Fly Fishing in Brittany With Philippe: Where the Trout Are Proper Legendary
You ever just stand knee-deep in a river, the mist rolling off the water, and think, This is it. This is the spot? Yeah, that’s Brittany’s Monts d’Arrée for you. Crystal-clear waters, wild as they come, and trout that’ll make your reel sing. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s some of the best fly fishing this side of the Atlantic. And if you want to do it right, you’ve gotta fish with Philippe Dolivet.

Now, Philippe—this guy. Nearly 50 years of experience (wait, no, actually it’s 40, but trust me, it feels like 50 when you’re learning from him). Internationally acclaimed, sure, but more importantly, he’s the kind of guide who’ll laugh with you when you tangle your line in a bush for the third time. My first time out with him? Lost three flies in as many casts. Three. He just grinned and handed me another. “Happens to the best of us,” he said.

What He Offers (And Why It’s Brilliant)

First off, the man teaches everything. Trout in lakes? Check. Private ponds so quiet you’ll hear the fish rise? Yep. Rivers that twist through the landscape like they’ve got secrets to keep? Oh, absolutely. And if you’re feeling fancy, he’s got this gorgeous Irish Sheelin drift boat—19 feet of pure fishing magic. We’re talking proper loch-style fly fishing, the kind where you’re not just casting, you’re dancing with the water.
And the fish? Good lord. Brown trout, rainbow trout, pike that’ll give you a proper fight—even grayling and chub if you know where to look. But let me stress this: the trout here? Insane. From March to October, Drennec Lake is basically a fly angler’s playground. Big, wild, and hungry.

Saltwater? Oh, He’s Got That Too

Wait, did I mention the sea bass? Because oh boy. June through November, Philippe takes you out in Morlaix Bay and the Brest Roadstead—untouched waters, rocky estuaries, and bass that’ll make your heart skip. Shallow enough for fly fishing, deep enough to feel like an adventure. That moment when a bass hits your fly? Pure. Magic.

Stay at Swift Lodge (Because You’ll Need a Nap After All This)
Three cozy rooms, each with a fly-fishing vibe so strong you’ll dream of rising trout. Non-anglers won’t be bored either—there’s plenty to do, though honestly, why wouldn’t you fish?

Final Thoughts (From Someone Who’s Been Hooked—Pun Intended)
Six rivers. Countless fish. A guide who’s forgotten more about fly fishing than most of us will ever know. Whether you’re a beginner or think you’re the next Hemingway of angling, Philippe’s your guy.

Just don’t blame me when you’re booking your second trip before the first one’s even over.