Serenity and Trout Between the Cows (and Yeah, They’ll Watch You Fish)

Man, the Saâne—what a little gem. Not one of those rivers that screams "fly fishing paradise," you know? More like... a quiet secret where the trout hide and the cows judge your casting. I mean, unless you’re Pascal. That guy could probably land a fish with a shoelace and a paperclip.

Let me tell you, summer evenings here? Magic. The water’s low and clear, sunlight flickering through the willows, and the only sounds are the occasional plop of a rising trout and those damn cows chewing like they’re reviewing your technique. Which, by the way—super chill cows. Pascal’s been fishing here for decades, and they’ve never given him grief. Just don’t go waving your rod around like a maniac, and you’ll be fine.

Spots Worth Your Time

We stuck to two beats: one just north of Longueil (look for the Camping de la Vallée—you can’t miss it) and another down near Saâne-Saint-Just. Both are marked on the map, but honestly? Half the fun’s just wandering till you find a stretch that feels right. Fly fishing only, though, and strictly catch-and-release. These trout are wild, skittish little things—one clumsy step and poof, they’re gone.

Licenses: A Mild Rant

Ah, French bureaucracy. Love it. The holiday license system’s gotten better, thank god—about €34 for a week, and you can grab it online at cartedepeche.fr. But here’s the kicker: when you’re buying it, you gotta pick an association. For the Saâne, that’s Dieppe (76200). Why? No idea. Just roll with it. And double-check the rules, ‘cause of course there’s fine print.

Wading: Slow and Sneaky Wins the Race

You can fish from the bank, but if the water’s low enough, wading’s the way to go. Just—for the love of Pascal—move like you’re trying to steal a napkin from a sleeping bear. These trout? Spook if you blink too loud. I learned that the hard way my first time, splashing around like a kid in a paddling pool. Zero fish. Many cow stares.

The Trout (and the Dream of Something Bigger)

Mostly brown trout here, but every now and then? Someone hooks a sea trout. Or, if the fishing gods are feeling generous, a salmon. The Saâne dumps into the sea at Quiberville, so anything’s possible. But don’t get greedy. Spot the risers first, then stalk ‘em like you’re in a spy movie.

Flies: Keep It Simple

Mayflies in May/June—obvious, right? But if you see fish sipping and no bugs? Sedges and caddis imitations. No risers? Go nymphs. Hare’s Ear, Pheasant Tail... or Pascal’s secret weapon, the Red Tag. Guy swears by it, and after watching him out-fish me three-to-one, I’m not arguing.

So yeah. The Saâne’s not fancy, but it’s real. And if you listen close, you might just hear the cows laughing at your backcast.