Go trout fishing on the Gave de Pau

To help you get the most out of trout fishing,the AAPPMA for anglers in Lourdes and Lavedan and the Departmental Angling Federation have set up specific fishing routes:

Children’s routes
Introductory routes
No-kill routes

Children’s fishing areas
There are several fishing spots reserved for children under 12, ideal for budding anglers. Armed with a ‘Découverte’ fishing licence, they can try their hand at catching trout, minnows and gudgeon. The nearest spots are in Lourdes (Lake Barathchelé), the village of Les Angles (the Echez stream), Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre (the Castéra stream) and Argelès-Gazost (a branch of the Gave de Pau at the Pont du Tilhos).
No-Kill Spots
This stretch, situated between the motorway bridge (Pic du Jer) and the Pont Neuf (Lugagnan), is open to anglers using float fishing and fly fishing with single hooks; barbless hooks are compulsory. All fish caught on this stretch must be released. This stretch is renowned for producing large trout every season.
Discovery Section
The Discovery and Beginners’ fishing stretches are open to any angler holding a fishing licence. Stocks are regularly replenished and fishing techniques are limited to toc and fly fishing. In Lourdes, the Discovery stretch is located upstream of the Peyramale bridge. A recreational stretch is also available in Saint-Pé-de-Bigorre.

Toc fishing is a traditional fishing technique from the Pyrenees. It involves presenting bait to trout in a natural way. The numerous areas with currents are ideal for this method. The stretch immediately downstream of Lourdes, near the Bois de Lourdes, is a well-known spot amongst local anglers.  On the outskirts of Lourdes, the Neez is a tributary with the characteristics of a mountain torrent, which is also well suited to toc fishing.

As you stroll along the banks of the Gave de Pau, you’re sure to see plenty of fly fishers. The Gave de Pau is indeed a river that lends itself very well to this technique and is hugely popular. The best times for fly fishing are during the day in March and April, and in summer, particularly in the evening.

Whether using a wobbler or a spoon, large fish are caught in the Gave de Pau when fishing with lures. You’ll need tackle suited to this technique and capable of landing large specimens.