Fishing in the Ayrolle pond

A few kilometers from Gruissan, the Ayrolle pond is located in the Aude. It is part of the lagoon complex of the Narbonnais ponds.

Situation

The pond occupies approximately 1,300 hectares. Circular in shape, its diameter is between 3 and 4 kilometers. A depression dating from the Quaternary, it is partly surrounded by various natural environments. To the north, the Campignol lake (connected to the Ayrolle via a narrow channel) and the Ile St-Martin; to the east, the saltworks of Reprise and the lido of Gruissan-Plage; to the south, the salt flats and the island of Sainte-Lucie and to the west, the pond of Bages-Sigean. The railway line and the Robine canal run along the pond to the west while agriculture occupies the eastern slope with a predominance of wine.

The activities of the pond

Waterfowl hunting, professional fishing and bird watching are the main activities there. Nearly 200 species inhabit the lagoon, including the common harrier, white and black storks, terns … and sandpipers.

The Etang de l’Ayrolle allows fishing for all kinds of fish (Eels, gilthead sea bream, mullet …) but also to collect shells (clams and mussels). As soon as they return to port, the fishermen come to sell directly what they have caught in their nets. Every day, the 2 market stalls offer customers very fresh products.

Recreational nautical activities are prohibited in the lagoon. However, the very touristic environment allows for swimming, hiking, mountain biking, horse riding and motor sports.

Meeting with a fisherman from Gruissan

Born in Narbonne, Denis Bes has been a fisherman in Gruissan since 1984. Every day, he brings back fresh products that he fishes in the traditional way.

Early in the morning, he leaves on his boat to lift the nets that he laid the night before. Every now and then he uses bottom lines. He works on the Etang de l’Ayrolle and owns a hut that he has set up on the edge of the port. It was in this place that he met actor Pierre Richard with whom he posed during a visit. Indeed, the actor cultivates vineyards on the eastern slope. He is the owner and producer of « Château Bel Evêque ».

Among the Bes, we are fishermen from father to son. Denis trained his son for 1 year. The latter is now his own boss.

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Alain MONTSEGUR

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