Trout and chub in the beautiful Belgian Ardennes

Nestled in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes, the Lesse River offers a magnificent fly fishing experience. It's a beautiful river that's home a couple of fish species, the ones most targeted being trout and chub. Its clear waters and beautiful surroundings make it a perfect fly fishing destination.

The river is surrounded by dense forests and steep cliffs, providing a serene backdrop for a day of fishing. Because of the beautiful area that's popular for hiking as well, you can easily combine your fly fishing with a few kilometers of hiking. Even more so because the fly fishing here can be considered light.

Dry flies, nymphs, and streamers are all effective, depending on the season and conditions. You'd be surprised how small trout will still go for large wooly buggers!

The river is very wadeable as well. The large stretch that we cover here (see the map on this page) is best started at the place Lesse (same name as the river). There is a BBQ place that where you can also park. A nice spot to put on your waders and get your gear ready.

Interesting fact: on Google Maps the river is the 'Lomme' at the village Lesse, but this is incorrect. The river there is called the 'Lesse'.

From Lesse you can wade in two directions (see map). To the right, it's a bit more tricky as at some point it gets wide and deep, plus it's the downstream part so you have to be careful not to spook any fish. But there are some beautiful riffs and it's more secluded. If you go the the left you're wading upstream and almost all parts are mostly easy to wade. This can however vary throughout the season thought, as rainfall impacts the water level.

Then there are some other short stretches available that are indicated on the map. When wading: please take care. The river is full of rocks.

License
There are 2 things that you need to fish the stretch that's indicated on this page on the map.

A fishing license for the Wallonia region is required in any case, wherever you go fishing in Wallonia. So make sure you have one. More information about this license can be found on the Belgium page.
A day (€15) or year (€85) license from the local fly fishing association, Amicale Des Pecheurs de Redu, that manages this specific beat of the Lesse. To get this license, you will have to email and pay Manual (Manu). All information is available here: https://www.fhpsbl.be/societe/amicale-des-pecheurs-de-redu/. It's in French, but if you use Google Translate for both the website as well as your emails to Manuel, you will be helped by a friendly fly fisher!
Fly fishing other parts of the Lesse, and many other rivers in the Belgian Ardennes
It will be a bit of puzzle as you'll likely need Google Translate given many of the information is only available in French. Here is some important information:

A fishing license for the Wallonia region is required in any case, wherever you go fishing in Wallonia. So make sure you have one. More information the Belgium page
For the full Lesse river, some (very) small parts can be fished with just the Wallonia license. The problem is that these parts are often picknick / barbecue areas, so not ideal for fly fishing in the summer when it's crowded. Sometimes in the evening you can be lucky when it's less busy and there's still lots of insects around!
This website will provide information about private stretches and how to get a license. This often involves emailing someone in a village and transfering money, that's just the way it works... Only available in French, but if you use Google Translate to send an email you will often get the information and help that you need. See www.fhpsbl.be for obtaining the license for all the different stretches of the Lesse and many other rivers. Lot's of beautiful water to explore, and all quite affordable! Also see www.maisondelapeche.be for more generic fishing information in Belgium.