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Exclusive Chalk Stream Fishing"The Risle is a chalk stream and said to be the best in France, famed like our Test in Hampshire…The Risle Valley is wide, again something like our Test, and the scenery everywhere is wonderful." The LocationLa Behottiere is situated in rural Normandy near Brionne on the banks of the River Risle. The Risle is a classic chalk stream in every sense, as the quote above suggests, and was Charles Ritz's favourite water. Frank Sawyer stayed at La Behottiere in the 1950s when he went to fish the Risle with Ritz. Frank described the distinctive Risle trout in the second edition of 'Nymphs and the Trout':"Here was my first fish from Normandy and a really beautiful one it was; deep and fat, with a small head, curiously humped shoulders and bronze with big dark red spots along its sides."La Behottiere is nowadays run as a quiet fly-fishing retreat by Ann Sinclair. Ann is a passionate fly-fishing historian and runs La Behottiere as a complete chalk stream experience steeped in the memories of a bygone era. I was lucky enough to spend a day fishing there last year and could feel Ritz and Sawyer with me on the river bank, and recognised at once the humped shoulders of the trout described above. The homely fishing cottage has memorabilia and collectibles from Sawyer and Ritz while the old mill has been left the way it was when the greats used to fish there regularly. The Fario Club founded by Charles Ritz, and of which Frank was a member, still fish the Risle at La Behottiere.
The FishingThere is no longer any stocking at La Behottiere so it is a catch and release water, although Ann is happy for the odd trout to be barbequed at the river side. There are a total of 4 kilometres of water made up of the main river (2 km) and the mill stream (2 km). Further fishing on other Normandy chalk streams can be arranged on arrival for those who may wish to extend their stay in France.
Booking InformationAnn is offering a strictly limited number of weekend and mid-week breaks at La Behottiere. Availability is managed carefully to ensure that the water is never over-fished. The price covers the fishing, accommodation, rods and tackle (if required), and a refrigerator full of Normandy culinary delights.Bookings are strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. A non refundable online deposit of £50 is required at the time of booking followed by a final online payment by no later than 2 weeks before the break. IMPORTANT. Please email sawyernymphs@uwclub.net for availability before placing a deposit.
Season is from May-Oct. Prices are for two anglers sharing the two bedroomed cottage for a weekend (arrive Fri night depart Sun evening) or two nights mid-week. £50 non-refundable deposit required at time of booking with balance payable 2 weeks before date booked. Nearest ferry ports are Dieppe (1hr 30 min drive), Le Havre (1 hr 30 min drive) and Caen (2 hr drive).
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