The Pyrenees is a fantastic travel destination with good fishing, a fascinating culture, great cuisine, and friendly people. Compared to the French Riviera and the Alps, the Pyrenees are frequented less by Tourists. Fishing aside, the Pyrenees offer a superb holiday location from which the authentic rural France can be explored. Although these attractions provide ample entertainment, I was there for the fishing, which is equally brilliant. The fishing is very easy to procure and these waters are perfect for euro nymphing.
Most of the water I fished was in the Adour system. I focused on the Adour tributaries (especially the Adour de Lesponne) and the river Adour itself. Rising near the majestic Pic du Midi, the river flows with rapidity, clarity and consists of large sections of whitewater in its initial course. The tributaries are tumultuous, moody and flow violently through wooded gorges, mountain meadows and along donkey tracks. The white-water rushes furiously around smooth boulders, wizened trees and through deep bedrock gullies and shallow pockets.
The Adour calms marginally, although the flow still whistles through quickly, over pebbles and boulders, rounded by the force of spring floods before flowing energetically into deeper runs. Downstream, near the regional city of Tarbes, the river placates and gains more lowland characteristics. Ranunculus and gravel become commonplace. Here, the trout are bigger and the hatches more frantic. This system mirrors that of many of the local Gaves and systems. Although the Adour was my base venue, the advice I give here is based on multiple systems throughout the Pyrenees.
A regional or interdepartmental licence will allow you to fish the whole river without the need for additional day tickets. They, or day licences if you are only stopping by, can be purchased online or at local Tourist offices. I found most of my fishing through local contacts, but Google Maps will give you a pretty good idea!
Target Species
Wild brown trout were the main target. Whilst not huge in the Adour River system, they are beautifully marked. Most fish take on a silvery hue, with a high proportion of bright red spots. However, high up in the wooded mountain valleys, the fish can often develop a darker tone. This reflects the environment they live in. That said, the variety in marking and colouration was remarkable, with gold, silver and brewed Ale all making appearances in the same pool! In general, most brownies from the torrent sections averaged about 15cm in size, with a few reaching up to 25cm. However, this average size increased to around 20cm in the Adour, with the odd fish measuring above 30cm.
I will reiterate that, whilst not large, the strong currents and light tippets used created nerve-racking and interesting battles! I must admit, when I hooked my first torrent fish at the beginning of the trip, it tore off downstream, and I loudly exclaimed I had a 30cm fish… It was 16cm! Happily, the odd brook trout made an appearance in the upper tributaries as well. Plenty of variety to keep me thoroughly entertained.
The south of France is famed for sun, high temperatures and beautiful blue skies – conditions which appeared infrequently. More common, unfortunately, was lingering mist with frequent heavy downpours, which thoroughly tested my gink and Amadou! The mountain weather provided mixed fishing. The misty overcast mornings and clouded afternoons encouraged invertebrate activity, and the brownies certainly responded vigorously. In these conditions, anglers could catch large numbers of brownies from the shallow tails of pools and from the usual slacks and runs. During the bluebird days, the fishing predictably worsened, although the evenings and early mornings still yielded trout generously. However, I set myself the target of cracking the rivers during the heat of the day, sometimes exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Eventually, large numbers of brownies graced the net in all conditions.
Wade Safety
It is important to briefly highlight the dangers of wading. Local anglers breezily assured me the wading was fine- if you are careful! In truth, it was often sketchy, due to the lack of grip on smoothed riverbed boulders. The current was rapid and exploitative of any poor footwork. Furthermore, the lack of any big boulders near/above the water’s surface on the Adour meant that it was impossible to maintain three points of contact when wading. Finally, the torrents presented another risk: flash floods. Naturally, after heavy rain and thunderstorms, the river level would rise rapidly. However, many of the torrents such as the Adour de Lesponne stemmed from hydraulic Dams controlling the level of large mountain Lakes.
This was a mixed blessing, constant cold water, but the risk of fast water level rises, even in fair weather. Ideal for trout in hot conditions but requiring a cautious approach. I say this not to intimidate but to prepare anglers looking to fish here. Having extra tungsten studs, situational awareness, and a heightened sense of caution should mitigate risk. Check the forecast, and remember that even knee-deep water can dislodge you on poor wading surfaces, especially if you are moving. I took a couple of swims and frankly was lucky not to injure myself more seriously. Caution and care pay off. Be careful!
Tactics, Tips, and Techniques
The fast, complex, and cold currents of the upper Adour and its torrent tributaries were certainly most suited to a tightline Euro Nymphing approach. Whilst small hatches would occasionally encourage the fish to rise, nymphing was the more effective method higher up the river system. Due to the turbid water surface, tightline methods reigned supreme, with Euro Nymphing catching most of the trout.
Whilst it falls under the generic term ‘Euro Nymphing’, we practised Spanish nymphing. This involves using a thin, level monofilament leader. For the majority of my nymphing, I used an 11-foot 2-weight rod. This gave me the reach needed to fish at range, and the sensitivity to battle small fish in heavy currents without pulling the hook hold.
Occasionally, when using heavy beads (3.8mm plus), I switched to an 11ft 3wt for the extra backbone. Overall, the 11ft 2wt is my preferred all-rounder. I used braid core nymph lines and semi-automatic reels. I would say that the reel is largely a personal preference when Euro Nymphing. Whilst I utilise semi-automatic reels, that is more of a debate for a Euro Nymphing rather than a Pyrenees article!
Spanish Nymphing Leaders & Tippet
Many formulations of the Spanish leader are used. I prefer a micro-leader that consists of roughly 4.5 metres of yellow mono (5.5x diameter), 45cm of clear (5.5x mono) and 50cm of bicolour sighter. Sighter, which I marked up with a permanent marker pen for increased visibility against the white turbid water. It is worth noting that I stick to a total leader and tippet length of 22ft due to FIPS Mouche regulations. You can make that section of yellow mono as long as you want to avoid sag.
This nymphing leader is ideal in the Pyrenees for multiple reasons. Firstly, given the constantly changing depth in these sections of the river, the ability to adapt to water depth is crucial. However, I like to detect takes through sight rather than feel. Thus, I needed the sighter to be as close to the flies as possible (e.g. A short length of tippet), for the maximum possible take detection. This configuration, therefore, provides the necessary depth adjustment. Being very thin, the sighter doesn’t catch the current when dipped, and the nymphs stay in the strike zone. Furthermore, the colour breaks (created by the clear mono) can be used to indicate, instead of the sighter when completely dipped underwater. This gives roughly another 3ft of depth with a vertical sighter angle over the flies. Shallow water takes can be detected effectively, due to a short tippet length.
For tippet, I used very thin fluorocarbon, usually 7x or 8x. The density of fluorocarbon, combined with the ultra-thin diameters, allowed the nymphs to reach depth quickly. This was essential in fast and complex currents. Check out Fulling Mill Fluorocarbon tippet!
Backend line control
The fast currents and very fast eating Pyrenees trout mean that good back-end line control is essential to success while nymphing there. This back-end line control, when done properly, allows for a stable and constant rod tip. Stability, which equates to a more even/natural drift quality and places the rod tip in a better position to strike quickly.
Single vs Double fly
Single or Double fly? Arguably one of the most important euro nymphing questions to ask yourself when assessing a run, especially in the Pyrenees. Given the complexity of the currents, remaining in contact can be very hard… A large problem, given that good contact is imperative to success with Euro nymphing. However, by using a single fly in the most complex areas (namely heavy pocket water, tight slacks and in general areas where landing two nymphs in the same pace/direction of water would be difficult), good contact is easier to maintain, leading to more observable takes. That said, whilst I used a single nymph for much of my euro nymphing, two nymphs were naturally more effective than one in even-paced and relatively deep runs.
However, these runs were not always commonplace, especially in the higher mountain torrents. Furthermore, much of the water was heavily fished by local fishermen. I would observe at least a couple per hour, or more in peak times. To catch large numbers of wary wild brownies, I targeted the ‘difficult water’ other anglers left unfished. To work these complex areas, often under heavy undergrowth, a single fly offered greater accuracy and control. This allowed me to nymph more effectively and put more fish in the net.
Tucking the Cast for The Ultimate Presentation
Even when using very heavy and sparse flies, the strength of the current would be strong enough to prevent the flies from reaching depth. This can occur especially when there is unnecessary force generated by the tippet. Thus, it was imperative to tuck the nymphs to generate a downward drop and prevent the tippet from dragging them into the current before they had time to sink. This was critical for two reasons.
Firstly, when under the fast current, the fish would rarely more upward into the powerful water to feed. Accordingly, the nymphs had to be in the slower strike zone near the bottom, which invariably held the majority of the invertebrate life. Therefore, achieving depth quickly was essential to maximise the effectiveness of my drifts. Secondly, many of the effective drifts (especially the slacks and pockets) were very short. Therefore, I looked to maximise the drift as much as possible. By getting to depth quick, I was able to fish 90% of the short drift effectively, rather than just the last 30%.
Very strong Pyrenean currents require a tuck cast to achieve depth early in the drift.
Contact Nymphing & Presenting Different Drifts
I found that using a couple of different types of drift (in a specific order) could dramatically increase the number of fish caught while Euro Nymphing. Firstly, I would always start with a couple of drifts where I came in immediate contact with the nymph. Contact created by landing it without a tuck and coming tight in the air before the nymph even hit the water. Whilst this contradicts my advice about tucking (more to come), this drift was important to start with. It maximised the possibility of having and reacting to an impact take effectively.
Naturally, after a couple casts, the chances of an impact take (on water that had already been covered) reduced. Then, I would switch to tucking the flies, to achieve depth quickly. However, I will clarify that tucking does NOT mean just letting the fly drop, and then coming into contact after the fly has hit the bottom!
Tucking generates the slack for the fly to sink quicker, but you must retrieve the slack and get in contact with the nymphs quickly, through back-end control. The ideal balance is to slip in and out of contact until the nymph is at depth. You want to generate a slight bit of slack so that the nymph can sink quickly. But the key is to find the balance between contact and non-contact. If this balance is reached, impact takes will mostly still register, but the nymphs will reach the strike zone quickly.
The fundamental difference between the two presentations is that on the initial drifts, I led with the rod practically before the nymphs hit the water. Opposingly, after the tuck, I started retrieving that slack immediately, giving the fly just enough time to drop, albeit in a controlled manner (just out of total contact for a minimal time). With these two presentations (with my standard drift being a balance between the two), I maximised my chances and registered more takes.
Sighter Angles
Changing sighter angles – more of a general euro nymphing tip, but one that definitely applies in the Pyrenees. In shallower water, a more horizontal sighter angle (as a substitute for changing the tippet length) visually detected takes more effectively and allows for shallow water to be fished with the same length tippet and light flies at range. By contrast, in deeper pockets and runs, slowing down the drift and using a more vertical sighter angle generated better results. Not rocket science but worth noting!
Finding Fish in the Pyrenees
The best fish holding locations higher up the river system and in the torrents were undoubtedly the slacks and slower seams that ran alongside the bank. Curiously, the midstream slacks, such as those behind boulders, were not electric, although they did still contain fish. Especially in heavy water, such as after rainfall or while hydraulic action was occurring, the soft seams caused by bankside disruption were incredibly prolific. That said, the main Adour upstream of Pouzac held fish in many areas.
The midwater slacks, fast run tails, deeper runs and bankside seams all held fish. Although the latter were more productive, especially during high water. During hot sunny weather, the deeper runs and bankside slacks held more fish and the other areas far fewer. In cloudy weather, all the areas were productive. In all areas of the river, pockets with depth tended to be productive if depth and good contact could be achieved quickly.
Lower down in the system, this dynamic changed, and the deeper/faster runs, especially the slower seams adjacent with them held the largest concentrations of fish. Although this could be for various reasons, I deduced that it was likely because the lower sections of river left the high mountains. Thus, the weather dynamic shifted towards a more typical Southern French (hot!) theme and the water temperature increased. Therefore, these faster pieces of water and the slacks near them offered the most oxygenated flow. Simple watercraft, yes, but in stark contrast with much of the higher altitude fishing. Ultimately, the best water lower down was the fast water at the heads of runs, as you would expect in most summer euro nymphing scenarios in the UK. However, although less oxygenated, the slower seams alongside these fast flows were equally good.
There are some aspects to fish location that require good technical ability at casting a Spanish leader with light nymphs. Given the difficult wading, many of the bankside seams/slacks were impossible to get close to. Therefore, being able to effectively cast and fish the Spanish leader at a range of 25ft or more is useful. Additionally, in cloudy weather or lower down the river, trout could be caught in very skinny fast water, that was only ankle to shin deep. Naturally, these fish were impossible to approach. Therefore, the ability to nymph at range was useful, although small CDC dry flies caught in this situation as well. These faster riffles are the food production zones of the water, and thus the fish in them tended to feed to an extent, even in hard conditions.
Fishing during the heat of a Midsummer French day is rarely easy, but the cool Pyrenean water tended to encourage fish to eat to an extent. I will stress that the point of my visit was largely to gain experiences and face challenges that I could benefit from competition-wise. If you are fishing to solely catch loads of fish, then the overcast days, early mornings and evenings are your best bet. I am sure anyone who fished the Vicdessos during the heat of the day while competing in the Worlds will agree with me! Finally, learn how to bow and arrow cast! While distance is not as much of an issue on the torrents, where the white water shields you, the undergrowth and foliage are. These bankside pockets are often small and covered by leaves. If you value your money, please practise your shooting before you visit!
Choosing the Best Flies
In general, I believe that the presentation of the fly, as long as the pattern is in the right ballpark, is far more important than the exact pattern itself. That said, there were a few characteristics that the successful patterns contained:
- The most successful nymphs had a slim profile, which allowed them to reach depth quickly. For this reason, Perdigon patterns were very effective. Whilst this was less important in the middling reaches of the rivers, where the current was calmer, in the torrents it was essential.
- Silver beads were by far and away the best bead colour. They accounted for 90% of the fish on both the point and the tag.
- Segmented body nymphs were particularly successful. Quill and pheasant tail bodied flies caught well, as well as ribbed flies.
- Small nymphs certainly out-fished larger ones. Due to the small nature of the food items (in general), the smaller average size of fish and the high fishing pressure, smaller flies (sizes 18 to 22) received the most interest.
- When fishing dry-dropper, buoyant sedge patterns were the most successful in the torrents due to their ability to not get drenched by the flow. Smaller CDC patterns with very light nymphs caught reasonably well on slower glides downstream near Tarbes (the Adour). However, nymphing still worked best.
- Small Hotspots worked well, and Tag nymphs (orange and chartreuse) worked well. Whilst Fulling mill tags are tied well, you should trim down the size of the tag until it is 1/3 of the original size… You now have a killer pattern.
Recommended Patterns for Euro Nymphing the Pyrenees
I used the flies from Signature Tyers Howard Croston and Devin Olsen with great success throughout my time fishing the French Pyrenees.
Croston’s Bead Baetis
A good fly for the dropper due to the movement of the CDC and the hotspot triggers. I would use this pattern in a size 18.
Croston’s FMJ Dark Olive Quill
Has the characteristics that I found so successful in the Pyrenees – segmented body, slim profile and silver bead. Another ideal dropper pattern in sizes 18 and 20. Learn to tie Howard’s Full Metal Jacket in this fly tying tutorial!
Croston’s Thread Quill Silver Bead Barbless
Great point, fly, with a segmented appearance and silver bead. Slightly too bulky and large to use as a single fly in the torrent water, however.
Croston’s FMJ Micro Widow Perdigons
Good single fly patterns, especially in very heavy water in the torrents and pockets. Try all different colours to find what works best on the day, as all patterns are effective in the Pyrenees.
Olson’s Natural & Olive Quilldigons
Great for the point or as a single fly. Olsen’s Quildigons are very effective when Croston’s Perdigons are rejected as they contain less flash so fool pressured fish.
Olsen’s Hares Ear Blowtorch
Orange Tag patterns were very effective, and this pattern excelled slightly lower down the river system as well as in the pocket water. I would recommend slightly trimming down the tag, as the flashback provides plenty of bling. Good dropper and point pattern, but stick to sizes 18 to 22, using a smaller for a dropper.
Orange Tag
Simple and deadly, with a slightly unique shade of orange that worked well with more pressured fish in the town beats. The silver bead was of course, devastatingly effective, but I again would recommend trimming down the size of the tag.
Croston’s Mass Attack
When fishing a dry-dropper high up the river system, anglers needed heavier nymphs. Also, a more buoyant dry was needed to stay afloat in the drenching current. This dry could float a brick… If you’re interested in learning to tie this fly, watch Croston’s Mass Attack tying tutorial!
Final Reflections on Fishing the French Pyrenees
To conclude, the Pyrenees is very dear to my heart and offer fantastic opportunities to experience amazing fishing and to discover the authentic France. Whilst comprehensive, this article cannot answer every Haute Pyrenean river question and query. Thankfully, the local guides and fishers are accommodating and kind. They have given me buckets of invaluable information, some of which is summarised here. If you have burning questions about the Pyrenees or the euro nymphing, ask them, or contact me/my brother via Instagram or Email: @Tom_Moesel_Fly and @Johnny_Moesel_Fishing or thsmoesel@outlook.com.
Bon Chance!
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