Arcachon Bay fishing forecast
Arcachon Bay is a saltwater fishing spot in Bay of Biscay, France. Anglers here target European Seabass, Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Atlantic Mackerel, Atlantic Bonito. The most productive months are typically June, July, August, September, October.
Current conditions
| Sea surface temp | 19.6 °C |
|---|---|
| Wind | 9 km/h from E |
| Wave height | 2.9 m at 9 s |
| Current | 0.03 m/s toward S |
| Pressure | 1024 hPa |
| Depth | 14 m |
| Cloud cover | 100% |
Last updated Jun 7, 2026 (UTC). Conditions refresh through the day.
Bite windows
Best months for Arcachon Bay:
What you can catch
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Dicentrarchus labrax
-
Thunnus thynnus
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Scomber scombrus
-
Sarda sarda
Local regulations
| Species | Bag limit | Min size | Open season |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Seabass | — | min 42 cm | — |
Licensing:
- saltwater-recreational — residents No paid licence for recreational sea fishing. From 2026, anglers aged 16+ must register every 12 months and declare daily catches of sensitive species (e.g. European seabass) via the EU RecFishing app. Minimum sizes, gear and zone/season restrictions apply., non-residents Same RecFishing registration and reporting obligations apply to non-residents fishing recreationally in French waters.
- freshwater-recreational — residents Inland/freshwater fishing requires a "carte de pêche" from a local AAPPMA angling association (national network at cartedepeche.fr)., non-residents Non-residents need the same "carte de pêche" (annual, holiday or daily options available).
FishRadar regulations are summaries for informational purposes only. French recreational fishing rules are set nationally and by EU regulations (including seabass measures and Mediterranean minimum sizes), and vary by area and season. Always verify with the Ministère de la Mer at mer.gouv.fr before fishing.
Check Arcachon Bay before you go
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Nearby spots
-
Dordogne River
Gave de Pau France
Biarritz Basque Coast
La Rochelle Bay of Biscay
Loire River France
Frequently asked questions
What fish can you catch at Arcachon Bay?
Anglers at Arcachon Bay target European Seabass, Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, Atlantic Mackerel, and Atlantic Bonito.
When is the best time to fish Arcachon Bay?
The most productive months at Arcachon Bay are typically June, July, August, September, October.
What is the fishing forecast for Arcachon Bay right now?
Arcachon Bay currently scores 76 out of 100, based on live ocean and weather conditions — see the full breakdown on this page.
Do you need a licence to fish Arcachon Bay?
Fishing at Arcachon Bay follows the local rules for Bay of Biscay, France. Bag limits, size limits, seasons and licence requirements are summarised in the Local regulations section above, with a link to the official authority.
Scores and conditions are forecasts for guidance only and can change rapidly. Always check local rules and current conditions, follow all fishing regulations, and prioritise your safety on the water.