Baptized "large interior lake" by the National Fishing Federation, the lake of Villerest is famous for the abundance of its predators (pike, pike perch etc…). The diverse landscape offers magnificent viewpoints and multiple possibilities for fishermen.
Built between 1978 and 1984, the Villerest dam allowed the creation of a 770 hectare lake which stretches over 30 km in length. Popular place for predator fishing, but also carp and coarse fishing, this site is truly remarkable.
Villerest, fishing station
The municipality of Villerest obtains the fishing station label in October 2016. To obtain this label, you must already benefit from the Station Verte label and also be a place conducive to the practice of recreational fishing, and offer a body of water or a stream managed by an associative structure fishing holding the right to fish such as the AAPPMA (Approved Associations of Fishing and Protection of the Aquatic Environment).
The objective of the fishing station is discovery. But also to practice the leisure fishing at all levels thanks to adapted courses while respecting the aquatic environments.
The large interior lake of Villerest offers, by its size, the variety of its landscapes and its points of view but also by its fish stock, a sure value for the Roannais. It promotes the practice of fishing tourism.
Vincent Garnier, development department manager of the Loire Fishing Federation
A Viller lake is recognized by all
Ideally located in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes region, Lake Villerest is an inexhaustible breeding ground. Come here to fish predators (pike, pikeperch, catfish and perch) as well as white fish (bream, roach…) or even carp.
Whether you are fishing with a lure, live, from the shore or from a boat, all techniques are accepted. 10 minutes from Roanne, this large inland lake is the ideal spot for a day of fishing.
A trail dedicated to fishing
Special mention to a 2 km course located in the town of Villerest called " Grézelon path ". This educational course specially dedicated to fishing runs along the shores of the lake as closely as possible.
Villerest Fishing Open
Bringing together around 80 teams from all over France, this large-scale event is an unmissable event for Lake Villerest. This boat fishing competition takes place every two years over a weekend in October. Starting point, Villerest beach.
But also
If you decide to come and fish in Villerest, be sure that you will be pleasantly surprised by the landscapes that surround it. Overhanging, the characterful village of Saint-Jean-Saint-Maurice-sur-Loire. How about going up the lake by boat? Go to castle of la Roche to grant you an atypical view of this castle surrounded by the Loire.