Trout

Spain is home to some of the most exciting trout fishing in Europe – but you need to find it! There is an abundance of high and middle altitude mountain streams throughout the country that can offer superb sport to the fly fisherman or to spinning techniques. El Bosque, in the Grazelema natural park in Cadiz, is home to the most southerly brown trout fishing in Europe. Without doubt, trout are the most prized freshwater fish amongst Andalucian anglers. Most waters are protected and have regulations.

Wild brown trout are the prime target species. If fly-fishing then most waters can be tackled using a standard brook trout outfit. Rods between 7 and 9, lines in the 5/6 range and light leaders are the name of the game. Lots of techniques will score, but the most exciting, and some might argue the most productive, is up stream nymphing. Remember that a lot of waters dry up in summer, especially the smaller streams, so do your homework before setting out! Brown trout are primarily present in Granada and Cadiz in Andalucia,eastern Valencia in Communidad Valenciana, central Castilla la Mancha, central Aragon, Castilla leon, Galicia, Asturias, Navrarra La Rioja, Pais Vasco, Cantabria and northern Catuluna.

As in most parts of the world, the evening rise is a phenomenon that most serious fly fishermen can appreciate and love. This is no less true in Spain. But most of all take in the truly beautiful surroundings during this magical time of the day!

Rainbow trout are also widely distributed in Spain. Most waters holding brown trout will hold a population of rainbow trout also. Lure fishing will tempt these very aggressive fish. They fight like bulls, and can be great sport on light tackle. Spinning with devon minnows and mepps type spinners also produces a lot of fish.

Most waters in Spain have very generous bag limits for table fish. Only do this if you really need them, or at least have a good use for them. Please practice catch and release whenever possible, and use barbless hooks to protect the fish. The trout of Spain, and Andalucia in particular, are a fabulous sporting resource, so lets do our best to keep it that way.