Autumn is one of the most magical seasons for fly fishing in the Spanish Pyrenees. The warm forest colours, the gradual drop in temperature, and the intense activity of the trout as they prepare for spawning combine to provide superb fly fishing here. In addition, the decrease in tourism after the summer leaves the rivers completely empty: you won’t find other anglers, and you can enjoy peaceful days in close contact with nature.
A long season: until October 31 and beyond
One of the great advantages of the Aragonese Pyrenees is its extended fishing season, which lasts on all mountain rivers until October 31. This allows anglers to fly fish in the mild climate of the sunny side of the Pyrenees when the season has already ended in much of Europe. The experience continues through November with fishing in the Pyrenean foothills where exceptional conditions for catching trophy trout in slow-moving rivers, reminiscent of the chalk streams of the United Kingdom, can be enjoyed.
Mountain and Foothill Fishing: A Perfect Combination
Late September and October are ideal months for a fishing trip in the Pyrenees. The region’s autumn landscapes are simply spectacular, with deciduous trees turning shades of red, yellow, and ochre, creating breathtaking panoramas. As for the fishing itself, the high mountain rivers provide great entertainment with plentiful catches of brown trout, zebra trout, and wild brook trout. At the same time, this adventure can be complemented with fishing in the rivers of the Pyrenean foothills, where the chances of landing large brown trout increase during this season. All told, it’s a cracking combination of active fishing with plenty of catches in mountain streams and the opportunity to hook big trophies in lower-altitude rivers.
An Autumn of Active Trout
As winter approaches, trout begin preparing for the December spawning season. This need to build up energy drives them into a feeding frenzy, making them active throughout the day. Mountain waters, which can warm up during the summer, are now cold and well-oxygenated, creating the perfect conditions for highly productive fishing.
Techniques and Flies for Autumn Fishing
Most commonly, anglers use mayfly patterns tied with CDC or parachute-style flies such as the Adams. Terrestrial insects, like ants, also play a key role during certain periods in September—especially after storms, when spectacular hatches occur, prompting every fish in the river to feed on the surface. On some rivers, using a dropper is also common, combining a large dry fly with a small nymph to target the deeper pools. In November, although fishing is limited to the rivers in the Pyrenean foothills, the approach is similar. During this period, the dropper setup is used more frequently, and dry-fly fishing is typically concentrated around the mid-day hours, when temperatures rise and small hatches occur. Nevertheless, it is still possible to enjoy excellent dry-fly sessions—something that might seem surreal in other parts of Europe, but in Spain, and particularly on the southern side of the Pyrenees, it is a reality.
Autumn Fishing Bases: Graus and Biescas
Graus is undoubtedly the best base during this season. Its strategic location allows anglers to combine fishing in mountain rivers—where dry-fly fishing offers dynamic, action-packed days—with fishing in the Pyrenean foothill rivers, when October is an exceptional month for trophy brown trout. Anglers planning a longer trip, such as a full week of fishing, can combine four days fishing from Graus, taking advantage of its proximity to a wide variety of both mountain and lowland rivers, with two days fishing from Biescas which provides a different perspective of the Pyrenees and the opportunity to explore new rivers with excellent chances of landing large fish.
Conclusion: A Unique Fishing Destination for UK Anglers
The Aragonese and Catalan Pyrenees are a paradise for autumn fly fishing, offering mountain rivers, wild trout, breathtaking landscapes, and a season that extends well beyond what is typical in the rest of Europe. Access from the UK is easy, with direct flights to both Zaragoza and Barcelona. In just two hours from Zaragoza or three hours from Barcelona, you can be casting your fly into crystal-clear waters filled with active trout.
For more information about fly fishing in the Spanish Pyrenees please contact Alex Jardine. Alternatively you can call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.
