Lac d'Artouste is a pristine high-altitude reservoir in the Pyrenees offering bank fishing for pike and perch alongside its trout populations—a refreshing change of pace if you fancy mixed species in stunning mountain scenery. Night fishing is not permitted due to the salmonid management, and the venue is strictly bank-only with no boat access, making it an intimate spot for focused daytime sessions. You'll need a valid French fishing licence and membership with the local AAPPMA; contact FDAAPPMA 64 for current regulations and access details before your trip.
Lac d'Artouste is 569 miles from Calais. For UK anglers willing to make the drive into Nouvelle-Aquitaine — a vast region stretching from the Dordogne to the Basque Country, with outstanding fishing across its many departments — the fishing is well worth it.
Night fishing at Lac d'Artouste is not permitted. Night carp not authorised on this mountain lake. Pyrénées-Atlantiques mountain lakes (>1000m altitude) are classified as 1st category waters where night carp is not permitted. Source: federation-peche64.fr/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/fd64_mememto_2025.pdf Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Boat fishing: Boat access is restricted at Lac d'Artouste.
Bivouac & overnight camping is not permitted at Lac d'Artouste.
Required permits & cards: Verify with local Fédération.
Managed by FDAAPPMA 64 / AAPPMA locale. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
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Lac d'Artouste holds brown trout, rainbow trout, perch, pike, black bass. 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 Lac d'Artouste — you will also need to be affiliated with FDAAPPMA 64 / AAPPMA locale. Licences are available online before your trip.
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1st Category (Salmonid) water. Trout season: approx. Apr–Sep (mountain lake – confirm local dates). No night fishing. Carp/coarse: all year.
Always verify current rules with the local AAPPMA (FDAAPPMA 64 / AAPPMA locale) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
To fish Lac d'Artouste, you need a valid Carte de Pêche (French fishing licence), available online at cartedepeche.fr before you leave the UK — affiliation with FDAAPPMA 64 / AAPPMA locale is included in the purchase process. Annual, weekly and daily licences are all available online.
Pyrénées-Atlantiques is home to numerous public fishing venues. Browse all venues in Pyrénées-Atlantiques or explore all of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
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