4 Best Fly Fishing Rivers in the Central System
In the central region of Spain, there is a mountain range known as the Central System that provides some excellent opportunities for fly fishing.
Based on our experience, these are the best rivers for fishing in the Central System:
1 – TORMES RIVER🥇
Description: The Tormes River originates in the high peaks of the Sierra de Gredos, within the Sierra de Gredos National Park in Spain. It is located at a moderate distance from the capital, Madrid. From its source, it flows through the provinces of Ávila, Salamanca, and Zamora, eventually merging with the Duero River. In its upper reaches, the river is dammed by several reservoirs such as San Fernando, Santa Teresa, or Villagonzalo. Below these reservoirs, there are various fishing preserves where you can find hucho and large brown trout. The fishing conditions can be challenging due to the continuous water releases for irrigation. The upper part of the Tormes, near the Sierra de Gredos, features excellent preserves like Zapardiel or Aliseda de Tormes, where populations of 100% wild and native brown trout thrive.
Species: Brown trout, hucho, barbel, and pike.
Fishing Season: Lower part from May 1st to October 15th. In the upper area, from late March to late July.
Fishing License: Castilla y León fishing license.
Best Fishing Preserves: Upper part (Zapardiel and Aliseda de Tormes) and lower part (Galisancho and Villagonzalo).
Catch Sizes: Small in the upper part, medium to large in the lower part.
In favor
- This river offers the opportunity to catch small trout in the upper part and trophy-sized trout in the lower section.
- With its considerable length, there are numerous locations suitable for fishing.
- The river is home to native trout and provides angling opportunities for catching trout, hucho, barbel, and pike.
against
- The upper part of the river experiences significant droughts during the summer.
- Certain fishing preserves face high fishing pressure, given the river's proximity to Madrid.
Destination Raking:
9,2
2 – JERTE RIVER
Description: The Jerte River, a tributary of the Alagón River in the Tajo basin, flows through the north of Cáceres, Spain. Stretching approximately seventy kilometers, it originates in Tornavacas and empties into Galisteo. In its upper reaches, on the southern face of the Gredos Mountains, the Jerte River meanders alongside numerous tributary gorges such as Los Infiernos, Buitreras, or Papúos. Several fishing preserves of great interest can be found in these areas.
Species: Brown trout.
Fishing Season: Between the third Sunday of March and June 30th or July 31st, depending on the location.
Fishing License: Extremadura fishing license.
Best Fishing Preserves: Jerte I, II, III.
Catch Sizes: Small trout.
In favor
- Trout are native.
- It is very nice to weigh in early April surrounded by cherry blossoms.
- It is a river very suitable for dry fly fishing.
against
- It's a river with a very short fishing season due to the pronounced low water levels during the summer droughts.
Destination Raking:
9,2
3 – JARANDA DE LA VERA GORGE
Description: The Jaranda Gorge, a tributary of the Tiétar River in the Iberian Peninsula’s Extremadura region, originates in the Tormantos Mountains on the southern face of the Gredos range. It flows through Guijo de Santa Bárbara and Jarandilla de la Vera, merging with the Pedro Chate Gorge before joining the Tiétar River. Along its course, it features various bridges, including the “Roman” bridge of Parral and the Jaranda Bridge, both located in Jarandilla de la Vera. This river boasts an excellent population of small-sized wild brown trout, making it highly enjoyable for dry fly fishing. Noteworthy preserves include Jaranda I, located upstream from the town of Jarandilla de la Vera. The prime months for fishing this river are May and June.
Species: Brown trout.
Fishing Season: Between the third Sunday of March and June 30th or July 31st, depending on the location.
Fishing License: Extremadura fishing license.
Best Fishing Preserve: Jaranda I Preserve.
Catch Sizes: Small to medium.
In favor
- It's a river of great beauty, located relatively close to Madrid.
- The process for obtaining fishing preserves is straightforward, unlike the fishing license, which can be more complex.
- The area features significant landscape contrasts, and trout fishing is particularly interesting due to its location in a very southern part of the Iberian Peninsula.
- All trout populations are wild, adding to the appeal of the fishing experience.
against
- The optimal months for fishing these rivers are limited to May, June, and early July
- The river is significantly affected by low water levels during the summer drought.
Destination Raking:
9,2
4 – LOZOYA RIVER
Description: The Lozoya River, just minutes from Madrid, is a tributary of the Jarama and plays a vital role in the water supply for the region. In its upper part, it flows through the Alto Lozoya Valley in the Sierra de Guadarrama. The upper section includes several fishing preserves, such as Rascafría, where some of the last populations of wild brown trout in the Community of Madrid can be found. Downstream, there are two intensive preserves, one of them being the Molino de la Horcajada intensive fishing preserve. This preserve extends from the dam wall of the Pinilla reservoir to its confluence with the Riosequillo reservoir.
Species: Brown trout, rainbow trout, and barbel.
Fishing Season: From the second Sunday in March to the third Sunday in July. In the intensive preserves, from February 28th to November 30th.
Fishing License: Madrid fishing license.
Best Preserve: Molino de la Horcajada.
Catch Sizes: Small to medium.
In favor
- Closest river to the capital.
- Two intensive fishing preserves allow fishing for many months each year.
- The processing of preserves and licenses is straightforward.
against
- High fishing pressure due to proximity to the capital.
- Not typically suitable for dry fly fishing scenarios.
Destination Raking:
9,2