from the hustle and bustle. And if you’re ready to go a little further, don’t miss Lake Allos : at more than 2,200 metres, it’s quite simply the largest high-altitude natural lake in Europe – and the panorama is unforgettable.
