Fishing in Ax-les-Thermes: Rivers and Mountain Lakes
River and mountain lake fishing in Ax-les-Thermes
The Ax-les-Thermes valley offers several quite different fishing spots, between rivers and mountain lakes.
Fishing season
The dates below are those set for the 2026 season — check them each year with the Fédération de l’Ariège de pêche et de protection du milieu aquatique, since they are reviewed annually by prefectural order.
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First-category rivers (including the Ariège and the Oriège at Ax-les-Thermes): 14 March to 20 September
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First-category lakes below 1,000m altitude: 14 March to 20 September
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First-category mountain lakes above 1,000m (including Gnioure, Naguilhes and Campauleil): 30 May to 11 October
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Second-category rivers, canals and lakes: open year-round
A few species have their own dates: pike can be fished in first-category waters from 25 April to 20 September, and American crayfish (an invasive species) can be taken without limit from 14 March to 20 September.
No-kill stretch on the Oriège
An official no-kill stretch (catch-and-release mandatory) is designated on the Oriège, in the commune of Orgeix, between the La Payssière and La Moulasse landmarks — designed to preserve fish stocks.
Lake fishing
Two mountain lakes are suited to fishing: Étang de Gnioure (1,980m altitude) and Lac de Naguilhes, set in a wilder, more remote landscape. Like all mountain lakes above 1,000m, they follow the special calendar above, from 30 May to 11 October.
A little further away, in the commune of Mérens-les-Vals, the Ruisseau du Mourgouillou offers a stretch between the Étangs de Moulsut and the waterfalls — an option for anglers who want to get off the beaten track.
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Étang de Gnioure has been closed to fishing since 2025 for slope-safety works on its left bank, expected to last around 3 years — please confirm current status before planning a trip there. |
River fishing on the Ariège
A classic stretch, on the Ariège river itself.
Fishing permits and licences
A fishing licence ("carte de pêche") is required. You can buy one online at cartedepeche.fr, or in person from the local AAPPMA (fishing association) and some local retailers (often a tabac-press shop or the tourist office). Daily, weekly and annual licences are all available, so a short-stay option exists if you’re only visiting for a few days. We’d recommend confirming current prices and where to buy locally with the Ax-les-Thermes tourist office when you arrive.