Fishing is all about timing. Right place, right time, and suddenly that one fish you’ve been chasing is finally on the line. Get it wrong? You’re just standing there, wondering why nothing’s biting.
Spain’s got a ridiculous variety of fishing opportunities year-round, but not all seasons are equal. Some months, the fish are practically jumping into your hands. Other times, you’ll be working for every bite. If you’re planning a trip—or just trying to figure out when to hit the water—here’s what to expect, season by season.
Spring (march – may): everything wakes up
This is when it all kicks off. The water warms up, fish start feeding aggressively, and the pre-spawn energy makes for some of the best fishing all year. If there’s a time when everything feels alive, this is it.
- Black bass – shallow water, aggressive strikes, and topwater action at its best. If you’re a bass angler, this is the season.
- Zander – they’re on the hunt, stacking up near structure and drop-offs. Deep-diving crankbaits, jigs, anything that gets down there—this is the time to catch them in numbers.
- Carp – hungry and active. If you fish for carp, spring and autumn are your golden windows.
- Barbel – another species that turns on when the water starts warming up. River fishing is incredible this time of year.
Summer (June – August): early mornings, late nights, or suffer
Fishing in summer? Be ready for the heat. Spain doesn’t mess around when it comes to summer temperatures, and neither do the fish. Most species head deep, making the middle of the day almost pointless. The trick? Fish early, fish late, or fish at night.
- Catfish – this is their season. Giant Wels catfish are caught all summer long, especially at night. If you want a fish that’ll test your gear, this is the time.
- Black bass – tougher, but still catchable. Stick to dawn and dusk, throw surface lures, and fish the shade.
- Carp – deep water, shaded areas, oxygenated zones. Find those, and you’ll find the fish.
- Pike – harder to locate, but not impossible. Deep-diving lures, slow retrieves, and patience.
Autumn (September – November): predator paradise
If you’re after big, aggressive fish, autumn is your season. The heat drops, the baitfish start moving, and everything that eats them follows. This is the time to fish for predators in Spain.
- Black bass – it’s like spring all over again. Feeding frenzy before winter sets in.
- Zander – easier to find, easier to catch. This is when they start piling on weight.
- Pike – cooler temps mean shallower fish. Get a jerkbait, find the baitfish, and you’re in business.
- Carp – still on, still hungry. One of the most reliable species in autumn.
Winter (December – February): tough but worth it
Winter’s not for everyone. It’s slower, colder, and takes patience. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, you can still catch some seriously big fish.
- Zander – deep water, slow-moving baits. Jigging works best this time of year.
- Pike – if it’s a mild winter, they stay active. Go for slow, deep presentations.
- Catfish – tough, but not impossible. The real monsters are caught in summer, but deep water tactics can still work.
- Trout – one of the few species that actually improves in winter. Spain’s mountain lakes offer solid winter trout fishing.
Final thoughts
Spain’s got year-round fishing, but knowing when to go can make or break your trip. Some seasons are nonstop action, others test your patience. Whether you want to fish in warm spring mornings, battle catfish at night in the summer, chase predators in autumn, or grind it out in winter—there’s always something biting.
Get the timing right, and you’ll remember the trip forever. Get it wrong? Well, at least the scenery’s nice.
Tight lines.
