Note: 2025 = cleaning still in progress! Fishing is therefore closed until the work is completed.
Once a fishpond for the monks of Stavelot Abbey, the ponds were created by the monks to provide a supply of fish for their own consumption (the first written record dates back to 1470).
Later, until the middle of the 20th century (1954), they were the nerve center of Stavelot’s tanneries, which drew pure water from the ponds to tan the hides before discharging it into the Amblève.
In those days, as photos show, “La Truite” already organized fishing competitions on the site, and it was not uncommon for more than 100 anglers to compete each year.
However, in the early 1980s, a disagreement between various parties and the owners of the site led to the exclusion of the fishermen and, above all, the young marcatchous, who had found a learning ground like no other.
We had to wait 30 years for a ray of light to appear thanks to the acquisition of the ponds by the commune of Stavelot. We can only thank the local authorities for the trust they have placed in us by entrusting us with the management of the site’s fish stocks.
We are delighted to offer you 2 ponds with a total surface area of 1.6 ha. In a tranquil setting close to the town center, you’ll enjoy a natural, listed site. Particular care must be taken to respect the flora and fauna around you.
Natural banks, reeds, sedges and submerged roots provide hiding places for whitefish and especially carnivorous fish such as perch and pike. But please, don’t fish outside the marked spots!
In practical terms, fishing is open from June 1st to January 31st of the following year.
Whitefish fishing is no-kill; pike and perch fishing is limited to a single catch per angler per year (daily or “two consecutive days” members do not have this advantage).
For further details on rules and membership cards, please refer to the relevant section. Please note that we offer attractive packages for young people, as well as a substantial discount for our annual “river” members.
Fishing days, competitions and a training course are also organized (see agenda).
Discharge schedule 2024 (subject to completion of cleaning) :
- Before opening: 0kg roach – 0kg carass and carp.
- In November: 300kg pike – 80kg perch – 1000kg roach and 120kg large trout at the carnivorous competition.
Over the year: kg pike, kg brown trout, kg perch, kg roach and kg carassin and carp.
Have fun and enjoy your fishing!
