Fishing spots in the Pays basque

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.