Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Spain (Complete Guide)

Spain is one of the most popular vacation destinations on earth but a very overlooked fishing destination with some of the best fishing in the Mediterranean Sea. Knowing the best time of year to fish these rich waters can make a huge difference.

The best times for fishing in Spain are generally during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild, and fish are more active, though specific timing can vary based on the particular species and region.

Month	Spain Fishing Location
January	The Segura River in Murcia provides good winter fishing for Barbel and Carp.
February	The Guadalquivir River in Andalucía is known for its Carp and Barbel fishing during the colder months.
March	The Sella River in Asturias is renowned for its salmon fishing, with the season typically starting in March.
April	The Ebro River in Catalonia offers excellent fishing for large catfish and carp in the spring.
May	The Tajo River in Extremadura is a prime spot for Black Bass and Carp fishing in late spring.
June	The waters off the Costa Brava in Catalonia are excellent for Bluefin Tuna fishing in early summer.
July	The Canary Islands offer excellent deep-sea fishing opportunities, with the summer months being prime time for species like Blue Marlin and Tuna.
August	The Balearic Islands are a hotspot for species like Amberjack and Dentex in the late summer.
September	The Almendra Reservoir in Extremadura is a popular spot for Carp and Black Bass in the early fall.
October	The Jucar River in Valencia provides good fishing for Barbel and Carp in the autumn.
November	The Ulla River in Galicia is known for its salmon fishing, with the season typically extending into early November.
December	The Guadalhorce River in Andalucía is a winter fishing spot, particularly known for its Barbel and Carp.

This article will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Spain. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Top Fishing Destinations in Spain: Best Times

Ebro River, Catalonia

Known as the largest river in Spain, the Ebro River in Catalonia offers some of the best fishing spots for catfish, zander, carp, and black bass. The best times for fishing in the Ebro River are spring and autumn, especially for catfish, as the weather is cooler and the fish are more active.

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands have a rich variety of marine species, such as Blue Marlin, Bigeye Tuna, Wahoo, and Amberjacks. The islands offer excellent deep-sea fishing opportunities. The islands are good for fishing year-round due to their tropical climate, but the summer months are particularly productive for big game fish like Marlin and Tuna.

Baleares Islands

The warm, clear waters surrounding the Balearic Islands are abundant with Dentex, Amberjack, and Bluefin Tuna species. The high season for fishing in the Baleares Islands is between May and October when water temperatures are warmer, attracting a diverse range of fish.

Andalucía, Guadalquivir River

This is the only navigable river in Spain and offers good opportunities for fishing species like Barbel and Carp. The spring and autumn months are generally the best times for fishing here due to the comfortable temperatures and active fish.

Extremadura, Almendra Reservoir

This is one of the largest reservoirs in Spain, making it an excellent spot for Black Bass, Carp, and Pike. The fishing season in the Almendra Reservoir is usually from April to November, with the highest activity observed in spring and fall.

Galicia, Ulla River

Known for its salmon fishing, the Ulla River in Galicia offers one of the few places in Spain where anglers can experience traditional salmon fishing. The best time for salmon fishing in the Ulla River is during the salmon season, typically from March to July.

Asturias, Sella River

Another excellent spot for salmon fishing, the Sella River is well-known for its annual canoe race and its superb salmon fishing. Similar to the Ulla River, the salmon season is from March to July, making these months the best time to fish.

Catalonia, Segre River

This river in northeastern Spain offers excellent opportunities for trout fishing. The prime fishing season in the Segre River is from March to September, with trout being particularly active in spring.

Aragon, Cinca River

The Cinca River, running through the region of Aragon, is known for its trout, zander, and catfish populations. The optimal time for fishing in the Cinca River is from April to October, with a peak in the warmer months.

Valencia, Jucar River

This river offers opportunities for anglers to catch Barbel and Carp. Fishing in the Jucar River is usually best during the cooler months of spring and autumn when fish are more active.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Spain

These Spain-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
The Rodfather Tenerife Fishing	Costa Adeje, CN, Spain
Happy Hooker III	Costa Adeje, CN, Spain
No Limits Tenerife Fishing	Costa Adeje, CN, Spain
Sport Charter Fish	Cala d’Or, PM, Spain
Fish On – 35′ Cata Sportfisher	Pasito Blanco, CN, Spain
Resacca Fishing Charter	Corralejo, CN, Spain
Boat Monty Charter	Marbella, AN, Spain
Fishing in Mallorca	Palma, PM, Spain
Royal Charters Mallorca	Can Picafort, PM, Spain
No Limits Two Tenerife Fishing	Costa Adeje, CN, Spain
Yate Sofia Big Game Fishing	Los Cristianos, CN, Spain
Gone Fishing Barcelona	Barcelona, CT, Spain

Best Times: Creeks/Rivers to Fish in Spain

Ebro River, Mequinenza: Known for its large Catfish, the Ebro River is best fished in the spring months of April and May.

Segura River, Cieza: This section is great for Barbel fishing, especially during the cooler months of January and February.

Guadalquivir River, Cordoba: This area is known for its Carp and Barbel fishing, particularly good in February and March.

Tajo River, Alcántara: This spot is excellent for Black Bass and Carp fishing, with May and June being the best months.

Jucar River, Alcalá del Júcar: Best fished in October for Barbel and Carp.

Almendra Reservoir, Salamanca: This reservoir is known for Carp and Black Bass, best fished in September.

Sella River, Arriondas: Renowned for its salmon fishing, with the season typically starting in March.

Ulla River, Catoira: Another excellent spot for salmon fishing in Galicia, with the season typically extending into early November.

Narcea River, Pravia: This river is known for its salmon, especially during the spring and early summer.

Mino River, Lugo: Excellent spot for Trout fishing, particularly in April and May.

Deva River, Unquera: Known for Salmon fishing, this river is best visited during the spring months.

Nansa River, Polaciones: This is an excellent river for Trout fishing, especially during the cooler months of the year.

Cares River, Arenas de Cabrales: Another excellent spot for Trout fishing, best during the spring and early summer months.

Guadiana River, Badajoz: Known for its Carp, Barbel and Black Bass, best fished in the late spring and early summer.

Miño River, Ourense: Known for its Trout and Salmon, this river is best fished in the spring and early summer.

Turia River, Valencia: A great spot for Carp and Barbel, particularly good in the late spring.

Guadalhorce River, Málaga: A winter fishing spot known for its Barbel and Carp, particularly in December.

Segre River, Lleida: This river offers excellent opportunities for trout fishing, especially in the spring months of April and May.

Genil River, Écija: Known for its Barbel, this river is best fished in the late winter and early spring.

Cinca River, Aínsa: The Cinca River is known for its trout, zander, and catfish, best fished in the warmer months from April to October.

Best Times: Lake Fishing in Spain

Almendra Reservoir, Salamanca: Known for Black Bass and Carp, best fished in September.

Buendia Reservoir, Guadalajara: Renowned for its large Carp and Pike, particularly good during spring months like April and May.

Valmayor Reservoir, Madrid: This reservoir is excellent for Carp, Black Bass, and Pike fishing, particularly in the late spring and early summer.

Cijara Reservoir, Extremadura: This is a hotspot for Black Bass, best fished in the spring months of March and April.

Alcántara Reservoir, Extremadura: Known for its Carp and Barbel, this reservoir is best fished during the autumn months of September and October.

Almaraz Reservoir, Extremadura: Offers excellent Carp and Black Bass fishing, particularly in the spring months.

La Serena Reservoir, Extremadura: One of the best places in Spain for Zander fishing, particularly during the spring and autumn.

Alcázar de San Juan Reservoir, Castilla-La Mancha: Known for its Carp and Black Bass, best fished in spring and early summer.

Embalse de Mequinenza, Aragon: Known as the “Sea of Aragon,” this reservoir is perfect for Carp and Catfish, particularly in the late spring and early summer.

Embalse de Valdecañas, Extremadura: This reservoir offers excellent fishing for Carp, Pike, and Black Bass in the spring and autumn months.

Embalse de Alcántara, Extremadura: Known for its Carp and Barbel, best fished in the late summer and early autumn.

Embalse de Almendra, Castilla y León: This spot is great for Carp and Zander, especially during the warmer months of May and June.

Embalse de Buendía, Castilla-La Mancha: Known for its Carp and Pike, this reservoir is best fished in the spring.

Embalse del Negratín, Andalucía: Offers excellent fishing for Carp and Black Bass, particularly in the spring and autumn months.

Embalse de la Cuerda del Pozo, Castilla y León: This reservoir is known for Pike and Carp, best fished in spring and early summer.

Embalse de Valmayor, Madrid: Offers excellent fishing for Carp, Pike, and Black Bass, particularly in spring and early summer.

Embalse de Tous, Valencia: This reservoir is known for its Carp and Barbel, best fished in the late summer and early autumn.

Embalse de Santillana, Madrid: Offers excellent fishing for Carp and Black Bass, best in the cooler months of autumn.

Embalse de Zahara-El Gastor, Andalucía: Known for its Carp and Black Bass, this reservoir is best fished in the spring.

Embalse de Alarcón, Castilla-La Mancha: This reservoir is known for its Carp and Barbel, best fished in spring and early summer.

Best Times: Saltwater Fishing in Spain

Costa Brava, Catalonia: Known for Bluefin Tuna, this area is best fished in June.

Canary Islands: Offers excellent deep-sea fishing for species like Blue Marlin and Tuna, particularly in July.

Baleares Islands: A hotspot for Amberjack and Dentex, particularly in August.

Costa del Sol, Andalucía: Known for its Swordfish and Tuna fishing, best fished in late summer and early autumn.

Costa de la Luz, Andalucía: Offers excellent fishing for European Seabass, particularly in autumn and winter months.

Costa Blanca, Alicante: Known for its Dentex and Amberjack, best fished in late summer.

Marbella, Andalucía: Offers excellent Bluefin Tuna fishing, particularly in the summer months.

Tarifa, Andalucía: Known for its Tuna and Swordfish, best fished in the late spring and early summer.

Bay of Biscay, Basque Country: Offers excellent fishing for Atlantic Bonito and Tuna, best during the summer months.

Cabo de Palos, Murcia: Known for its Dentex and Amberjack, best fished in the warmer months of the year.

Costa Tropical, Granada: Offers excellent fishing for Swordfish and Tuna, particularly in the summer.

Roses, Catalonia: Known for its Bluefin Tuna, best fished in the early summer months.

Ibiza, Baleares Islands: Offers excellent fishing for Amberjack, Tuna, and Dentex, particularly in the summer months.

Majorca, Baleares Islands: Known for its Dentex, Amberjack, and Bluefin Tuna, best fished in the summer.

Menorca, Baleares Islands: Offers excellent fishing for Bluefin Tuna and Mahi-Mahi, particularly in the summer months.

Lanzarote, Canary Islands: Known for its Blue Marlin and Tuna fishing, best fished in the summer.

Gran Canaria, Canary Islands: Offers excellent fishing for Blue Marlin, particularly in the summer months.

Tenerife, Canary Islands: Known for its Blue Marlin and Bigeye Tuna, best fished in the summer.

Fuerteventura, Canary Islands: Offers excellent fishing for Blue Marlin, Tuna, and Wahoo, particularly in the summer.

La Gomera, Canary Islands: Known for its Blue Marlin and Tuna fishing, best fished in the late spring and early summer.

Species Seasonal Breakdown

European Catfish

European Catfish in Spain can be caught throughout the year, but the best time is usually from April to October. Early morning and late evening tend to be the best times of day for fishing. Some of the top locations for European Catfish are the Ebro River in Catalonia, Mequinenza Reservoir in Aragon, and the Segre River in Lleida.

Northern Pike

Pike fishing in Spain is best from late fall to early spring, especially in the cooler morning and evening hours. Some top spots to find Pike are the Ebro River in Catalonia, Buendia Reservoir in Guadalajara, and Valmayor Reservoir in Madrid.

Barbel

Fishing for Barbel in Spain is usually best in the warmer months, from late spring to early fall. Early morning or late evening are ideal times to cast your line. Great spots for Barbel are the Guadiana River in Badajoz, the Genil River in Écija, and the Jucar River in Valencia.

Zander

Zander fishing in Spain is typically best from late spring to early fall, with dawn and dusk as the ideal times. You’ll find good Zander fishing in places like the Ebro River in Catalonia, Almendra Reservoir in Salamanca, and La Serena Reservoir in Extremadura.

Carp

The best time to fish for Carp in Spain is from spring to fall, especially during early mornings and late evenings. Top spots for Carp fishing include the Ebro River in Catalonia, the Almendra Reservoir in Salamanca, and the Guadiana River in Badajoz.

Black Bass

For Black Bass fishing in Spain, the best months are usually from late spring to early fall. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fish. Some of the best locations to find Black Bass include the Almendra Reservoir in Salamanca, the Guadiana River in Badajoz, and Cijara Reservoir in Extremadura.

Spanish Mackerel

Fishing for Spanish Mackerel in Spain is great during summer, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when they’re most active. Top locations to catch Spanish Mackerel include the Costa del Sol in Andalucía, Costa Brava in Catalonia, and the Bay of Biscay in Basque Country.

Bluefin Tuna

Bluefin Tuna fishing in Spain is typically best from June to September, usually early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Top spots for catching Bluefin Tuna include Costa Brava in Catalonia, Marbella in Andalucía, and the waters around the Balearic Islands.

Atlantic Bonito

The best time to fish for Atlantic Bonito in Spain is during the summer, particularly early morning or late afternoon. The Bay of Biscay in the Basque Country, the Costa Brava in Catalonia, and the waters around the Balearic Islands are some of the best spots to find these fish.

Blue Marlin

Blue Marlin fishing in Spain is best during the summer months, particularly from June to September, and early morning or late afternoon is the optimal time of day. Some of the top locations for Blue Marlin fishing include the Canary Islands, Costa del Sol in Andalucía, and the waters around the Balearic Islands.

Swordfish

Swordfish fishing in Spain is best during the summer months, especially in the late spring and early summer. Early morning or late evening is the optimal time of day to catch Swordfish. The best locations for Swordfish fishing in Spain include Tarifa in Andalucía, the Costa del Sol, and the Canary Islands.

Mahi-Mahi

Mahi-Mahi fishing in Spain is best during summer, particularly from June to August. Early morning and late afternoon are the optimal times to catch Mahi-Mahi. Top locations for Mahi-Mahi fishing in Spain include the Canary Islands, Costa del Sol in Andalucía, and the waters around the Balearic Islands.

Amberjack

Amberjack fishing in Spain is best during summer, especially from June to August. Early morning or late afternoon is the ideal time to catch Amberjack. Top locations for Amberjack fishing in Spain include the Baleares Islands, Costa Blanca in Alicante, and the Canary Islands.

Wahoo

Wahoo fishing in Spain is best during summer, particularly from June to August. Early morning and late afternoon are the prime times to catch Wahoo. Top locations for Wahoo fishing include the Canary Islands, Costa Brava in Catalonia, and the waters around the Balearic Islands.

Brown Trout

Brown Trout fishing in Spain is best in spring and autumn, particularly from April to June and September to November. Early morning and late afternoon are the prime times to catch Brown Trout. Top locations for Brown Trout fishing in Spain include the rivers of Asturias, Catalonia, and Aragon.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow Trout fishing in Spain is best during the spring and autumn, particularly from March to June and September to November. Early morning and late afternoon are the optimal times to catch Rainbow Trout. Top locations for Rainbow Trout fishing in Spain include the Asturias, Catalonia, and Aragon rivers.

Atlantic Salmon

Atlantic Salmon fishing in Spain is best during the spring and early summer months, typically from March to July. Early morning and late evening are the prime times to catch Atlantic Salmon. Top locations for Atlantic Salmon fishing in Spain include the rivers of Asturias, Galicia, and the Basque Country.

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Best Fishing in Spain on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

Segura River, Cieza: During the cooler months of January and February, this river is great for Barbel fishing.
Guadalquivir River, Cordoba: This river offers plenty of Carp and Barbel fishing, particularly good in February and March.
Costa de la Luz, Andalucía: This coastal area is great for catching European Seabass in the cooler winter months.
Guadalhorce River, Málaga: This river is known for its Barbel and Carp, which can be best caught in December.
Genil River, Écija: Known for its Barbel, this river is best fished in the late winter and early spring.
Nansa River, Polaciones: This river in Northern Spain is a great spot for Trout fishing during the cooler months.
Embalse de Zahara-El Gastor, Andalucía: Even in winter, this reservoir offers good Carp and Black Bass fishing.

Spring

Ebro River, Catalonia: You’ll find big Catfish and Carp here in the spring, especially in April and May.
Tajo River, Alcántara: In late spring, this river becomes a great spot for Black Bass and Carp fishing.
Sella River, Asturias: This river is famous for its salmon fishing, with the season typically starting in March.
Mino River, Lugo: You can catch Trout here, especially in the months of April and May.
Guadiana River, Badajoz: This river is known for its Carp, Barbel, and Black Bass, best caught in late spring and early summer.
Cijara Reservoir, Extremadura: This reservoir becomes a hotspot for Black Bass in the spring, particularly in March and April.
Costa Blanca, Alicante: Here, you can find Dentex and Amberjack, especially in late spring.

Summer

Canary Islands: During summer, you can find big fish like Blue Marlin and Tuna in these tropical waters.
Costa Brava, Catalonia: June is the best month to catch Bluefin Tuna here.
Baleares Islands: In August, you’ll find Amberjack and Dentex in these waters.
Ebro River, Catalonia: This river is full of large Catfish and Carp, especially in early summer.
Marbella, Andalucía: Bluefin Tuna fishing is excellent here in the warm summer months.
Tarifa, Andalucía: In early summer, you can catch Tuna and Swordfish here.
Bay of Biscay, Basque Country: During summer, this bay offers great fishing for Atlantic Bonito and Tuna.

Fall

Ebro River, Catalonia: You can find large Catfish and Carp here, especially in early fall.
Almendra Reservoir, Salamanca: This spot is popular for Black Bass and Carp, especially in September.
Jucar River, Valencia: During fall, this river is a great spot to catch Barbel and Carp.
Guadalquivir River, Cordoba: In October, this river is home to plenty of Carp and Barbel.
Alcántara Reservoir, Extremadura: Known for its Carp and Barbel, this reservoir is best visited in early fall.
Guadalhorce River, Málaga: Come here in December to catch some Barbel and Carp.
Costa de la Luz, Andalucía: This coastal area is great for European Seabass fishing in the cooler fall and winter months.