Fishing in Ossau

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The ultimate fishing destination is the Ossau Valley!
  • - © paysdebearn-adrienb-cathalinat
The Ossau Valley boasts a dense and varied network of fishing spots, offering anglers a wide range of locations: torrents, rivers (known locally as ‘gaves’), mountain lakes… These ‘playgrounds’ are home to a thriving aquatic fauna: brown trout, Arctic char…

Fishing season: 14 March to 20 September 2026
For lakes situated at an altitude of over 1,000 metres: 2 May to 11 October 2026, except for Lake Fabrèges, which is open from 14 March to 20 September 2026
 

Fishing in the Gave d’Ossau


A few kilometres from the Spanish border (Col du Pourtalet), the Gave d’Ossau (Category 1) is formed by the confluence of the Gave de Bious and the Gave du Brousset.
These two rivers flow through the Pyrenees National Park and have their sources on either side of the Pic du Midi d’Ossau.
In its upper reaches, the Gave d’Ossau is a torrent that reveals its waterfalls and pools of clear water to the most adventurous anglers.
From Laruns to Arudy, it winds its way through an alluvial plain, making fishing more accessible.
 

No-Kill Sections


The Ossau Valley, committed to preserving its fish stocks, has created a No-Kill section (which involves systematically releasing caught fish back into their natural habitat with the necessary precautions): a true angler’s paradise stretching 1,000 metres in Laruns.

No-Kill sections in the Ossau Valley:
  • Canal Lafleur: from the water intake at Bescat to the confluence with the Gave d’Ossau
  • Gabas
  • Lake Castérau
  • Lake Miey
 

Youth fishing areas


In the Ossau Valley, there are three areas designated for these zones:
  • Arudy: Lac Ducrest, fishing permitted with one rod; reserved for fishing on Wednesdays from 12 noon
  • Laruns: Gave d’Ossau, reserved for children under 16; one rod permitted.
    From the Lauguère Bridge to the entrance to the Gaves campsite (Pon district), length 550m. 
  • Bielle: the ArriuMage.
    From the bridge known as Coarraze to the bridge known as Poundet (length 150m) 
Practical information
  • Dominant fish: Brook trout; Brook trout; Arctic char; Rainbow trout
  • Techniques: flies; lures; knocks; natural baits
  • Fishing season: From March to September
  • Allowable catch: 10 fish, minimum 18 cm

Fishing in Mountain Lakes


The numerous lakes in the mid- and high-mountain regions of the Ossau Valley are a mecca for anglers and hikers alike.
Mostly natural and sometimes man-made, these lakes offer a unique experience in terms of how you reach them and the setting in which you fish. 

As you head towards the Spanish border, the lakes of Arrémoulit, Artouste, Bious-Artigues, Ayous and Fabrèges; and, near the Gourette cirque, the lakes of Anglas (2,068 m), Uzious and Lavedan are home to brown trout, brook trout, minnows, gudgeon… and are just the best-known of the 26 lakes in the valley.

Given the harsh climatic conditions on high-altitude lakes, stocking programmes are organised every year by the Laruns APPMA. 

For those less keen on sport, the lakes of Castet, Ducrest and Assouste offer an accessible playground and will delight all nature lovers. 


 
Practical information
Dominant fish: Trout fario; Brook trout; Rainbow trout
Techniques: launched; flies; bombette; English
Fishing period: From June to early October
Allowable catch: 10 fish, minimum 18 cm
  • Sale of fishing cards in tourist information offices
  • Sale of fishing equipment and live bait at the Blueberries store in Laruns
  • During the fishing season, bait sales at Carrefour Market in Arudy
  • More information on www.federation-peche64.fr
  • Download the 2026 Fishing Guide

The fish farms of the Valley


Pisciculture des Sources in Laruns (fishing and sales) 
9 Quartier Geteu, 64440 Laruns
Tel. + 33 (0)6 89 88 56 64
www.pecheossaupyrenees.unblog.fr

Fish farming Ossau trout in Pédéhourat (sale only)
Rte de Durieu, 64260 Louvie-Juzon
Tel. + 33 (0)6 45 52 14 08
www.truite-ossau.fr