Retenue Merville is a compact 3-hectare mountain reservoir in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques offering intimate bank fishing for pike, perch and tench in stunning Pyrenean scenery — a refreshing change of pace from larger French venues. Day fishing only (no night sessions), so plan accordingly for this peaceful, undisturbed water that rewards patient anglers with quality fish in a quieter corner of southwest France, roughly 556 miles from Calais. You'll need a valid French fishing licence and must contact the local AAPPMA (FDAAPPMA 64) before your trip to confirm access and any specific regulations.
Night fishing at Retenue Merville is not permitted. Night carp not confirmed on this lake. Pyrénées-Atlantiques night carp is only authorised on specifically designated lowland 2nd category lakes. Note: Lacs de Massicam (Bérenx) and Lahontan were specifically REMOVED from the arrêté in 2025. Check the current list at federation-peche64.fr before fishing at night. Source: federation-peche64.fr/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/fd64_mememto_2025.pdf Anglers must leave the bank before dark.
Bivouac & overnight camping is permitted at Retenue Merville under standard French fishing law — one rod, within 10m of the water, no open fires.
Required permits & cards: Pyrénées-Atlantiques card (CHI).
Managed by FDAAPPMA 64 / AAPPMA locale. Always verify current rules with the AAPPMA before your session — regulations can change seasonally.
Filter by species, size, night fishing, boats and bivvy. Find venues near Pyrénées-Atlantiques and across all of France.
Retenue Merville 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 Retenue Merville — you will also need to be affiliated with FDAAPPMA 64 / AAPPMA locale. Licences are available online before your trip.
Join to unlock full rules, night sectors, access notes and local camping spots for Retenue Merville and 10,000+ venues across France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
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.
To fish Retenue Merville, 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.
Other public fishing venues near Retenue Merville on PiscaMaps: