Weather in Cordoba

Rio Guadalquivir

The Rio Guadalquivir in Cordoba has free fishing for carp, barbel, bass, perch, nase, pardilla and pike. The average depth is two metres, with a generally constant current. There are three fishable areas at Guadalbarbo, ‘Las Quemadas’ and Carbonell. Fish here if possible! Access is easy and the sport is excellent.

Species and methods

• Carp. The river here is stuffed full with carp. Most fish average between 500 grams and 1 Kilo (1.1 to 2.2 lbs), however, much bigger fish can be had if targeted.
• Barbel. The barbel are of a small average size around 200 grams (7 ounces).
• Bass. Bass are not as abundant as the carp, but fish will usually be taken when fishing for them with natural baits such as maggots or worms.
• Pike. Plenty of pike can be had to both artificals and deadbaits.
• Perch. Try maggot, pinkie or worm in the same fashion as for the barbel for some nice fish up to 1kg (2.2lbs).
• Pardilla. Fish very light using a size 20 hook, with worm or pinkie for bait.
• Nase. Lots of nase can be taken, with up to 50 fish in a session on the cards.

The river can be accessed in three places:

• Guadalbarbo This section of the river is in the city centre. It is located on Ronda de Isasa. Fish near the ‘Puente Romano’. The sharp bend below the bridge is very productive.
• Las Quemadas This area is located to the east of Cordoba. Head east on the E-5, then turn right onto Avienda de las Quemadas. Follow this or Avienda Arcangel to the water’s edge.
• Carbonell. This is very near the ‘Guadalbarbo’ section. It is alonside Avenida del Alcazar and Puente de San Rafael.

Please refer to a Cordoba city map for detailed directions to all three Quadalquivir sections.

Embalse de Santa Maria

This day ticket fishery has fishing for carp, barbel, nase and tench. There is a cafe/restaurant on site, and lots of facilities for children. The surroundings are very pretty and scenic. A really nice day out for the entire family. Day tickets can be purchased  from the bar on the lake shore or from Ayuntamiente de Pozoblanco, c / Cronista Sepulveda, 2, 14400 Pozoblanco, Cordoba. Telephone: 957 77 00 50.

Species and methods

• Tench. The tench fishing here is very easy. Try fishing corn, bread, maggots or worm over a small bed of groundbait. Floatfish with the bait about 10 cms over depth for best results.
• Carp. Most methods will catch the carp . Ledgering meat or corn is excellent, as is float fished paste.
• Barbel. The barbel, like the other species, are easy to catch and very abundant. Fish as you would for carp.
• Nase. Pole or waggler fished maggot is the best method. Feed little and often to get the fish going in your swim.

This fishery is located near the village of Pozoblanco, just south of the A420 between Villanueva de Cordoba and Pozoblanco, north of Cordoba city. The fishery can also be reached along the CP-316, south from Pozoblanco.

Embalse de las Jaras

Embalse de las Jaras is a very scenic water of variable depths. The water is very clear, with lots of submerged trees close to the shore. Bass, carp and pumpkinseed are the main quarry. The fishing is free. Dawn is the best time to fish this water.

Species and methods

• Carp. Fish up to 10kg (22lbs) can be had. Fish boilies on a standard running ledger, over a bed of whole and broken boilies for best results. During calm conditions these fish can be taken off the surface on crust or dog biscuit.
• Bass. There are plenty of bass in the water. Fish to 3 kilos (6.6lbs) are possible. Artificals are the best method. Try a small surface popper for some really exciting fishing. Flyfishing using small popper lures can also be very productive, and the fish fight really well on the lighter fly gear. You will need a floating line for this.
• Pumpkinseed. Float fished pinkie or maggot will score. Fish as light as possible, but beware of the many snags. The bait can be fished hard on the bottom, or just a little under depth.

Head north from Cordoba on the CO-110. Follow the signs for Urbanisation el Rosal and ‘Las Jaras’. The fishery is on the left hand side a short while after the urbanisation. A number of access roads will bring you to the embalse.

Embalse de San Rafael de Navallana

This water contains bass, carp, pike, goldfish and pumpkinseed. The fishing is excellent and free! The dam wall is the best area to fish. There are lots of underwater snags here, so any fishing on the bottom requires strong tackle. Tackle the carp of San Rafael de Navallana using specimen fishing tactics.

Species and methods

• Carp. Lots of carp, up to 11kilos (24.25lbs) are present here. All methods will work, but the classic carp method using buzzers and boilies is best. Feed plenty of particles and boilies into your chosen swim, and fish two rods over the top. Fruit boilies, especially pineapple flavours, are excellent.
• Bass. Fish up to 2.5kg (5.5lb) can be taken here on artificial spinner, spoons and plugs. There are lots of underwater snags, so fish on or near to the surface.
• Perca Sol. Fish worms or maggots close to snags or vegetation. Fish the waggler or pole for best results.
• Goldfish. If targeting these, then try the same methods as for the pumpkinseed. Fish light, with small hooks.
• Pike. Lots of pike between 4 and 5 kg (8.8 and 11lbs) are present. Sea deadbaits are the best bait, fished on the bottom, or drifted if there is a breeze.

Drive east from Cordoba on the CP227 towards Villafranca de Cordoba. After a few kms turn left onto the Carretera de Alcolea. The water will appear on your right hand side.

Embalse de Puente Nuevo

The water has free fishing for bass, carp, barbel and pike. There is a thermal power station on this fishery, creating a ideal environment to grow large bass. In fact, it has been said that this water will probably produce a new Spanish record some day. American style spinner baits are very effective for the bass of Cordoba. This is a deep water, so fishing close in works quite well. The water outflow from the thermal power station is a brilliant fish holding area in winter.

Species and methods

• Carp. Fish average 2 – 3 kg (4.4 – 6.6lbs), but the odd bigger fish is present. Meat and corn produce just as many fish as boilies here. Fish these baits on the bottom. Large bags can be taken if you feed heavily with groundbait and particles, using maize or beans as bait.
• Bass. Rapalas and spoons are easily the best artificals to use. Silver lures work really well.
• Barbel. Most standard barbel baits and methods work here. Cheese paste can be particularly good, especially in Winter. Fish all baits over a bed of particles such as hemp.
• Pike. Although not very abundant, fish to 10kg (22lb) have been taken. Ledgered or float fished sea baits work well, but eel section is probably the best.

Head north from Cordoba on the N432 . Turn left onto the A433 after about 33 kms, sign posted for Villaviciosa de Cordoba. The fishery will be on your right after a few kms. Alternatively, continue on the N432 past Penas Blancas. Shortly afterward turn left onto a access road that will bring you top the lake. A third access point is at junction 219 on the N432. Here turn off onto the CP-328 which crosses the fishery at it’s northern tip, with easy access to the water.

Embalse de Iznajar

Embalse de Iznajar is a truly beautiful water, with fishing for black bass, carp, pike and barbel. The fishing is free. This is a very big water and fish location is hard. Try the east side of the embalse for carp. Fish under the castle for bass, and try the entrance of teh river Sickle for barbel.

Species and methods

• Carp. The carp fishing is easy here. Try a standard waggler approach, using maize or maggots over particles for best results. Fish to 5kg (11lb) are present, but the average is about 2kg (4.4lb) . The eastern side of this huge water is best, with easy access near the bridge that splits the fishery in two.
• Bass. Up to six fish in a day can be had on artificals. Fish average less than 1kg, although fish up to 4kg (8.8 lb) have been taken.
• Barbel. Barbel can be hard to locate. For best chance of success, fish near the entrance of the river Sickle. Use pellets or meat, fished on the ledger.
• Pike. Although hard to catch and locate, fish between 7-8 kg (15.4 to 17.6lb) can be taken with the odd monster to 15kg (33lb). Fish a drifted deadbait for good results.

This embalse is situated on the A333 between Cordoba and Malaga. The road bisects the fishery. There is access along a dirt track on the south side of the bridge. The track is immediately at the bridge, and hugs the water to the north east of the water, and eventually crosses over the dam wall. More access is available on the north side of the bridge. There is a track from the village down through some olive groves to the water side on north east of the water. Access here is easy. The A328, south of the embalse, provides more access at various points when heading east to Loja. The same applies to the A331 to the north of the water heading from Iznajar.

Other Waters in Cordoba

• Embalse de la Brena.
  Free fishing for carp and barbel in very scenic surroundings. The water is located to the west of Cordoba city.
  
  
• Embalse de Guadalnuno
  Free fishing for carp, bass, perca sol and barbel. The water is located to the north of Cordoba city.
  
  
• Embalse Minicentral            
  Good free fishing for big carp, barbel and nase. The fishery can be found near the town of Montoro, in the east of the province.
  
  
• Embalse Cordobilla
  Free fishing for nase, carp and bass. The water can be found near the town of Lucena.