Fishing in high-altitude lakes

In Sainte-Foy Tarentaise, when they’re not on skis, youngsters Iban (13), Martial (15) and Tom (13), true insiders of the region and residents of the main town, share their devouring passion for mountain fishing from the opening of the season in March.

Let the locals guide you through this wild and authentic world, and set off on a different kind of hike in search of Tarentaise’s most beautiful lakes and torrents.

At the end of the line experience fishing in high altitude lakes with the advice of young Santaférains.

Starting from the village of Le Miroir, Iban recommends that you go to the Hameau du Crôt and fish the Saint-Claude torrent (formed by the merging of the Sassière and Mercuel torrents) using the undulating spoon technique.

Along the way, you can make a first stop at the Saint-Claude bridge.

You can then take the route du Crôt, where numerous paths lead you back down to the river’s edge, the most interesting of which is the descent to the Crôt rock-climbing cliff, which brings you to the confluence of the Sassière and Mercuel torrents.

Finally, if you’re curious enough to cross the charming, authentic hamlet of Le Crôt, you can admire the torrent cascading down just above the Pont à la Vierge, before taking the same route back down.

Practical info
From the village of Le Miroir, count :
- Distance: 5.7km
- Difference in altitude: +280m
- Time: 1h30 return

Lake fishing Lac du Clou & Lac verdet

Not intimidated by long distances and steep climbs? Why not set off in search of superb lakes with breathtaking views of the Clou valley and the Balmes hanging glacier?

From the Sainte-Foy-Tarentaise resort, head for the famous listed hamlet of Le Monal.

This first stage is easily accessible on foot or even by mountain bike via a picturesque and accessible forest road. Nestled at an altitude of 1874m, this protected hamlet faces the glaciers and offers an enchanting view during a short stopover.

After that, a beautiful climb through larch forest awaits you, before leading to a dazzling expanse of wilderness. Shaped by the great glaciations, the Vallon du Clou, perched at an altitude of over 2200m, stands unperturbed before you.

Enjoy the view for a moment before starting the final ascent, which promises a unique and peaceful reward. At the end of the line, Lac du Clou holds out its hand, perched on its terrace overlooking the vallon du Clou at glacier level.

Let yourself be carried away by your best casts, using the wobbling spoon and swimming fish techniques recommended by our young specialists.

Finally, if you’re a bit of an Alpine type, you can continue on foot to the other lakes formed by melting glaciers, in particular the Lacs Verdet, where fishing is also permitted.

The return journey takes the same route as the outward journey, with the majestic Mont Pourri glacier as the backdrop along the way.

Practical information step by step
From Sainte-Foy Station, the 1580m restaurant parking lot, count :
- Distance: 3.7km
- Difference in altitude: +356 D+ (+)
- Time: 1h30
From Le Monal to Vallon du Clou (dam)
- Distance: 2.9km
- Difference in altitude: +363D
- Time: 1h
From the dam to Lac du Clou
- Distance: 1.3km
- Ascent: +180m
- Time: 40min
Global practical info
Access:
From Sainte-Foy station, park in the parking lot opposite the 1580m restaurant at the top of the station. Follow the forest road towards the hamlet of l’Echaillon, then on to Le Monal. From the hamlet, continue through the forest towards “Vallon du Clou”, taking the signposted path through the Larch forest road on your left. Then cross in front of the Clou dam, following the signposted route to Lac du Clou.
Same route for the return.
Please note that the Echaillon parking lot is not accessible by car.
Total time Sainte-Foy station to Lac du Clou :
- Ascent: 850m D+ Distance
- Distance: 14.6km
- Time: 5h round trip
Allow 2h and 320m D+ for fishing at Lacs Verdet.
Our advice
To make sure you don’t take on routes that are too dangerous, or even unsuitable, we advise you to seek the advice of a specialized guide for a full and successful experience.
The Sainte-Foy area is home to numerous EDF installations that can change the flow of water in a very short space of time.
Make sure you pick up your litter to preserve the sites and ecosystems.