There are not many lagos (natural lakes) in Andalucía. However, there are plenty of embalses (reservoirs) that have been created by damming rivers to produce electricity and provide water for agriculture and tourism. These contain lots of fish.
Common carp (Cyprinus carpio), pike (Esocidae), and trout are present in large numbers in these reservoirs and are surprisingly easy to catch even for the beginner. The Gypsy barbel is unique to Andalucía. From the lateral line down it is a striking canary yellow or orange. The record weight is 14 kilos.
Any baits and tactics that work well in the UK will work even better over here. But in truth, even the most basic approach will succeed. Sweetcorn and luncheon meat are favourite local baits. Most of the fish here have never been caught before and, pound for pound, fight harder than any fish in the UK.
Even a two-kilo carp will easily straighten out a cheap Spanish Mustad hook. Visiting anglers often express amazement when experiencing for the first time the power and speed of Spanish carp or barbel. For this reason I recommend using specialist Raptor hooks, 15 pound main line and a 12-foot carp rod with a two and a half pound test curve.
While many fish species will be familiar to anglers from the UK, the American largemouth black bass is not. The Spanish Government stocks this hard fighting fish in reservoirs considered too hot for trout. The aim is provide recreational or sports angling for everyone. Anglers only require the mandatory regional angling licence and you are permitted to bag up what you catch.
This fish is quite good eating. Bake in foil on the barbeque or fillet with a salad. Do not forget the chilled wine but stick to beer at lunchtime or you will be dreaming of fish all afternoon instead of catching them.
At Vinuela inland of Torre del Mar (N340 east of Malaga) visit the Embalse de la Vinuela. There are fish by the recreational area at the presa (dam wall). The best time is at dusk when carp patrol the fringes. Black bass can easily be caught from the shoreline using spinning lures at this time.
Just inland from the Costa Tropical is the Embalse de los Bermejales. It is one of the best lakes in the region. It has a lot of barbel, and some immense carp. A perimeter road offers easy access right around the lake to locate a suitable swim. The entrance is by the presa.
While it is true northern Spain is most famous for its game fishing, Andalucía’s trout waters are not bad either. Trout waters are classified as cotos de pesca, translated as fishing reserves.
One day per week on these trout-fishing reserves is usually reserved for pesca sin muerte (catch and release).
The whole coto is often permanently classified this way. Spanish anglers prefer to bag up so choose the right day and you may have a superb trout river all to yourself.
The fishing reserve on the rivers Frio and Salado at Riofrio offer super trout fishing up to 5 kilos. Trout licences for the whole year, licencia de pesca fluvia, are available from: Alberge de Pescadores de Rio Frio, Riviera de Riofrio s/n 18300 Loja (Granada) Tel: +34 958 323 177
There are many roadside restaurants serving excellent local trout dishes. From Málaga drive east on the A92 towards Granada.
An angling licence is cheap and easy to obtain. The angling licence fee costs 39.85 euros. It is valid for five years and covers fishing for trout. An annual licence is also available.
To obtain an angling licence visit any Agencia Medio Ambiente. This is the Spanish regional government office for the environment. Take along your passport or driving licence (photocopies are accepted).
To obtain a fishing licences in Andalucia. You have to take a written examination that takes 40 days to mark and return. You also need personal liability insurance to fish
More Holiday Activities in Andalucia
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