Lac des Gaves is an 18-hectare Pyrenean reservoir offering solid carp and tench fishing in a stunning mountain setting, strictly day-only and exclusively from the bank. At 558 miles from Calais, it's a serious road trip best suited to anglers combining it with other Occitanie venues. You'll need a French fishing licence and day ticket from the local FDAAPPMA 65 — contact them in advance as this remote location can have limited access points.
Night fishing at Lac des Gaves is not permitted. Night carp in Hautes-Pyrénées is only permitted on specific named venues (Lourdes, Louet, Gubinelli, Arrêt-Darré, Maubourguet etc.). This lake is not on the authorised list — night fishing prohibited here. Source: peche65.fr Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Boat fishing: Boat access is restricted at Lac des Gaves.
Bivouac & overnight camping is not permitted at Lac des Gaves. Night fishing not authorised.
Required permits & cards: Verify with local Fédération.
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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Lac des Gaves holds carp, pike, perch, tench, bream, black bass. Carp are the primary draw for visiting UK anglers. All carp should be handled with care and returned promptly. A landing mat and unhooking mat are essential kit for any carp session.
A valid Carte de Pêche is required to fish Lac des Gaves — 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 Lac des Gaves, 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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