Most people don’t consider Spain a fly fishing destination. But that’s a bit of a paradox. Spain is the second most visited country in Europe in terms of tourism and it’s generally considered a place flush with beautiful beaches, warm weather and unique meals. Spain, however, has lots to offer fishermen who are looking for new challenges and new species. From the ancient monuments left by the Romans and Moors to world class gastronomy there is a great mixture of cultural attractions in Spain. The landscape, carved out by its massive lakes and rivers, is home to a great variety of animals; from small singing birds to big mammals. The overwhelming richness of flora, fauna and wildlife makes you forget how close you actually are to civilisation. On the other hand, the evergreen estuaries of the north could hardly be more different from the deserts of Aragón or the rugged mountains of the Sierra Nevada to the south. Those are places that should be on your “to do” list when visiting Spain – if fly fishing doesn’t end up con-
suming all your time that is! The abovementioned characteristics make Spain a unique country to visit – and, if you bring your fly rod, you might just be in for the adventure of a lifetime. While in Spain, you will have the opportunity to target unique species on the fly – species that aren’t readily available elsewhere. Barbel and carp, for instance, are plentiful – and they offer exhilarating sport on a fly rod. And, of course, it doesn’t hurt that you can fish for them while enjoying new cultural sights and experiences, warm weather, and extraordinary food. Due to the stable temperatures throughout the season, plus a favourable food supply all year long, a very special behavior is developed by these species. They stop feeding along the bottom, searching for small larvae and plant particles, and – instead - start feeding towards the surface, searching out insects falling from nearby trees or – like us fly fishermen – patiently waiting for a good hatch. And you know what they say: There is always a hatch somewhere!