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.
It will therefore have been necessary to wait 30 years for a clearing to appear thanks to the acquisition of the ponds by the municipality of Stavelot. We can therefore only thank the municipal authorities for the trust they place in our hands by entrusting us with the fish management of the site.
And 2026 now marks the reopening of the site to fishermen after 2 years of closure for the cleaning of the 2 fishing ponds. The maximum depth is increased from 1.2m to 2.15m, and the water volume from 13,000m³ to 22,000m³.
We are delighted to offer you 2 ponds with a total surface area of 1.5 ha. In a quiet setting near the city center, you will enjoy a natural and classified site. Particular attention is therefore required to respect the fauna and flora that surround 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.
Fishing for whitefish, sturgeon, pike and perch is no-kill. Only rainbow trout can be harvested.
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 program 2026:
- Before opening: 400kg roach – 100kg carassin – 500kg carp – 150kg tench – 100kg bream – 75kg pike – 25kg perch – 3 sturgeons and 150kg trout aec for “Les étangs en fête”.
- In November: 300kg roach – 100kg carassin – 100kg carp – 50kg tench – 50kg bream – 175kg pike – 50kg perch and 150kg large trout at the carnivorous competition.
Over the year: 250kg pike, 300kg aec trout, 75kg perch, 700kg roach, 200kg carassin, 600kg carp, 200kg tench and 150kg bream.
Have fun and enjoy your fishing!
