The Gave de Pau runs from Gavarnie down through Lourdes, past Pau, and joins the Gave d'Oloron at Peyrehorade to form the main Gave system — the salmon river of Béarn. It is snowmelt-fed freestone with limestone character in the middle reaches, and the fishing splits accordingly: salmon on the lower and middle river in spring, wild brown trout on the upper reaches through summer. The AAPPMA network maintains multiple no-kill fly-only parcours, all barbless, and the stewardship is serious. Spring salmon peak in April and May: fish the rising water properly, drop down in fly size as the water clears, and concentrate on the recognised holding pools which the local guides know by heart. The upper valley above Lourdes is wild-trout country — limestone springs keep the water cold and the hatches coming through July and August. Check the regulations before fishing. Many beats mandate catch-and-release and the salmon quota tightens every season.
- Limestone
