A tributary of the Amblève, this stream is 15 km long, with a poor Ardennes type upstream and a rich Ardennes type downstream. From its source on the heights of Francorchamps (Ster), it flows rapidly down to Stavelot, where it joins the Amblève at Challes.
Its distinctive feature, especially upstream of Francorchamps, is the oxidized color of the banks and stones along its course. Emanating from springs rich in iron oxide, this characteristic, which fades after the circuit, gave the river its name.
On our route (8815m), i.e. downstream, the Eau Rouge is between 3 and 6 m wide and 0.2 to 1.2 m deep.
It offers numerous salmonid feeding stations and is very pleasant at the start of the season. From May to September, it’s best to take a dip just after a thunderstorm, for example.
Please note that the no-kill “fario” rule applies and fishing with natural baits and pasta is prohibited on the Eau Rouge in order to protect the trout that live there!
The species represented are mainly brown trout, sculpin, lamprey and brown loche.
Pay particular attention to the trout spawn in Eau Rouge, which is an important spawning ground for Amblève trout. The latest electric fishing survey carried out by Ulg on 150m of stream recorded just over 300 trout and troutelle. A more than excellent result…
