Patrick Taillard
Fly and lures fishing-guide for trout, grayling, and predators.
You want to learn or perfect these fishing techniques, live intensely privileged moments , or just share moments of relaxation in sumptuous frames of Correze , Cantal, Lot or Cevennes : therefore, whatever your age and level let us help you ...…
Fishing spots in the Pays basque
Here the rivers are called "nives" and they represent one of the best French destinations.
It is specifically in the "Basse Navarre", that I suggest to accompany you.
This verdant region lies in the foothills of the Pyrénées near the border with Spain. The nives are constituted by almost 200 kilometers of banks. Trout is omnipresent with a very good density.
The most commonly limestone and a softness and humid climate facilitate the trout growth who can reach a respectable size in most of streams. However, the region is highly tourist and the access to nives usually easy, so fishing pressure is consistent and trout is very fearful and her regular catch by sport fishing methods requires a good technique and a quasi-permanent challenge.
This region, between mountains and ocean, has got an incredible softness and harmony of the landscape,and a striking contrast of colors between nature and habitations. This so nice blending makes this region magic for people respecting it. In my case, I am forever captivated by this region and you will find below some of the jewels which await you:
The Grande Nive
For more than 30 kilometers, the Grande Nive, typical of the Pyrénées foothills, alternates deep pools and agitated sectors. Access is usually easy and it is very nice for fly-fishing techniques.Because of its limestone waters, trout has got a substantial size and weight and its defense is exceptional. Sea trout and salmon can also be caught. .
The Nive de Baïgorry
More commonly called Nive des Aldudes in its upstream part, this wonderful river is the biggest tributary of the Grande Nive, which it joins at St Martin D' Arrossa. Due to the proximity of roadways, access to its banks is usually easy.Even if this river is affected by some fish farms and small hydroelectric power stations, the nive de Baigorry is still famous for its good population of large trout.
The Nive de Béhérobie
Upstream, arround the place called " source de la Nive ", the Nive de Béhérobie is a torrential and wild stream. With an average width of 5 to 10 meters, it calms down and access is usually easy except the beautiful and wild gorges near the village of Saint Michel. Despite important fishing pressure the clear waters of the Nive Béhérobie home an excellent trout population excessively fearful and remarkably nervous. The scenic beauty is everywhere exceptional.
The Nive d'Arnéguy
Long fifteen kilometers , this stream is borning in Spain and can be fly-fished upstream next to the village of Arneguy. Despite the proximity of a road along its course, fishing the Nive d’Arnéguy is mostly sporty and very technical. It is joining the Grande Nive at a place called "the three waters " downstream " St Jean Pied de Port ." The trout population of the Nive d’Arneguy is excellent.
The Laurhibar
The Laurhibar descends heights of Irati , in congested gorges, then settles down from the village of " Mendive ". With a length of 25 km, its wooded banks often make it quite complicated to fish for the beginner fly-fisherman. The Lhauribar,down to the village of Mendive, is often less impetuous than other nives and has got a reputation for hosting the biggest trout of this region.
The Bastan
The Bastan flows into sumptuous landscapes and its waters are of an exceptional purity andclarity. Also, although remarkably populated with trout, it is very difficult to practice, especially in summer, which sometimes combines very low water and large tourist traffic.It joins the grande Nive River at Bidarray.
Access
The Google map below will allow you making your route.
Some movies
ACCOMMODATIONS
I’ve recommended some accommodations choices for your trip. These have been selected, not only for their excellent value and the welcome you can expect from your hosts, but also their proximity to the waters where we will be fishing. If you have specific accommodation requirements, then just get in touch and I will help you find just what you are looking for.