Just a short flight from the UK and you can be in some of the most beautiful mountainous surroundings with beautiful clear rivers and streams, good food and great wine. Fly fishing for trout in Spain has somewhat been overlooked since the days of Ernest Hemingway but it has since had a revival, and for great reasons too.
Aren Lodge
The wonderful and intimate Aren Lodge is nestle in the medieval village of Aren. Over the last three centuries, the family of Juan Antonio had been managing this “Fonda” and hosting travelers from all over the World. It is a unique and authentic hot spots in the unknown area of the Pyrenees Mountains. The menu features local products and wines, and are anything but ordinary. Traditional dishes are enhanced by a preference for organic produce, and everything is fresh and tasty. The lodge is perfectly located for covering a large variety of waters with great fishing and great weather conditions from March to November.
The highlights
› Fish a large variety of waters from March to November with good weather conditions
› Stay in a small traditional and welcoming Spanish medieval village
› Taste every day local cuisine at our 300 year old family owned restaurant
› Biodynamic wine tour, helicopter fly-outs, UNESCO churches, walking or hiking in National Parks, mountain biking, kayaking and SPA for travel companions
Location
› Northern Spain, Aragon, Huesca province border with Catalonia, Lleida province
› International Airports: Bilbao, Zaragoza, Barcelona and Madrid
› Closest High Speed Train Station: Zaragoza
› Distance from Lleida: 103 Km (64 miles) 1 hour 15 minutes drive
› Distance from Zaragoza: 200 Km (125 miles) 2 hours 15 min drive
› Distance from Barcelona: 225 Km (140 miles) 2 hours 30 min drive
› Distance from Madrid: 510 Km (315 miles) 4 hours 30 min drive
General Information
› Season: 1st March to 30th November
› Capacity: 12 double rooms with en-suite bathroom. Maximum 12 rods per week
› Services: Wi-Fi, laundry, mini bar, air conditioned, safe box, waders room, fly shop, sauna & jacuzzi at the spa and massage room
Fly Fishing
› Techniques: 100% wading. Dries, droppers and streamers
› Species: brown trout, zebra trout, rainbow trout, brook trout and barbel
› Recommended equipment: 4 and 6/7 weight rods, floating lines and sinking tips
› Waters: large variety including tail waters and Heli-fishing into back country
Multi-activity
› UNESCO Romanesque Churches Route
› Aigües Tortes National Park: 4×4 road trip, hiking or easy walking
› Private Wine Tours along ancient wineries and wine chateaux
› Medieval Ribagorza Tour: including a lunch in a XII century cathedral
› Mountain Biking along MTB trails, Zona Zero, Vielha and Isabena
› Kayaking in remote lakes and gorges
› The Artisian Chocolate Experience
› Private organic lunch into a biodynamic vineyard
› On the vultures valley trail: photo safari or sightseeing
› The North Face Route including a pack lunch at the highest village of Spain
› Private Boat tour into Nature Park
› Unlimited use for the Sauna and Jacuzzi at the SPA in the lodge
› Wellness therapies
Note: any of these activities and experiences are included in the travel companion program
Upgrade programs
All of the wine tours provide an authentic and luxury experience along a customised and carefully selected itinerary. The following upgrade options are available:
› Private Michelin Star lunch in a wine chateaux or historical location
› Helicopter fly outs for fly fishing, sightseeing, MTB, hiking or photo tours
› Private wine tastings sessions into a 300 years old cellar
› Private folklore performance: soprano or accordion band
Sample Itinerary – Aren Lodge, Spain
A: Angler TC: Travel Companions TCB: Alternative plan B for travel companions
Day 1 – Welcome to Spain & Introduction to the territory
A & TC: Arrive at Lleida Train Station easily connected by high-speed train from Barcelona or Madrid. A lodge representative will pick up you for a 1 hour and 15 minute drive to the Lodge. On arrival at Aren Lodge you will have an introduction to the territory and to the ancient village of Aren, you will also meet with the head guide for a briefing of the week to come.
Day 2 – Posets Maladeta Park
A: The Zebra Experience. Dry Fly Fishing in freestone streams for the native Mediterranean zebra trout.
TC: The Origin of XIth Century Ribagorza Kingdom. History, monasteries and ancient villages. Nature walks into the Park.
TCB: Hiking to some of hundreds of remote alpine lakes and interpretation of its high mountain Flora
Mealtime: Private Lunch into a Monastery
Day 3 – The Canions of Guara and Bio wine Experience
A: The Remote Gorge. Fly-fishing for native trout in spots just accessible by restricted access forest tracks
TC: Bio Wine and organic food experience: A perfect combination of premium products and unique scenery
TCB: Mountain Biking or canyoning into the Park
Mealtime: Organic Lunch in a family owned local restaurant
Day 4 – Aigües Tortes and Sant Maurici National Park
A: Three fishing days in one. Gin clear water streams, creeks and lakes for browns, rainbows and brookies
TC: The UNESCO Tour. National Park, 4×4 route and Romanesque Tour in one, both UNESCO sites
TCB: Hiking some of the most spectacular valleys, lakes and pics in the Park
Mealtime: Lunch by the river in the Park
Day 5 – The Unknown Catalonia
A: Fly fishing the biggest river of the Pyrenees for powerful rainbows and browns up to 24 inches
TC: The Medieval Route. Walk into nature reserves while discovering medieval sites.
TCB: Hiking circular route or bird watching and photo safari
Mealtime: Barbecue with local products by the river
Day 6 – The North Face Route
A: Fly Fishing for browns in a freestone stream surrounded by villages and impressive forests
TC: The Spain´s highest village. Nature walk to this unique location and homemade cheese tasting.
TCB: Wellness therapies and Reiki in the forest
Mealtime: Open air lunch close to a Monastery
Day 7 – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Lleida Train Station.
Every Lunch – Anglers and travel companions can meet for lunch or can have lunch separately.
Every Dinner – at the premises of XVII-Century Fonda, the lodge´s dining room.
The Availability & Cost:
18 – 24 May 2019 (6 rods)
20 – 26 October 2019 (10 rods)
24 – 30 November (12 rods)
Cost is: £4,900 per person
Includes; transfers to/from Lleida, All-inclusive accommodation, shared room, shared guide, all non-fishing activities, fishing permit and hire equipment.
Excludes; international flights, additional transfers and accommodation if needed,and gratuities.
For more information about fly fishing in Spain and the Aren Lodge please contact Alex Jardine or call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.