León and it's Rivers - WILD TROUT SPAIN

León And it’s Rivers

The province of León is one of the best destinations in Spain and Europe for fly fishing, especially when it comes to the native brown trout (Salmo trutta). Located in the northern part of the Autonomous Community of Castilla y León, it boasts over three thousand five hundred kilometers of trout rivers and beautiful lakes—the largest in the entire peninsula. Few areas in Europe can compete with our region in terms of conditions for trout fishing. León is a benchmark for fishing with family, friends, or solo.

A paradise of water, a territory of freshwater seas and inland land. Its unique geographical situation consists of a mountainous structure so broad and irregular that it has allowed for a total of 34 main rivers with countless tributaries, seven reservoirs, and a multitude of lakes and lagoons.

Want to know more about our province? Feel free to ask us anything you need!

Seven Biosphere Reserves and Three River Basins in León

Additionally, this province boasts seven biosphere reserves: Picos de Europa, Ancares Leoneses, Valles de Omaña y Luna, Babia, Alto Bernesga, Los Argüellos, and Valle de Laciana, making it the territory with the most reserves on the planet. It can also boast three river basins: the Miño-Sil, the Cantabrian, and the Douro, which house more than thirty rivers teeming with fish and life.

With native trout in each of these rivers, from the larger medium-sized rivers in the center and south of the region to the fast and winding high mountain streams that carve through the Cantabrian mountain range. In the southern part of the province, there are other fishable species such as pike, zander, and our sporting barbel. In short, dreamlike landscapes and nature in its purest form—a true luxury for the senses.

The river ecosystems in the region are rich and varied, dominated by medium and small-sized mayfly hatches as well as various species of caddisflies, dipterans, plecopterans, and terrestrial insects in smaller proportions, which form the usual diet of the native trout that inhabit each river, showcasing beautiful patterns resulting from their genetic peculiarities.

Discover the Art of Fishing and the Beauty of Nature in León

Native trout is a treasure that, after thousands of years of evolution, retains a completely wild behavior and tests the skill of any angler. The number of catches per day depends on the season and the technique employed; under optimal conditions, it is not uncommon to exceed 30-40 specimens in a day. The size of the fish varies from river to river, with average sizes being abundant, and there are also large specimens in almost all areas.

Fishing in these rivers is a tourist resource of great importance throughout the province of León. Here, fishing is more than just tricking trout; it is a deeply rooted tradition in all rural areas. If you feel like escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life, here you will find a natural attraction worthy of a getaway, whether to fish or to enjoy nature.

Experience Dry-Fly Trout Fishing All Season Long in León’s Rivers

The fishing season in the rivers of León runs from April to mid-October, with spring and autumn being perhaps the most productive times, although for surface fishing enthusiasts, summer can also offer very special moments. However, what distinguishes our region from most fishing destinations is the possibility of fishing for trout with dry flies throughout the entire season.

León is the cradle of anglers, as evidenced by its traditional fly-fishing techniques, the unique Gallos de León, and the manuscript from Astorga. These are proofs that the culture of fishing permeates both the traditions of the area and its people.

The city of León has two thousand years of history. Visitors will discover admirable artistic historical monuments, such as the cathedral, San Isidoro, or San Marcos, and exquisite gastronomy, which earned the coveted title of Spanish Capital of Gastronomy in 2018. Both characteristics have made this city one of the most popular destinations in northern Spain.

Nearby Rivers

Torío – 0 minutes
Porma – 20 minutes
Luna – 25 minutes
Órbigo – 40 minutes
Curueño – 10 minutes
Bernesga – 10 minutes
Esla – 30 minutes
Omaña – 40 minutes

Useful Information

Allowed Baits: Dry flies, streamers, and nymphs. (Catch and release fishing)

Fishing Season: From April to mid-October.

Species to Fish: Native brown trout in each river.

Equipment: For dry fly (9ft Line #3/4) Nymph fishing (10/11 ft Line #3/4)

Flies: Mayflies, caddisflies in sizes ranging from 12 to 22, and various nymphs.

Required Fishing Level: All levels. A decent casting and presentation skill is recommended.