Primavera Spring 2019 |
LEISURE & culturE
43
Fishing in La Rioja The fishing season opens in March along several stretches of La Rioja waters. So grab your rod, reel and tackle and enjoy the fine art of fishing, an activity that is gaining popularity among travellers.
T
he trout fishing season in La Rioja begins on March 31st and ends on September 1st. From August 15th to September 1st only catch-and-release fishing is allowed. Nowadays, angling for sport or pleasure has taken the place of subsistence fishing in La Rioja. Recreational angling enthusiasts spend a good amount of time and money on fishing gear and seeking out the best destinations. Therefore, unique areas, coveted stretches of river, stunning scenery and good services are becoming increasingly valued by this type of traveller. Trout can be found in a wide range of environments and in virtually every river in La Rioja. The list includes the Oja, Tirón, Najerilla and Iregua rivers and their tributaries; the entire course of the Lezo River and its tributaries from the headwaters to the confluence with the Jubera River; and the Cidacos River and its tributaries from the boundary waters with the province of Soria to the bridge at the thermal spa in Arnedillo. Trout are also found in the designated fishing reserves of Anguciana and La Grajera and the Mansilla, Piarrejas,
Pajares, Leiva, González Lacasa, Terroba and Enciso reservoirs. In addition to trout, the rivers and reservoirs of La Rioja abound with barbel, tench, mace, carp, minnow and eel. Depending on fishing area and minimum size limits, all of these species can be captured year round. Regardless, is the angler’s responsibility to know the fishing times for each month.
Northern pike and black bass In Rioja waters it is not uncommon to find exotic species, such as the black bullhead catfish, black bass, Northern pike,
Trout can be found in a wide range of environments and in virtually every river in La Rioja. pumpkinseed, Wels catfish, bleak, pikeperch, rainbow trout, common carp, red swamp crayfish and signal crayfish. These invasive species caught in authorized areas can be legally captured, killed and transported. Beyond these areas they must be killed on capture but cannot be transported. All non-native species must be immediately sacrificed upon capture, except for rainbow trout in specifically regulated areas such as designated fishing reserves and the Ortigosa reservoir. The exception also applies to carp and black bass in cyprinid waters in conditions that prevent the dispersal of non-native populations. Species that attain a considerable size like Northern pike and black bass are highly valued by recreational fishers. All anglers must possess a valid fishing license and be familiar with the regulations for each area. Fishing from boats is strictly prohibited except in a few limited stretches of the Ebro River. Note that the freshwater blenny and the crayfish are listed in the National Catalogue of Endangered Species and therefore it is strictly prohibited to catch, possess, sell or consume these two fish.