The 2024 fishing season on the sunny side of the Spanish Pyrenees was another memorable one for fly fishing enthusiasts in one of Europe’s most scenic regions. Known for its stunning landscapes, rich culture, exquisite cuisine, and diverse rivers, the Pyrenees also carries a legacy as Ernest Hemingway’s favourite trout fishing destination. This year’s good rains provided excellent fishing conditions throughout much of the season, particularly from early May through late November.
Early Spring: Few, But Large Catches with Dry Fly Fishing
March and April saw technical fishing and fewer clients, with the colder waters keeping catches to a minimum. Despite the challenges, conditions in the Pyrenean foothills, where snowmelt was carefully managed, allowed for exceptional dry fly fishing. The March brown hatches ignited trout activity around midday, allowing anglers to catch trophy-sized fish, though these catches were few and far between—often just one or two fish per day.
Rivers closer to the mountains remained colder, with slower fish activity, but by late April the conditions began to improve, and medium-sized trout were more active in the area. These months, although quieter, provided a solid start to the season.
Late Spring and Summer: Dry Fly Fishing at Its Best
The late spring and summer months saw the most consistent fishing conditions of the year. As expected, demand was high during these months, particularly among groups of anglers and their companions who took the opportunity to explore the Pyrenees from east to west over the course of a week.
Fishing officially kicked off with the opening of high-altitude rivers on May 1st in the Aran Valley, mid-May in Catalonia, and June 1st in Aragón. Thanks to abundant snow reserves, river flows were ideal through May, June and July, allowing for active trout feeding.
One standout event this season was the population boom of brook trout in certain secret Pyrenean streams—an occurrence that has been observed cyclically for over 20 years. This bodes well for the 2025 season, with hopes of an even better year for brook trout enthusiasts.
The rivers in the foothills also saw a significant recovery in flow levels after years of drought, which created perfect conditions for anglers looking for larger trout. Meanwhile, barbel fishing was particularly successful in June, with many anglers excited by the challenge of landing these powerful fish on dry flies as they ascended tributary rivers to spawn.
Autumn: The Pre-Spawning Rush
As the season continued into autumn, conditions remained excellent. September and October, known for their stunning mountain colours and fewer tourists, proved to be ideal for fishing. While there were a few weeks of heavy rain that disrupted some fishing days, forcing anglers to move to regulated waters under reservoirs, the overall fishing conditions were highly favourable.
In these autumn months, trout became more aggressive as they prepared for spawning, leading to abundant catches including some impressive specimens, particularly in the lower mountain regions. These months are some of the most rewarding for guides, who relish the perfect conditions and increased activity from the fish.
Late October and early November also brought unexpected success for those willing to brave the cooler temperatures. Many anglers were sceptical about fishing during these weeks, believing the conditions would be too harsh. However, they were pleasantly surprised by the excellent fishing opportunities during this time, which included large catches and productive days on the water.
Successful Fly Anglers and Happy Companions
Looking back, the 2024 fishing season in the Pyrenees can only be described as a resounding success. With memorable catches, incredible scenery, and countless moments shared between anglers and their companions, the season was truly one to remember.
This year, extra efforts were made to enhance activities for non-angling companions, with private winery tours, cultural excursions, and scenic hikes allowing them to explore an authentic side of Spain while their partners enjoyed world-class fishing. Our gourmet picnics by the river were very popular, enabling families to enjoy a relaxing meal together while surrounded by nature.
If this report on the Spanish Pyrenees 2024 fishing season has piqued your interest and you would like more information, please contact Alex Jardine. Alternatively call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.