Guided Fly Fishing · Spanish Pyrenees
pyreneese fly fishing. PRISTINE RIVERS. WILD TROUT.
Hemingway wrote about these mountains a century ago. The rivers still run clear, the trout still rise to dry flies, and the valleys remain as wild and beautiful as the day he cast his line. Now it’s your turn.
What makes the Spanish Pyrenees different? Wild trout, eager to rise in pocket water. Iberian Barbel stalked in gin-clear streams. Rivers running through the Ordesa National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And dry fly fishing that runs all year round. All with a side of rich Spanish culture, some of the best food in Europe and locally produced wine that gives the French a run for their money.
It’s also one of the easiest wilderness fishing destinations to reach. Direct flights from most major European airports get you there in under three hours, making it perfect for a long weekend or short break. You could be standing in a turbulent mountain stream before you know it.
The Experience
MORE THAN A FISHING TRIP
With Pyrenees Fly Fishing, the fishing is world-class and yet it’s only part of the story. Equal to the sport is the chance to immerse yourself in Spanish culture and hospitality, delicious regional wines from Somontano, picnics on the riverbank, three-course dinners made from local produce, and the warmth of people who have lived in these mountains for generations.
Our guides don’t just know where the fish are. They know the local history, the name of every peak, and which bar in Biescas pours the best Rioja. Whether you’ve fished your whole life or never picked up a rod, they’ll tailor every day to you, and make sure you leave with stories worth telling.
The Fly Fishing
THE WATER
The Pyrenees mountains are home to miles and miles of trout streams. It would take a lifetime to fish every stretch. From our two operation centres in Biescas and Graus, we access over 12 rivers and their tributaries across seven valleys, many along restricted forest tracks that only our 4×4 vehicles can reach. Put simply, we can get you to water most anglers will never see.
Variety is never an issue. There are high mountain lakes accessible by helicopter or hiking, pocket water which the native zebra trout call home, and larger rivers supporting healthy populations of both wild brown trout and Iberian Barbel, some of which grow to genuinely impressive sizes.
Species: Wild Zebra Trout · Brown Trout · Brook Trout · Rainbow Trout · Iberian Barbel
Primary method: Dry fly (year-round) · Nymphing · Sight-fishing
Tackle: 9ft rod, #4–5 line · All gear available to borrow free of charge
Western Pyrenees · June–October
BIESCAS — HIGH COUNTRY
Here you’ll fish fast-flowing pocket water in small mountain streams, wider freestone rivers, and wild high-country lakes — each demanding a different approach. On the fast mountain runs, you work the pockets by drifting dry flies into every likely hold. The smoother glides and pools lend themselves to a stalking approach and sight-fishing to rising trout.
Catching high numbers of trout in the 8 to 12 inch range isn’t uncommon, and for those willing to put in the work, larger fish are very much here to be caught
Eastern Pyrenees · March–May & November
GRAUS — TROPHY WATER
The lower reaches of this region offer productive, medium-to-large rivers with above-average fish. Classic riffle-run-pool structure suits anglers who enjoy reading water and covering ground. Expect wild browns in the 30–45cm class with a genuine prospect of much larger trout holding in the deeper, slower glides. Opportunistic zebra trout and the occasional rainbow add welcome surprises to a day’s fishing.
Based from the historic town of Graus, your days start and end among old stone streets, good food and Somontano wines. A short drive takes you to a choice of lowland rivers or higher-country valleys as conditions allow. In spring and late autumn these lower rivers really come into their own, and when the snowline lifts, nearby high-country parks and reserves open up crystal-clear tributaries and small lakes, giving you a full season of varied water and styles.
LIMITED AVAILABILITY FOR THE 2026 SEASON — ENQUIRE FOR PRIME DATES TODAY
Tell us your preferred dates and we’ll check availability and tailor a trip around you.
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
Every trip is tailored to your experience, interests and dates. Pick the format that suits you — we’ll take care of everything else.
FISHING HOLIDAY
Our signature experience. Fish a different river each day from our Biescas or Graus base. All-inclusive with your choice of three accommodation tiers, regional cuisine, and expert guiding from a team that includes a Spanish national champion.
Duration: From 2 days
Season: 1 Mar – 30 Nov
Includes: Guiding, accommodation, all meals & drinks, transfers, permits
Max per guide: 2 anglers
TOUR PYRENEES
The ultimate Pyrenean expedition. Travel east to west from Catalonia to Aragon, fishing a different valley each day across four national and natural parks. Stay at both lodges and see the full diversity of these mountains.
Duration: 9–12 days recommended
Season: 1 Jun – 30 Sep
Includes: Both lodges, all meals, guiding, transfers
Add-on: Helicopter fishing available
LONG WEEKEND
Three nights, three guided days — designed to make the most of every minute. We collect you at the airport, transfer straight to the river, and build in as much fishing, food and scenery as the long Spanish days allow.
Duration: 3 nights / 3 days
Season: 1 Mar – 30 Nov
Includes: Lodge & spa, all meals, guiding, transfers, permits
Perfect for: First-timers & quick escapes
What a Trip Looks Like
SAMPLE ITINERARIES
Day 1: Arrival. Private transfer from the airport or train station to the Fly Fishing Hotel. Settle in and enjoy a dinner of regional food and Somontano wines.
Day 2: Gallego River. A classic freestone river with fast runs and deep pools. Work the pockets with dry flies and cover plenty of water. Riverside picnic. Back to the lodge for dinner and a briefing on tomorrow’s water.
Day 3: Cinca River, Ordesa National Park. Your first day inside the UNESCO World Heritage site. Fish mountain water surrounded by some of the most dramatic scenery in the Pyrenees. Riverside picnic and evening dinner at the hotel.
Day 4: Ara River, Ordesa National Park. A second day in the park on different water. The Ara offers a change of pace with varied structure and the chance to target native trout in stunning high-country surroundings. Riverside picnic. Dinner and briefing back at the hotel.
Day 5: Aragón River. Out of the park and onto a productive mid-country river. Expect longer glides, rising trout and the opportunity to sight-fish in slower pools. Riverside picnic. Dinner with regional food and wines.
Day 6: Veral River, Natural Park. The Veral runs through an outstanding natural park with wild fish that reward a careful approach. Riverside picnic. Final dinner at the hotel.
Itineraries are fully flexible — we tailor every day to conditions, hatches, and what you want most from the trip.
THREE LEVELS OF COMFORT
We believe the right accommodation depends on what matters to you. Every option includes the same world-class guiding.
LUXURY
Tierra de Biescas — 4-Star Lodge
Winner of the 2018 World Luxury Hotel Awards. Set beside a 10th-century Romanesque church with stunning mountain views. Spacious rooms, full spa, fine regional dining, and an exceptional wine list. Dine under the stars after a day on the water.
COMFORT
Hotel & Spa — Near Ordesa
A welcoming hotel near Ordesa with 42 well-appointed rooms, spa and fitness zone, outdoor pool, and mountain views. Mediterranean meals from fresh local ingredients, excellent wines, and a large gear room to store and dry equipment.
MODEST BUT COMFORTABLE
Traditional Guest House
A charming rural house with traditional Pyrenean architecture in the heart of Biescas. Self-catering kitchen for flexibility, or enjoy the many tapas bars and restaurants on your doorstep. All the character, none of the fuss — with the same guiding and fishing as every package.
We tailor each trip and lodging to reduce transfer times and best access the right fishing areas for your dates. Tell us your priorities and we’ll recommend the perfect option.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Expert certified guide
- Your choice of accommodation: luxury lodge, hotel & spa, or guest house
- All meals — breakfast, gourmet riverside picnic, regional dinner with wine
- House wines, beers, spirits and soft drinks
- Private airport or train station transfers (Zaragoza / Lérida / Huesca)
- 4×4 vehicle access to restricted fishing areas
- All fishing gear available to borrow free of charge
- Daily fishing permits and licences arranged for you
- Fully tailored itinerary based on your experience and preferences
Not included: Flights, personal spending, optional helicopter add-on, companion excursions (quoted separately).
NON-FISHERS & FAMILIES
This is an area where anglers can justifiably enjoy their fishing knowing that non-fishing partners are paired with an equal array of experiences:
• Ordesa National Park & Ainsa — 4×4 UNESCO valley tour, gourmet mountain picnic, and a visit to one of Spain’s most beautiful villages
• Vultures & Vineyards — Live vulture feeding in Sierra de Guara, Somontano winery lunch, horseback vineyard tour
• Wildlife & Panticosa Spa — Endangered Pyrenean species, birdwatching, then a full spa wellness session
• Monasteries & Castles — San Juan de la Peña monastery and Loarre Castle
Families are very welcome. Fly fishing lessons for children and non-fishers are available, and each evening the whole group reunites for the excellent cuisine on offer.
What Our Anglers Say
Trusted by anglers from around the world to deliver unforgettable fishing in the Pyrenees.
“My day in the Pyrenees ranks among one of the most memorable fly fishing experiences of my life. The setting is as enchantingly beautiful as any I have fished. Adrián and Ricardo are two of the most thoughtful and knowledgeable guides I have ever met. I can’t wait to return.”
Will Travis
Texas, USA
“My son and I had a really great time. Everything from the people, the food, learning new techniques and the nature was really special. The zebra trout are stunning and the rivers are unlike anything we’ve fished before.”
Robert de Bruin
Johannesburg, South Africa
GETTING HERE
We offer a transfer service from the nearest airports and train stations:
Biescas (summer base, Jun–Oct): Transfers from Zaragoza airport, Zaragoza train station and Huesca train station. From Zaragoza it is around 1½ hours to Biescas.
Graus (spring/autumn base, Mar–May & Nov): Transfers from Zaragoza and Lérida airports and Zaragoza train station. From Lérida to Graus it takes 1 hour; from Zaragoza 1 hour 45 minutes.
FLYING FROM THE UK
London Stansted → Zaragoza
The simplest way. Ryanair fly direct — fares start from under £100.
Any UK airport → Barcelona or Madrid
Flights from many UK airports. The AVE high-speed train links either city to Zaragoza — travelling at over 200 km/h, the journey takes only 1½ hours. We’ll meet you at the station.
FROM OUTSIDE EUROPE
Barcelona and Madrid are the two biggest international airports in Spain. If you’re arriving from the US, Canada, Australia or other international destinations, fly to either city then take the AVE train to Zaragoza or Lérida. Alternatively, hire a car from Barcelona — around four and a half hours to the Pyrenees.
BEST TIMES TO GO
Season: 1 March – 30 November
SPRING — Mar–May
Based from Graus. Medium-mountain rivers with excellent olive and baetis hatches. Trophy trout, quiet water, solitude. Best for experienced anglers.
SUMMER — Jun–Oct
Based from Biescas. High mountain streams, alpine lakes, the full Ordesa experience. Peak dry fly season with prolific caddis and terrestrials.
LATE SEASON — Nov
Low-elevation trophy rivers. The biggest fish of the year as trout feed aggressively before winter. Autumn colours, quiet water, exceptional sport.
ENQUIRE NOW
Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll come back within 48 hours with a personalised trip plan and quote. No commitment, no pressure — just an honest conversation about what’s possible.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
All levels are genuinely welcome. Our guides tailor every session — from beginners casting for the first time to experts chasing technical zebra trout on dry flies. All gear is available to borrow free of charge.
The season runs March to November. Summer (June–October) offers the widest variety and best high-mountain access. Spring (March–May) is outstanding for solitude and larger trout. November is a hidden gem for trophy fishing. We’ll recommend the best dates for what you want.
From the UK: Ryanair fly London Stansted to Zaragoza direct (fares from under £100). Or fly to Barcelona/Madrid and take the AVE high-speed train (1½ hours, over 200 km/h). From outside Europe: fly to Barcelona or Madrid and connect to Zaragoza or Lérida by train. We handle all onward transfers.
Accommodation (your choice of three tiers), all meals and drinks, certified guide (max 2 anglers per guide), daily fishing permits, airport/station transfers, 4×4 access and all tackle. Only flights, personal spending and optional add-ons are extra.
Absolutely. We offer tailored private guided excursions: Ordesa National Park tours, winery visits, spa days, wildlife experiences and medieval history tours. Fly fishing lessons are available for anyone who wants to try.
A 9-foot rod with #4–5 line covers most situations. A Parachute Adams in sizes 14–18 handles the majority of dry fly fishing. All gear is available free if you’d rather travel light.
Yes — a Spanish licence and daily permits are required. We arrange everything as part of your package. Zero paperwork for you.
Trips are priced individually based on duration, group size, accommodation tier and add-ons. Send us an enquiry and we’ll provide a detailed, no-obligation quote within 48 hours.
Still have questions? We’re happy to help.
READ MORE ABOUT THE PYRENEES
The Spanish Pyrenees are home to some of Europe’s finest wild trout rivers. The Gallego flows south from peaks near Formigal, offering classic pocket water with wild brown and zebra trout. The Cinca cuts through Ordesa National Park — dramatic limestone walls framing some of Europe’s most scenic fishing. The Ara is the jewel: transparent water, prolific hatches, and wild trout demanding careful presentation. The Aragón produces specimens over 50cm in its deeper pools. The Veral winds through a remote natural park, quiet and rarely fished. With 12+ rivers accessible from two bases, no two days are the same.
The wild zebra trout (Salmo trutta macrostigma) is an endemic Mediterranean subspecies that survived the last ice age in Pyrenean headwaters. Recognisable by dark vertical bars, vivid red-orange spots and golden flanks, they inhabit the highest, coldest, most pristine streams. Averaging 20–30cm, they make up for modest size with beauty, fight, and the extraordinary wildness of the places they call home.
The season runs 1 March to 30 November. Spring (Mar–May): Based from Graus with excellent hatches and trophy potential. Summer (Jun–Oct): Based from Biescas with alpine streams, high lakes, and peak dry fly conditions. Late Season (Nov): Low-elevation trophy rivers producing the year’s biggest fish.
Ernest Hemingway visited the Spanish Pyrenees in the 1920s and was captivated. His novel The Sun Also Rises (1926) immortalised the region — the fishing scenes draw on his own experiences wading the same rivers our guides fish today. He called the Pyrenees “the closest thing to heaven.” A century later, it still holds.
YOUR PYRENEES ADVENTURE STARTS HERE
No obligation. Just tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll build the perfect trip.