Fishing Holidays on Spain's Mighty Ebro River
Spain is a great destination for sports related holidays.
Home to some of the best golf courses in the world, it’s also a great destination to head to for an unforgettable experience when it comes to fishing holidays.
River Ebro fishing holidays
Boasting 930km of prime fishing, Spain's Ebro River is home to some of Europe' biggest catfish.
Unsurprisingly, a fishing holiday in Spain on the River Ebro is on the bucket list of many a UK angler...
According to the National Rivers Authority, there are more than 2.9 million anglers in the UK - who enjoy their chosen recreational activity across some 42,123 km of rivers and 1,653 lakes.
But while fishing in the UK can be rewarding, not far away are a myriad other fishing experiences.
Not least that presented by fishing on mighty Ebro River, which runs through Spain. Indeed, the fishing experience of the river Ebro in Spain is considered one of the best in Europe.
How long is the Ebro river?
The Ebro is some 930km long - the longest internal river in Spain - and as such attracts anglers from around the world.
Where in Spain is the River Ebro?
The Ebro river’s source is in Fontibre, in the Cantabria province of northern Spain.
Following a southeasterly course the river flows through the gorges of Burgos province and , the limestones of central Ebro valley, to its delta on the Mediterranean coast in Tarragona province.
What makes fishing in Spain on the River Ebro so special?
Spain's River Ebro is renowned for catfish ad carp fishing.
Catfish
In short, gigantic wels catfish are what make River Ebro fishing holidays so special.
These behemoths are in good supply in the Ebro and present an enjoyable challenge to UK anglers seeking some larger prey on their fishing holidays to Spain.
According to On The Ebro, catfish are often over the 150lb mark, with some stretches home to 200lb fish.
Note: the EU bans the sale of wels catfish from the Ebro due to high levels of mercury.
Carp fishing
If you are looking for a destination for carp fishing holidays in Spain, the River Ebro also provides the perfect location for the keen angler – There are plenty of big carp in the Ebro.
You'll also find zander, pike, perch and numerous other species.
Incredible scenery
What's more, the Ebro passes through some of Spain's most beautiful, rugged scenery - and of course, a summer's day of fishing likely means plenty of sunshine for anglers.
River conditions
The Ebro also presents other enjoyable challenges and features, such as wild, turbid water, changes in river levels, strong winds and stormy weather.
River Ebro fishing licence: How easy is it to get a license for fishing trips on the Ebro, Spain?
Obtaining the right licence for fishing on a given stretch of the Ebro can be laden with "bureaucratic obstacles", according to Pyrenees Fly Fishing.
The fishing license must correspond to the local community, but to fish in the very best rivers in Spain, anglers need to obtain an extra fishing permit on a daily basis.
Such fishing permits may only be available to anglers who take part in previous “draws”, which have to be applied for months in advance.
Can you book organised/guided fishing holidays in Spain?
A number of companies run fishing holidays in Spain, including trips to fish on the River Ebro.
Unless you speak Spanish and have an understanding of the complex fishing regulations on Spanish rivers, it may be easier to book a fully organised fishing holiday with a reputable provider.
Such a provider will be able to organise things like:
- Fishing permits
- Equipment
- Guide
- Accommodation
- Daily packed lunches
- Extras such as helicopter fly fishing
- Other tours in the area
- Transport/transfers
Some providers also include flights in their package deals.
Fishing on the Ebro with accommodation
There are plenty of accommodation options located within walking distance of the River Ebro and many of the accommodation owners also offer guided fishing tours of the river as an additional option.
Do I really need a guide/fishing holiday package for fishing on the River Ebro?
It's possible to enjoy fishing on the River Ebro yourself with the use of Google Maps. However, it is essential you obtain the required licenses.
Fishing licences
You need two licenses or your River Ebro fishing holiday.
The first is the general license for fishing in Spain. The second are daily permits for the fishing zone.
For around £50 you can be fishing legally for six days.
The required national fishing licences can be obtained via the following links:
https://aplicaciones.aragon.es/inasel/
In addition, you have to pay a small daily allowance for fishing in the Ebro River. You can get online permits for six days for around £25.
What are the popular areas to fish on the River Ebro?
Such a long river offers many places to fish, but some of the most popular areas for fishing on the River Ebro are:
- The town of Mequinenza, where some of the biggest catfish have been caught
- The rural town of of Caspe, which offers good all-round fishing.
- The town of Flix, where a 2km stretch of river allows for fishing 24 hours a day. Here you’ll find very large catfish and carp, for which it’s possible to fish for from the river bank.
What's the best season to fish on the Ebro?
The best times to fish the River Ebro are:
- Autumn: the fish bulk up before winter and so are easier to catch (and are bigger)
- April-May: Another good period, but the fish have dropped weight
- Mid-summer is also good for catfish
What is the best tackle to use when fishing on the River Ebro?
Long, powerful rods are recommended for fishing on the Ebro, with hooks of number four or two and hook lengths of around 45lb braid.
Shock leader 0.60mm (five metres) or lead core is also recommended, since zebra mussels on the river bed can easily cut lines.
Fishing holiday insurance
As with any overseas trip, you should make sure that you have appropriate travel insurance in place, for your fishing trip abroad.
Our single trip and annual multi-trip travel insurance policies cover you for overseas fishing trips, including River Ebro fishing holidays.
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