Fly-fishing holiday in Spain

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Asturias, well named 'A Natural Paradise' by its inhabitants, holds a great attraction for the fly-fisher. Llanes, on the Costa de los Picos de Europa, is surrounded by some of the best places to enjoy this sport. It is only a few minutes from the rivers Purón and Bedón, and only half an hour from these great salmon rivers - Sella and Cares.

The Asturian rivers are above all clean, their crystalline waters meander through green fields and thick woodland to create a real fly-fishing paradise.

Distances to the main rivers from Llanes

• River Purón: Trout and sea trout, 8 minutes
• River Bedón: Trout and sea trout, 10 minutes
• River Sella: Salmon, trout and sea trout, 30 minutes
• River Cares-Deva: Salmon, trout and sea trout, 30 minutes.

Fly-fishing species in the area

Fishermen from all over the world come to Asturias trying to catch the "reo" (sea trout.) It is developing quite a reputation as an extremely difficult fish to catch. There's scarcely a fly that will fool them - it's best to tempt them with the smallest of flies on an 18-20 hook. Then again, the odd ant or two is indispensable in your box as well as at the end of a 10mm line! The real problem can be that once you lay a bad line, these wily fish are on to you! Even if you cast well, your troubles have only just begun. It will fight you, plunging and jumping, like no other fish.

Season and equipment:

Sea trout come up river when the water is getting warm. No two years are identical, but generally speaking, the season extends from the end of May to July. There are sea trout in small rivers but the best are to be found in big salmon rivers. You need compensated equipment to throw the fly as far as possible to get a good lay down with the thinnest of lines (10mm), and the smallest of flies.

Trout

While trout (sea trout also) do exist in our salmon rivers, it is prohibited to fish them up to May 20. It is far better to fish in the smaller rivers such as the Bedón and Purón from April to July. Fishing is also rewarding in September in catch and release zones. We always advocate careful walking through the river and the use of light equipment.

Season & Equipment

March 18 to July 31. Spinning is forbidden up to June 1st. Light equipment is usually recommended such as a rod of about 8' (AFTM 4-6) where the end of the line is between 10 to 14mm. When the trout don't feed at the surface, the use of nymphs is usually required.

Salmon

The king of the river. The largest ones are to be found at the beginning of the season (March & April) but even so, when the water is getting warm in the early summer, (May & June) there are more salmon in the river.

Season & Equipment

March 18 to July 31. Spinning is forbidden up to June 1st. Two-handed rods (AFTM 9-11) are better when the water is high and cold. In these conditions you will need the following; a floating line with a quick sinking terminal. The end of the line should be 35mm and we suggest you use a big fly, perhaps a number 2-4. When the water is warm and low, a single-handed rod is sufficient (AFTM 7-8 of about 9'6"). Also recommended is a floating line, where the end of the line is 28-33mm and a fly around number 8-12.

Fishing on Thursdays is not permitted (except on official public holidays). In Asturias the trout and sea trout feed on the surface. As the weather really warms up in July, the best time to fish is early in the morning, between 6.30am and 9.30am or really late in the evening about 10.00 pm.

Fishing services organised by the Hotel Montemar

Personal advice is available with regard to the best fishing sites at any given time and the best equipment to use, such as lines and flies for the season in hand. A personal fishing guide can also be organised - please consult the hotel for a daily rate. Transportation is on hand to take you to your chosen river, again, please consult them for a daily tariff.

Applying for a licence

In order to fish a licence has to be applied for in advance and the hotel can do this for you. Please supply the hotel with your full name and passport number together with your credit card details (the cost of a fishing licence is 20 euros per person) plus your Brittany Ferries hotel booking reference.

The licence will then be waiting for you when you arrive at the hotel, along with a special fly-fishing map indicating the best fishing sites and really useful additional information.

Book your stay at the Hotel Montemar in Llanes, below: