Leon Fly Fishing, Spain

Cistierna, a small mountain town in northern Spain’s León region, is home to clear rivers, wild brown trout, and centuries of fly fishing tradition. Nestled between the Cantabrian Mountains and the Riaño and Mampodre National Park, this area is the cradle of Spanish fly fishing, a destination where every cast connects you to both nature and history. 

Dazzling ARRAY of waters Available 

From Cistierna, anglers have access to over 2,000 miles of prime trout waters, including some of northern Spain’s most celebrated rivers: the Esla, broad and powerful, home to large wild trout and ideal for a mix of dry fly and nymphing techniques; the Porma, a crystal-clear and technical river that rewards finesse and precision; and the Carrión, wilder and more remote, its upper reaches coursing through untouched mountain valleys. Beyond these major rivers lie the intimate headwaters of the Cantabrian streams, where high-altitude trout eagerly rise to small dry flies in the pristine air of spring and early summer. As well as the rivers, anglers have access to many reservoirs, and high-altitude alpine lakes beckon the more adventurous. In addition, powerful Iberian barbel also inhabit these waters and are worthy adversaries on the fly.

A Journey Through the Seasons.

The season opens on April 1st and runs until October 15th, offering a rich variety of fishing experiences as the year unfolds.

Spring brings the first great hatches of mayflies and caddis, signalling the start of the season. From early May to June 14th, conditions are at their finest for delicate dry-fly fishing—this is prime time on León’s rivers. From mid-May to mid-July the mountain streams come alive, offering fast, clear waters filled with eager, smaller trout for those fit enough to explore their higher reaches.

Summer stretches long and bright, with spectacular evening hatches and opportunities to combine subtle dry-fly presentations with deeper nymphing techniques. From June 15th to September 15th, flows in the Esla and Porma rivers increase due to irrigation releases from the reservoirs upstream. These rivers remain very fishable, though wading options become more limited and choosing the right beat is essential, this is where our guide’s local knowledge becomes invaluable. During this period, many tributaries and unregulated streams truly come into their own, offering excellent sport in wilder, quieter settings.

By autumn, the rivers run low and clear, and the landscape turns golden. The wading is easier, hatches can still be prodigious, and dry-fly fishing can be exceptional. It’s a time that demands finesse and patience, as each trout becomes more cautious, offering a quiet, reflective close to the season.

Throughout the season, nymph fishing remains consistently effective, providing opportunities even when surface activity slows.

superb Accommodation, hospitality and cuisine 

Anglers are based at the charming Hotel Puerta Vadinia in Cistierna, boasting 25 comfortable rooms available in both single or shared configurations, bar and restaurant, spa, gym facilities, fly tying area and a small tackle shop. 

When the day’s fishing is done, the surrounding region offers a wealth of experiences that make León much more than a fishing trip. The region is world famous for Coq de León, coveted by fly tyers the world over for its unique properties. The nearby Riaño and Mampodre National Park is a haven for hikers and nature lovers, with dramatic limestone peaks, alpine meadows, and wildlife such as wolf, bear, bison, chamois and golden eagles. The turquoise Riaño reservoir invites kayaking and photography, while the villages around Cistierna offer authentic Leonese hospitality, local wines, and hearty mountain cuisine. The city of León is only 45 minutes away, and offers incredible restaurants and dining, as well as shopping, museums and historical sites.