Pyrénées-Atlantiques · Nouvelle-Aquitaine · France · 8 acres (3 ha)
Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Nouvelle-Aquitaine 8 acres (3 ha) Water No night fishing Bivvy permitted 556mi from Calais
About Retenue Merville
In the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, Retenue Merville is a intimate public water accessible to public fishing. Anglers can expect to encounter Pike, Perch and Tench.
Retenue Merville operates as a day-only venue — worth noting for anglers planning longer trips. Regarding boats: Bank fishing only. Anglers are permitted to bivvy overnight in line with French public water regulations.
Retenue Merville is 556 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.
Department
Pyrénées-Atlantiques
Region
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Water Type
Water
Size
8 acres (3 ha)
Night Fishing
Not permitted
Boats
Not allowed
From Calais
556 miles
Managed by
FDAAPPMA 64 / AAPPMA locale
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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 64 / AAPPMA locale) before fishing. French fishing regulations can change seasonally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Retenue Merville?+
Retenue Merville covers 8 acres (3 ha) in Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France.
What fish can I catch at Retenue Merville?+
The water holds Pike, Perch, Tench.
Is night fishing allowed at Retenue Merville?+
Night fishing at Retenue Merville is not permitted. Day fishing only.
Are bivvies allowed at Retenue Merville?+
Bivvy camping is permitted at Retenue Merville under standard French bivouac law. Always check local rules before fishing.
How far is Retenue Merville from Calais?+
Retenue Merville is approximately 556 miles from Calais by road.
Do I need a French fishing licence to fish Retenue Merville?+
Yes — all anglers fishing in France require a valid Carte de Pêche, available from cartedepeche.fr. You will also need to be affiliated with the local AAPPMA (FDAAPPMA 64 / AAPPMA locale).
Fishing in Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Pyrénées-Atlantiques is home to numerous fishing venues accessible to UK anglers. PiscaMaps covers lakes, reservoirs, rivers and canals across all Nouvelle-Aquitaine departments, with full rules, species and access information for each venue.
