Freestone rivers, chalk streams, lakes and reservoirs all around the country

It is true that many foreign anglers know about trout fishing in Spain through the popularity of the Pyrenees, and really they are spectacular, but there is much more to be discovered across the country, as far south as Andalusia.

Throughout the entire territory there are many trout waters from freestone rivers, chalk streams, lakes and reservoirs where you can catch wild brown trout and rainbows.

Because of the weather and the type of rivers abundant hatches occur and you can fish both either dry fly and nymph or streamer.

From spring to mid-October brown trout (salmo trutta fario) are fished for in rivers of all kinds, but there are many chalk streams and freestones. This is where the dry fly fishing and, especially nymph fishing is of utmost importance.

The center and north of the country are where there are more and most different rivers. Lowland and medium to high mountain rivers nestled in natural landscapes of great beauty witnesses to really a important cultural past, where the Romanesque and Gothic arts take on a special role, and some of these rivers are also crossed by the famous St. James Pilgrim’s Way.

Fly fishing for trout in Spain is not only about catching fish, is also inviting at one of the cradles of the fly fishing world. Visit Spain enjoying our nature.

* In addition, sea trout can be fished for in northern Spain and there are a few chances for Atlantic salmon.

Season: April-October

 Sight fishing for Barbel is one of the most exciting ways to fly fish with over 90% on dry flies!

They call it the “golden bonefish” and it really is like a “freshwater relative” to bonefish. The barbel is one of the most abundant fish in Spain and every one of the species is really attractive.

Three of them are most notable, the common barbel, the comizo and the gypsy. Older specimens can exceed 10 kilos (22lb) although their average weight is (depending on the area) at about 4 pounds.

There´s sight fishing, stalking, walking the shores in search of these fish patrolling the shallows and feeding on surface or “tailing” like bonefish. It is one of the few fish that often allow us to suddenly see the backing on the reel.

Foam flies that imitate terrestrials and nymphs, crayfish and prey fish imitations are the best options.

Can you imagine a “golden bonefish” day with dozens of catches or having a fish of 6-8 pounds at the end of your line?

Want to try for a “golden bonefish” Grand Slam?

In some parts of the country it is possible to catch these three real gems in the same waters. We call it the “Golden Grand Slam” and you can get and even surpass that with a “Golden Super Grand Slam”, adding to the list the largemouth bass and carp on the same day’s fishing. Interesting, right?

It’s all sight fishing and in some of the most beautiful and wild sierras of southern Spain, where nature is at its greatest splendor with deer, wild boar and eagles as witnesses.

Season: February-November

The New Gold Rush! Sight fishing with baitfish imitations

This could be termed the “new gold rush”. There is a great love for carp fly fishing worldwide. In Spain, with the arrival of the bleak, carp behavior has changed and it’s common to see attacks on baitfish schools as though they were marine predators.

Widely distributed in the country, carp are found mostly all year around. Bring #7-8 weight rods because carp grow up to large sizes. Sight casting to 10-20 pound carp is one of the most intense experiences in freshwater fly fishing.

Bring your fly reels loaded with 100 yards, more than once you´ll see it all ripped off your reel!

Its wide distribution means that even if you are traveling on business in a major city like Madrid, you can catch them at a short half hour drive, although it is best to plan a few days of fishing and add other species from different locations.

There are two main varieties of carp. Common and Mirror carp. Both grow to large sizes. Apart from bleak and crawfish as their main food, carp anglers also use bait for them with boilies and pellets so over recent years their weight and size has increased, that´s an advantage for fly anglers.

Season: February-November

Wels Catfish

Hunt for wels catfish with a fly rod. Biggest freshwater fish in Europe!

Wels catfish has become one of the fish most sought after by fly fishermen looking to capture his personal record in Europe. It is caught near shore vegetation zones where they hunt. The chance of catching  a wels catfish well over 1.5 m is high and in the Ebro river the barrier of 2 meters has already been exceeded, being considered the best waters to catch a record!

Largemouth Bass & Northern Pike

Spain is considered the best largemouth bass country in Europe.

Largemouth bass on the fly and especially surface flies like deer hair bugs is the equivalent of dry fly fishing for trout. Traditional and excellent fishing. In Spain there are several of the best places in Europe to catch them and their abundance and size increases every year.

It is possible to catch them virtually all year round in several Spanish regions, especially in central and southern peninsula. You can also fly fish for other species in the same waters, as carp, barbel and northern pike.

If you have already fished for largemouth bass you will have the chance to get a big one and if it is your first time, you won´t forget it.

Northern Pike was introduced in the mid ´50s in Spain, and it is widely distributed throughout the territory. Fly fishing for pike can be done in reservoirs and rivers. It is in the rivers where the fishing is more exciting, wading and casting on weed zones, with surface flies getting explosive takes!

Ideal for combining with other species, even with saltwater fly fishing during the week.

Season: March-November

Manna from heaven! Autumn Flying Fish Parade

The end of summer marks one of the most prolific fishing seasons in the waters of the Straits of Gibraltar with the arrival of the flying fish. Few natural spectacles are as impressive as the flight of these magnificent fish escaping from predators. Both move at high speed and you need to follow them with the boat. Once in the hunting area there are only a few opportunities to cast and then start again.

Bonito, barracuda, amberjack, bluefish or sea bass are the main predators in the area.

Bonito hunt on the surface early and late in the day, basically fleeing from bright sunlight.

Streamers are attacked even before touching the water, that’s how fast barracuda hunt flying fish.

Season: May-November

There are also chances of different saltwater species during the year as sea bass, bluefish, amberjack, leerfish or snapper, and at specific times bluefin tuna and white marlin.

Southern Spain is a great area for white marlin fly fishing, close to the famous area of Morocco where several world records have been caught.

White marlin season: August-November

* If you or any of your companions want to use another type of fishing such as spinning or trolling do not worry, we can also do so.