Black bass fishing in Spain? It’s different. Big, aggressive fish, huge reservoirs, clear water that makes you work for every bite. If you think you can just show up, chuck a lure, and start landing trophies, think again. These fish have seen it all—you need the right approach, the right tactics, and a lot of patience.
I’ve spent years figuring these waters out. Orellana, Cijara, Mequinenza—places where bass grow big and don’t make it easy for you. Some days, they hit anything. Other days, they make you question everything you thought you knew about fishing.
Where to fish – 3 Spanish reservoirs that actually matter
Some lakes hold numbers. Some hold size. Some will make you think you’re losing your mind.
- Embalse de Orellana – One of the best bass waters in Spain. Big, deep, clear, full of rocky structure. If your presentation isn’t perfect, forget it.
- Embalse de Cijara – More vegetation, more ambush points. If you’re not fishing topwater in the morning here, you’re doing it wrong.
- Embalse de Mequinenza (Sea of Aragón) – Huge, deep, complex. Find the baitfish, find the bass. If you don’t? Enjoy the scenery, because you’re blanking.
What actually works
Topwater. If the conditions are right—early morning, late evening, cloud cover—you need to be throwing a Spook, popper, or buzzbait. These fish hit topwater like they mean it.
Soft plastics. Senkos, creature baits, finesse worms. If they’re not committing to topwater, Texas or Carolina rig it and slow it down. Structure fishing is key in these lakes—drop-offs, trees, submerged rock piles.
Jerkbaits & crankbaits. When they’re suspending mid-water, a well-timed jerkbait twitch can trigger an instant reaction. Deep-diving cranks work when they’re holding lower in the column.
Drop-shot & jigs. When they don’t want to chase, slow down. Drop-shot rigs, football jigs—make them bite out of frustration.
When to fish
Spring? Best time. They’re moving shallow, they’re aggressive, they’re feeding up before the spawn. If you want to land a big female, this is it.
Summer? Tough. They go deep. They get picky. You need patience, slow presentations, and deep water tactics.
Autumn? Another peak. Baitfish are moving, bass are feeding before winter. Reaction baits work.
Winter? Hard mode. If you’re committed, finesse tactics will catch fish, but don’t expect fireworks.
Gear that won’t let you down
Baitcasting setup – Medium-heavy, 6’6” to 7’, paired with a solid baitcaster spooled with fluoro or braid. You need control, sensitivity, and power.
Spinning setup – For finesse techniques. Lighter rod, fluorocarbon leader. When bass are picky, this setup saves the day.
Lures? Have everything. Topwater, jerkbaits, cranks, soft plastics, jigs—because bass change moods like the wind.
Polarized sunglasses. If you can’t see them, you’re fishing blind.
Spain – best bass fishing in Europe?
If you’re looking for an easy fishing trip, this isn’t it. But if you want a real challenge? Spain delivers.
Huge lakes. Massive bass. Brutal conditions.
And when you finally hook into one of these fish—when you see that wake behind your lure, set the hook, and feel the rod load up—you’ll understand why people keep coming back.
Tight lines.
