Top Target Species in Autumn in France

Which Species Become Active in Fall Migration, Spawning Prep, and Forage Tracking

24 October 2025

Autumn in France is a great time for fishing. When the weather gets cooler, fish start to behave differently. Knowing which fish are more active during this season and understanding why can significantly improve your success on the water.

Top Target Species in Autumn in France

Which Species Become Active in Fall

Pike

Pike are one of the most popular fish to catch in France during autumn. As water temperatures drop, pike feed more aggressively to store energy for winter. They move from deeper summer haunts to shallower areas where baitfish gather. The best places to fish for pike include near weeds, drop-offs, and structures in lakes and slow-moving rivers.

Perch

Perch are very active and hungry throughout autumn. They often swim together in large groups and hunt smaller fish in the shallows. You can find them around underwater vegetation, rocky spots, and near docks. Their aggressive feeding behavior makes them willing to strike both lures and live bait.

Zander

Zander (also called pike-perch) become more active in autumn, especially during evening and nighttime hours. When it gets darker and the water gets colder, they swim into shallow water to hunt. Target them in rivers like the Rhône and Saône, and in big lakes. They bite well on soft plastic lures and crankbaits, especially early in the morning and at sunset.

Trout

Brown and rainbow trout in French mountain streams and rivers are also highly active in autumn. Cooler water temperatures boost their metabolism and feeding activity. Many alpine lakes and rivers, especially in the Pyrenees and Alps, offer excellent trout fishing during this season. Fly fishing is particularly effective using insect imitations and nymphs.

Black Bass

Though not native to France, black bass (largemouth and smallmouth) have established populations in the south. In autumn, they feed aggressively to prepare for winter. Look for them around structures in lakes and reservoirs with crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastics.

Carp

Carp remain active feeders throughout autumn, with more predictable behavior than in summer. As they bulk up before winter, they become less selective about food. Target areas with natural food sources: muddy bottoms rich in worms and insect larvae, areas with rotting plants and edges of the water where seeds and insects fall into the water. Effective baits include boilies, pellets, or traditional options like corn and bread.

Migration, Spawning Prep, and Forage Tracking

Seasonal Migration Patterns

In autumn, many fish in France start moving to different areas. Pike and zander leave the deep water where they spent summer and swim to shallow areas where smaller fish gather. In rivers, some fish swim downstream to find places that stay calm during winter. When you know where fish go during this season, you can find the best spots to catch them.

Pre-Spawning Preparation

Fish spawn in spring, but autumn is when they get ready for it. Pike eat a lot during this time to store up energy they'll need for breeding next year. This makes them aggressive and less cautious, creating excellent fishing conditions. Trout in some waters also start moving toward the streams where they will spawn.

Forage Tracking

Successful fishing in autumn means locating baitfish concentrations. When the water gets colder, small fish like roach, bleak, and minnows gather in predictable locations:

Shallow bays that stay warmer longer
Creek mouths and inflows that bring food and oxygen
Weed edges where dying plants release nutrients
Drop-offs where fish can move between shallow and deep water

Predatory fish follow these baitfish schools. Locate them by watching for surface activity, using a fish finder, or observing feeding birds. Where baitfish gather, predators won't be far behind.

How Temperature Affects Fish Behavior

As autumn arrives, water temperature drops from around 25°C to 10–15°C. This cooling changes how fish behave and feed. Most fish eat more during this period, but peak feeding times vary throughout the season:

Early autumn (September–early October): water remains fairly warm, so fish behave similarly to summer and feed throughout the day
Mid-autumn (mid-October–November): peak feeding activity occurs as fish prepare for winter
Late autumn (late November–December): many fish become less active, though pike and zander continue feeding aggressively

Best Fishing Strategies for Autumn

To catch more fish during autumn in France:

Fish in the morning and evening when fish eat the most
Look for spots where shallow water meets deep water
Use bigger baits because fish are hunting larger prey
Move your bait more slowly when the water gets colder
Fish in areas with moving water—they have more oxygen and attract baitfish
Be ready to change your approach—weather and temperature changes directly influence fish behavior

Autumn offers exceptional fishing opportunities in France for anglers who understand seasonal patterns. Whether you're targeting pike in Lac du Der-Chantecoq, trout in mountain streams, or zander in the Rhône River, this season delivers some of the year's most productive fishing.