Spain, with its extensive coastline, vast river systems, and numerous lakes, stands as a premier destination for sport fishing, attracting anglers from around the globe. This survey note delves into the main rivers, lakes, and sea places for sport fishing, the key species available, and the historical context of this beloved activity, providing a detailed guide for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Main Rivers for Sport Fishing
Spain’s rivers offer a diverse range of fishing experiences, from the mighty Ebro to the picturesque Pyrenean streams. The Ebro River, stretching 578 miles and ranking as the second-longest in the Iberian Peninsula, starts near Santander and flows through La Rioja and Zaragoza, eventually emptying into a delta between Valencia and Barcelona. It is particularly noted for its catfish, with upper sections hosting fish up to 200 pounds and lower sections around 100 pounds, alongside zander (over 17 pounds), black bass, pike, trout, salmon, and carp, with a record catch of over 75 pounds. Shore fishing is popular in towns like Matarraña and Mequinenza, while boat fishing near L’Ampolla offers access to serene spots, making it suitable year-round, with carp fishing peaking in winter, catfish in late spring/summer, and zander in autumn.
The Tagus (Tajo in spanish) River, the longest in Spain with over 1,000 kilometers of banks, is another significant fishing location, particularly known for carp, barbel (including the comizo variety), and black bass. The stretch through Aranjuez, often compared to Versailles for its palaces and gardens, provides year-round fishing in storybook scenery, making it a favorite for anglers seeking both fish and aesthetics.
In the Pyrenees, the Irati River, famously mentioned in Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises, is celebrated for its wild brown trout, offering a fly-fishing paradise amidst green forests and mountainous valleys. The Ara River, located in the peripheral area of Ordesa National Park, is noted for its crystalline waters and good populations of zebra trout, being the last wild river in the Pyrenees, adding to its allure for fishing enthusiasts.
Main Lakes for Sport Fishing
Spain’s lakes and reservoirs, often less crowded than coastal areas, provide excellent opportunities for freshwater fishing. Embalse de Orellana in Extremadura, covering over 5,000 hectares, is one of the largest and most famous, known for black bass, zander, and pike. Its mystical atmosphere and natural environment, stocked in the 1960s with wild indigenous carp that have grown to massive sizes, make it a dream location for carp anglers, with abundant natural food like crayfish supporting a plentiful head of monster fish.
Embalse de Mequinenza, also known as the Sea of Aragón, is another top spot, particularly for catfish, with anglers reporting monsters that can snap rods, and it’s also solid for zander. Its location near the Ebro River adds to its fishing appeal. Embalse de Cijara, also in Extremadura, is less crowded, offering next-level black bass fishing, ideal for those seeking an off-grid experience in a serene setting.
Lake Sanabria, located in Zamora within Lake Sanabria National Park, is the largest freshwater lake in Spain, created by glacial activity according to scientists, though local legend offers a different tale. It’s a thrilling spot for trout fishing, with its still waters and early morning fog creating a picturesque setting for anglers. Banyoles Lake in Catalonia, the largest in the region, also offers fishing opportunities amidst its natural environment, with areas for swimming and a yacht club, adding to its appeal.
Andalusia, in southern Spain, is home to a variety of lakes perfect for fishing and recreation, blending natural beauty with excellent angling opportunities, including the Iznájar Reservoir in Córdoba, the largest in the region and a hotspot for black bass, carp, and barbel amidst scenic surroundings; the El Chorro Lakes near Málaga, known as part of Málaga’s “Lake District,” surrounded by pine and oak forests, offering a tranquil retreat for carp and black bass fishing, enhanced by swimming, picnicking, and proximity to the famous Caminito del Rey walking route; the Béznar Reservoir in Granada’s Valle de LecrÃn, a peaceful spot for carp and bass fishing, primarily used as a drinking water source where locals focus on these species; and the Jándula Reservoir in Jaén, a paradise for black bass fishing alongside barbo gitano, royal carp, common carp, and alburnos, further enriched by wildlife observation opportunities with potential sightings of lynx, eagles, and more.
Main Sea Places for Sport Fishing
Spain’s extensive coastline, stretching 2,000 kilometers, and its islands provide abundant sea fishing opportunities. The Mediterranean coast, particularly the Costa Brava in northeastern Spain, is home to charming fishing villages like Calella de Palafrugell in Girona, offering deep-sea adventures for mahi-mahi, wahoo, and bluefin tuna, with charters departing from local ports (Spain Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2024). The Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca are also noted for their scenic beauty and variety of fish, with specialized charters for big game fishing (Fishing in Spain – Catch A Guide).
The Balearic Islands, including Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera, are ideal for bluefin tuna (especially August-September between Mallorca and Ibiza), mahi-mahi, and marlin, with idyllic spots like Puerto de Pollensa and Soller in Mallorca, and Port of Mahón in Menorca, offering both shore and boat fishing (8 Best Fishing Destinations in Spain + 3 Pro Tips). The Canary Islands, Europe’s number one for sport fishing, are famous for their subtropical Atlantic waters, with species like white marlin, mahi-mahi (May-June), and various tuna (April-September), accessible from islands like Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote, known for their large charter fleets and offshore seamounts (Fishing charters in Spain – Fishing trips at the best price – Tom’s Catch).
Main Fish Species
The diversity of fish species in Spain caters to both freshwater and saltwater anglers. Freshwater species include trout, with brown and rainbow varieties common in rivers like the Irati and Ara, and lakes like Sanabria. Carp, often reaching impressive sizes (up to 75 pounds in the Ebro), and catfish, with records of over 200 pounds, are prevalent in rivers and reservoirs like Mequinenza. Black bass, zander, pike, and barbel are also significant, found in lakes like Orellana and Cijara, and rivers like the Tagus (Spain Fishing: The Complete Guide for 2024).
Saltwater species are equally diverse, with tuna (bluefin, bigeye, yellowfin) being a major draw, especially in the Mediterranean and around the Balearic and Canary Islands. Swordfish, grouper, sea bass, amberjack, mullet, mackerel, cod, and shark are common along the coast, with marlin and mahi-mahi adding excitement to deep-sea fishing trips. The Canary Islands, in particular, are noted for white marlin and various tuna, reflecting the rich marine biodiversity (Fishing charters in Spain – Fishing trips at the best price – Tom’s Catch).
History of Sport Fishing in Spain
Fishing in Spain has deep historical roots, with archaeological evidence from caves in Torremolinos showing Neanderthals consuming seafood 150,000 years ago, indicating early fishing practices (History of Fishing: in the Prehistoric, Ancient, Medieval and Modern Eras | Sea Life, Islands and Oceania — Facts and Details). During the Middle Ages and Modern Age, trade in salted cod, anchovies, sardines, and pickled tuna linked coastal ports with inland cities, highlighting fishing’s economic importance (Commercial fishing in Spain – Wikipedia).
Sport fishing as a recreational activity, however, gained prominence in the mid-20th century. The establishment of the Spanish Federation of Fishing and Casting in 1958 marked a significant milestone, organizing fishing clubs and implementing regulations to promote sustainable practices. This period saw increased interest in recreational fishing, with studies like those by Gordoa et al. (2019) providing the first national estimates of fisher population size, reflecting its growing popularity (Recreational fishing in Spain: First national estimates of fisher population size, fishing activity and fisher social profile | Request PDF). Today, Spain’s fishing culture is vibrant, with a strong emphasis on catch-and-release to preserve fish stocks for future generations.
Conclusion
Spain’s fishing landscape, from its rivers and lakes to its coastal and island waters, offers a rich tapestry for sport fishing enthusiasts. Whether casting a line in the Ebro River for a record-breaking carp or deep-sea fishing for tuna off the Canary Islands, anglers can enjoy a variety of species and settings. The historical evolution from ancient practices to modern sport fishing underscores Spain’s enduring connection to its waters, making it a must-visit destination for any fishing aficionado.
