The Gave d’Oloron is the crown jewel of this angling landscape. For many years, the Grand Gave, as it is known in Béarn, has been the ultimate prize for salmonid anglers, particularly those "obsessed" with Atlantic Salmon (Salmo-Salar) fishing. Anglers would travel for hours from all over France and abroad, struck by "Salmon Fever"—an incurable condition caught by any fisherman the moment they hook their first salmon.
Due to the dramatic decline in salmon numbers returning to Atlantic coastal rivers across Europe, and to ensure their protection, salmon fishing has been suspended on the Gave and all French rivers since July 2024. Other European countries have followed suit, while others have implemented draconian regulations.
The "King of Fish" must no longer be targeted to ensure its preservation; however, the Gave d’Oloron remains a magnificent river for trout. You will need patience, observation, and persistence, as the Gave Brown Trout (Farios) are discreet—and the larger they get, the more elusive they become. These "ladies" can reach very impressive sizes. Specimens of 40 to 45 cm are quite common, but "big beauties" of 50 to 55 cm are entirely possible. Even larger ones... they do exist!
You can fish for trout using "toc" (natural bait), fly fishing, or lures.
For "toc" fishing (natural drift):
Rod: 3.60m to 4m. Natural baits, nymphs. You must ensure you fish "fine": Leaders of 0.12 or 0.14mm maximum, size 8-10-12 hooks, and spread-out split shot.
For fly fishing:
9ft rod, 5/6 weight line. Dry flies, emergers, and nymphs. As with bait fishing, you must be "fine": 0.14 or 0.16mm leaders for the evening rise, but preferably 0.08, 0.10, or 0.12mm maximum during the day, as our "beauties" can be out in the midday sun... in the shade of the overhanging branches.
For lure fishing:
Rod: 2m to 2.40m, 5-18g casting weight with a good power reserve in the butt (for the big ones). 0.16 to 0.20mm nylon line or 0.10-0.12mm braid (maximum authorised leader 0.20mm). Plugs, spinners, and soft baits between 5 and 8 cm depending on water levels and clarity.
Within a 10 to 15 km radius of the campsite:
The Gave d’Oloron begins in Oloron-Sainte-Marie at the confluence of the Gave d’Ossau and Gave d’Aspe, flowing directly from the Pyrenees National Park. Narrower and less powerful than the Grand Gave, they are nonetheless very exciting for trout. Still classified as Category 1, the Vert river flows into the Grand Gave at Moumour, descending from the Barétous valley. Finally, the Gave de Mauléon (or Saison) joins the Gave d’Oloron at Autevielle.
A little extra?
A few more kilometres from the campsite and a bit of a hike will bring you to the Mountain Lakes. In most of these, you can find Brown Trout and Brook Trout, not to mention the small mountain streams ("rigouillards") teeming with small trout in a stunning setting—a little slice of paradise. A wonderful idea for a family walk.
Final recommendation: Please carefully read the 64 Fishing Federation Handbook to familiarise yourself with local prohibitions (e.g., maggots are banned on the Gave), as well as the boundaries of reserves, catch-and-release (no-kill) zones, or youth sections.
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