Fishing in the marshes of Saint-Omer and Clairmarais
Fishing in the Saint-Omer and Clairmarais marshes
Our marshes of Saint-Omer – Clairmarais, a large basin irrigated by the Aa, has more than 700 km of watergangs and rivers, 170 of which are navigable! In these rivers, life flourishes with more than 25 species of fish present.
Because of this varied fish fauna, fishing has always been a favorite activity in Saint-Omer, Arques, Clairmarais and the surrounding area. This custom is still current and attracts many curious people, eager to practice a calm, serene activity, in the heart of nature, with friends or family.
Discover here the history of fishing in Saint-Omer, the formalities (fishing cards, points of sale of equipment, etc.)
Fishing yesterday and today
There was a time when people fished only to feed themselves and their families, but also to make a little money.
In the past, from the beginning of the Middle Ages to the XNUMXth century, fish were sold "under the cloak" on Lent and Good Friday, in restaurants and taverns in Audomaroise, but also on the market. At the "minck" and on the fish market square, river fish but also sea fish from Dunkirk or Gravelines were sold at auction, on the stalls. The history of Saint-Omer already bears witness to the presence of fishermen on its shores in the XNUMXth century when Audomar, bishop of Thérouanne, came to evangelize the area.
Since then, fishing has adopted appropriate regulations in order to preserve aquatic fauna, and fortunately! In the past, it was not uncommon to fish with nets in our rivers!
Consult our article on the fish of the Saint-Omer and Clairmarais marshes here.
Right to fish, fishing license in the Audomarois marsh
If you are an amateur fisherman or a seasoned fisherman, there is no shortage of fishing spots in the Audomarois. You can fish for trout in some specialized ponds or catch many other fish in our rivers.
These are teeming with pike, zander, perch, tench, roach, bream, carp, stickleback, stickleback, gudgeon...
Be careful though! It is necessary to respect the regulations in force concerning protected species, minimum catch sizes per fish, fishing hours, prohibited fishing techniques, the various fishing permits issued by Concorde in particular…
The different fishing cards
- Major card: for those over 18 and for fishing all year round (all techniques, 4 rods including 2 maximum intended for predators in the 2nd category).
- Interfederal card: for those over 18, for year-round fishing taking advantage of reciprocity. Your fishing sector is thus extended to other AAPPMAs throughout France, adhering to reciprocity.
- Minor card – For 12-18 year olds for year-round fishing (all techniques, 4 rods, 2 of which maximum are intended for predators).
- discovery card for children under 12 for year-round fishing (all techniques, 1 rod allowed).
- Women's discovery card, fishing all year round. (all techniques, 1 rod).
- Day pass for day fishing (all techniques, 4 rods including 2 maximum intended for predators in the 2nd category).
- Weekly card: if you want to fish during your holidays or for 7 days, you need the weekly card. (all techniques, 4 rods including 2 maximum intended for predators in the 2nd category). Valid for 7 days.
For more information – prices, fishing license fees, online permits, equipment
For the Pas de Calais (62)
Departmental Federation of Approved Associations for Fishing and the Protection of Aquatic Environments of Pas-de-Calais
Le Grand Vannage-Rue des Alpes-62510 ARQUES
Phone 03.91.92.02.03 www.peche62.fr
For the North (59)
Departmental Federation of Approved Associations for Fishing and the Protection of Aquatic Environments in the North
BP 1231/59013 LILLE cedex
T. 03 20 54 52 51
www.peche59.com
Sale of equipment, fishing cards and fishing permits (daily, yearly)
To know the places of sale of fishing equipment (rods, hooks, wire, corks, repair equipment), to know the good addresses of trout fishing or the points of sale of fishing licenses in the Pays de Saint-Omer , follow the following link:
https://www.tourisme-saintomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/P%C3%AAche-2015.pdf
Attention, private properties!
Also, if the 170kms of navigable rivers are open to all, the ponds and certain ditches are private. To land on a bank, you will inevitably have to obtain the authorization of the owners.
