Dam Lavalette

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The dam Lavalette was built in 1899 on the course of Lignon of Velay downstream from Tence, for the drinking water supply of the town of Etienne Saint. It was elevated in 1936 to allow its hydroelectric exploitation (concession EDF).

The reserve of the stopping is spread out over approximately 7 km for a surface of 220 hectares. It is located in a very natural environment, the slopes are mainly wooded beautiful coniferous trees and hêtraies. The beauty of the natural framework ensures the fisherman a fishing party pleasant.

The water level, classified in big lake of piscicultural mountain of 2° category, is managed to develop mainly the carnivorous species (pike, pike perch and pole).

The piscicultural settlement is varied: carnivores and cyprinidés of important densities (Bremen, gardon, rotengle, carp, bleak, pin.), certain fish (carp, pike and pike perch) being able to reach consequent sizes, which develop the halieutic potential of the lake.

Since 2000, fishing in the boat is authorized on the upstream part of reserve under certain conditions (see chapter regulation). It meets a passion marked at the fishermen in spite of the existing constraints (setting with water, limits of use).

For the carnivores, fishing with foot remains the most practised. The accesses are numerous but the prospection along banks can be made difficult according to the outline level of water.

In spite of a halieutic and tourist potential important, the frequentation of the fishermen remains rather moderate.

The dam Lavalette thus constitutes a site to discover for the carnivores and the preserved quality of its natural environment.