Ibon de Gistain is an intimate high-altitude natural lake in the Hautes-Pyrénées offering pike, perch and tench on a pristine 1.9-hectare canvas — ideal if you're seeking solitude over volume. Bank fishing only, no night sessions (border zone restrictions apply), so plan daylight-only trips to this remote Pyrenean gem around 575 miles south of Calais. You'll need a valid AAPPMA licence and must fish through the local Fédération Pêche Hautes-Pyrénées (FDAAPPMA 65) — check access and season dates before travelling, as this is a specialist destination requiring advance planning.
Ibon de Gistain is 575 miles from Calais. For UK anglers willing to make the drive into Occitanie — a region of warm summers and excellent coarse fishing, particularly for carp and catfish — the fishing is well worth it.
Night fishing at Ibon de Gistain is not permitted. Night carp fishing in Hautes-Pyrénées is only permitted on specific named venues per prefectoral order. This lake is not on the authorised list — night carp fishing is prohibited here. See peche65.fr for the full list. Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Ibon de Gistain under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Hautes-Pyrénées card (CHI).
Managed by FDAAPPMA 65 / Fédération Pêche Hautes-Pyrénées. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Ibon de Gistain holds pike, perch, tench. Pike fishing is a highlight of the venue — spinning, deadbaiting and lure fishing are all effective methods.
A valid Carte de Pêche is required to fish Ibon de Gistain — you will also need to be affiliated with FDAAPPMA 65 / Fédération Pêche Hautes-Pyrénées. Licences are available online before your trip.
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2nd Category water. Carp/coarse: open all year. Pike: 25 Apr 2026–31 Jan 2027 (closed Feb–Apr). Zander/Perch/Catfish: all year. Pike season as above.
Always verify current rules with the local AAPPMA (FDAAPPMA 65 / Fédération Pêche Hautes-Pyrénées) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Ibon de Gistain, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FDAAPPMA 65 / Fédération Pêche Hautes-Pyrénées is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Hautes-Pyrénées is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Hautes-Pyrénées or explore all of Occitanie.
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