Fishing in Spain

Spain has a lot to offer the keen fisherman with beauties such as carp and large barbell available in its rivers and lakes. With over 20 rivers running through the beautiful Cantabrian range and the Galician Coast alone are entered by salmon. The conditions for Fly Fishing in Spain are excellent and in areas, the trout can grow incredibly large. Spain is not yet in the forefront when it comes to angling but this is bound to change in the very near future. With over 60 fishing preserves in the beautiful Nature Parks of Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas and of Sierra Nevada. There is a small town called Rio Frio. Its location is in the foothills of the Sierra de Loja. There are records of trout fishing dating back to 1664 and recently there have been record amounts of fish being caught. There is an all year round season here. Rio Frio is also a very popular tourist destination; with barbecued trout served at the many local restaurants. Try fishing on the Deva-Cares, Navia, Sella, Narcea, and Asón rivers for salmon and trout. Another great place for trout fishing is in the Pyrenees Mountain region.

Fishing on the Costa Blanca

With the rivers here, they often hold carp and barbel but the Amadorio Dam and to a lesser extent the Guadalest's Dam provide the best fresh water fishing. These hold barbel, black bass, rainbow trout and the biggest carp. In 1977, Rainbow Trout were introduced and are protected, so in order for you to catch them you will require a licence. The season for non-mountain trout runs from the first Sunday in March to August 15th. With the sea fishing in this area, it demands local knowledge to catch anything that’s worthwhile and if you are lucky enough, you can expect to catch big grey mullet, sea bream and bass. Mackerel run two or three miles out from the coast. In the late summer, autumn and winter, various species of tuna are abundant.

Fishing on the Costa Brava

In the Costa Brava Region, fishing from the rocks is very popular but results are by far better if you go to the expense to hire a boat and head out to sea. Here, there is abundant fresh water fishing. The River Ter and River Onyar will both offer good barbel, carp, tench and eel. Lake Banyols yields pike and carp. The River Segre has stretches of government controlled trout fishing so here a licence is required.

Underwater fishing

Over the past few years, underwater fishing has become increasingly popular but again you will require a license, which is available from the local authorities. You may use a snorkel tube, mask and mechanical harpoon gun but underwater fishing with skuba equipment is forbidden.

Salt water fishing

The Atlantic and Mediterranean shorelines are absolutely perfect for fishing. With many of the marinas, they provide you with everything you will require for a wonderful day of open sea fishing and in most ports you will find day trip organisers at sensible prices. Swordfish fishing is most spectacular. From July to September swordfish are found off the coasts of Almería, Granada and Málaga, as well as in the Bay of Cádiz. There is also tunny fishing in the open sea around Barbate, Zahara or Conil in Cádiz, and Isla Cristina in Huelva. Mackerel, sea bass, big toothed pampano, blue fish, and spotted bass are common catches. During the summer, many competitions are held.

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