There’s something about October that makes me want to get the rods out.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the Spanish summer. After growing up in Cornwall, I’m hardly going to complain about sunshine. But fishing when it’s pushing 40 degrees is another matter. By lunchtime you’re looking for shade and wondering why you didn’t stay at home.
October is different.
Here around Orellana, the mornings start getting a bit cooler, the reservoir is quieter and you can spend a proper day fishing without feeling like you’re being cooked alive.
And the fish? Well, they’re still there. You’ve just got to work out what they’re doing.
An Old Mate Comes to Visit
I’ve got an old friend over from the UK at the moment, Addison. We’ve known each other for years and he’s not exactly the quietest chap you’ll ever meet.
Addison is a force of nature, a UK charity auctioneer who spends his working life getting rooms full of people excited enough to part with their money for good causes.
Quite a contrast to sitting beside a Spanish reservoir waiting for a bite.
It’s good having an old mate over, though. Plenty of catching up to do and fishing is as good an excuse as any to get out for a few hours.
Which got me thinking about autumn fishing here in Spain and just how much there is to go after once the summer heat starts disappearing.
Black Bass: Don’t Put Those Lures Away
If you enjoy lure fishing, October can be a cracking month.
Black bass are one of the reasons people travel to fish Spain’s big reservoirs. We’ve got some excellent waters around Extremadura and Orellana is certainly one of them.
As the water cools, bass can start moving around more in search of food. They don’t necessarily stay in the same places you found them during the summer.
I like to look for rocky points, submerged trees and areas where the depth changes sharply. If there’s baitfish activity nearby, even better.
But don’t get too clever about it.
I’ve seen anglers turn up with boxes containing hundreds of euros’ worth of lures and spend more time changing them than actually fishing.
A few decent options that cover different depths will do you nicely.
If bass are your thing, I’ve written more about black bass fishing in Spain, including some of the tactics worth trying.
Carp Fishing Can Still Be Excellent
One thing that surprises people visiting Spain is just how good the carp fishing can be outside summer.
October is a lovely time to target them.
The water hasn’t suddenly turned freezing cold and there are still plenty of feeding opportunities. On warmer days, fish can remain active well into the afternoon.
I’ve spent a fair bit of time fishing Embalse de Orellana since moving here and it’s a place that keeps drawing me back.
Earlier this year I wrote about a morning carp fishing at Orellana when a fish gave me a proper battle.
That’s what I love about these reservoirs. You never quite know what’s going to happen.
With carp, though, I’d spend more time finding them than worrying about having the perfect bait.
Look for movement, bubbles and signs of feeding. And don’t assume that the swim you fished successfully in August will be just as productive in November.
Fish move. Conditions change. That’s fishing.
Barbel Are Worth a Look Too
Spanish barbel don’t always get the attention they deserve.
Coming from Britain, I was used to thinking about barbel as river fish. Here in Spain, there are several species and opportunities to fish for them in quite different surroundings.
Some of the clear-water fishing can be brilliant.
There’s something special about actually seeing a fish before you cast to it. Of course, seeing it and catching it are two completely different things.
Autumn is also a much nicer time to explore stretches of riverbank that would be unbearable in the height of summer.
Just remember that regulations vary between regions and waters. Check what you’re allowed to target and which methods are permitted before setting off.
What Happens in November?
November can be a different kettle of fish.
Spain is a big country. What works around Extremadura isn’t necessarily going to work in northern Spain or up in the mountains.
Around here, the weather can still be pleasant, but the mornings are certainly cooler.
As water temperatures fall, you may need to change your approach.
Predatory fish such as bass and zander can still be worth targeting. Sometimes slowing down your retrieve or fishing a little deeper makes all the difference.
Carp fishing can become more challenging as well. Rather than putting bait out and hoping something eventually wanders along, finding the fish becomes increasingly important.
If you’re planning a trip, my guide to the best fishing seasons in Spain gives you a broader idea of what to expect throughout the year.
Where Would I Fish in Autumn?
Well, I’m obviously biased towards Orellana.
Living nearby has its advantages and I know there’s plenty of good fishing to be had without travelling halfway across the country.
But Spain has some fantastic reservoirs.
Cíjara is another interesting option in Extremadura, particularly if you’re interested in predator fishing. Further away, Mequinenza is famous for its enormous catfish and there are plenty of other waters worth exploring.
I’ve put together a list of ten fishing lakes in Spain if you’re looking for somewhere different.
One word of advice, though.
Don’t try to fish every lake in Spain during a week’s holiday.
Pick somewhere suitable, do a bit of homework and give yourself enough time to learn the water. You’ll probably enjoy yourself a lot more.
A Few Things Worth Remembering
You don’t need to bring the entire contents of a tackle shop with you, but autumn does call for a bit of preparation.
A jumper or light jacket is worth having for the mornings. I know that sounds ridiculous when you’re talking about Spain, but it can be surprisingly chilly beside the water before the sun gets up.
Make sure your tackle is suitable for what you’re targeting. Big reservoirs can produce big fish and you don’t want to discover your gear isn’t up to the job when something decent takes the bait.
I’ve covered the basics in my article about essential gear for lake fishing in Spain.
And sort out your fishing licence.
Spain doesn’t have one simple licence covering every type of fishing everywhere. Rules vary by autonomous community and some waters have additional restrictions.
If you’re unfamiliar with fishing here, start with my beginner’s guide to lake fishing in Spain.
Why I Like Autumn Fishing
I suppose the biggest attraction for me is that everything feels a little more relaxed.
During the summer, you can find yourself planning the whole day around the heat. Get there early, find some shade and pack up before it becomes too uncomfortable.
In October, there’s no great rush.
You can make a flask of coffee, get yourself settled and enjoy being beside the water.
And if the fish aren’t playing ball, well, there are worse places to spend a morning.
Having Addison over has reminded me that fishing isn’t always about catching the biggest carp or landing a monster bass.
Sometimes it’s just about getting out, having a laugh with an old friend and enjoying where you live.
Although knowing Addison, I doubt it’ll stay quiet for very long.
Tight lines,
Dave
