Fly Fishing - Unlimited - Andy's annual pilgrimage by Andy Lush
I’ve been visiting Extremadura for the last decade the reason I keep returning to this region is its vast largely unspoilt reservoirs. The waters here are big, the skies are big and the fish? Well they’re not necessarily big but they sure are wild!
I’ve fished mostly on the Guardiana river system catching Barbel, Large mouth Bass and Pike although there are plenty of Carp present for those who prefer to pit their wit’s against true long torpedo commons. I love fly fishing and lure fishing and the clear waters suit both these methods. Keeping mobile has a distinct advantage helping me locate fish quickly and keeping on the move means I get to catch more fish! With reservoirs several times larger than Rutland throughout the region you are unlikely to be cramped for space so travel light, wear good headgear and polarised glasses and go find your fish.
My fishing companion Matt Boast stalks a pod of Barbel as they filter feed in the shallows, reminiscent of Bonefishing.
Spanish Barbel
Although the Barbel looks similar to our own they behave quite differently exhibiting a predatory streak that I find much more like our Chub. One of the things that fascinate me is how completely differently the Barbel behaves. We have caught them on the bottom in 80’ of water during the winter while jig fishing with soft plastic shads from a boat. In the spring we have had great success catching them on dry flies during a massive hatch of grasshoppers! As I said before these fish have a predatory streak so it should not surprise you to know that we have also caught them on surface lures while targeting Bass and even on deadbaits pinned to the bottom on bolt rigs in 40-50’. These fish are truly awesome and they fight every bit as hard as their UK cousins.
Matt Boast with 4lb Iberian Barbel caught on a Black Floating Beetle tied by our very own Bob Holland.
Large mouth Bass
These game fish appear to be everywhere the serious Spanish anglers love them targeting them to the exclusion of all else. If you are able to boat fish then lure fishing is the way to go we’ve had great fun using all manner of surface lures cast TIGHT to the shoreline. It’s very important to get as close as possible, inches matter, you cannot be too close. My favourite surface lures are ‘stick’ baits that “walk the dog”, the takes are explosive. From the shore it’s probably better to use offset spinner baits and soft plastic worms and creatures rigged ‘Texas’ style to prevent snagging. We’ve found Bass love structure so any fallen trees or bushes overhanging the water or rocky points you get the picture fish close to them and hang on! Bass hit hard often jump but their fight is over fairly quickly, use strong tackle because of the rough terrain you’ll be fishing.
Skinny water fishing at its best, just how we like it on dries!
Pike
Surprising common in these deep cool reservoirs the Pike reach respectable sizes too. Although I’ve not specifically fished for them I know plenty of people who have. During the spring its best to keep on the move either trolling or casting shads and spoons from a drifting boat, a fishing guide* is essential on your first trip. Very large Pike approaching 30lbs are caught during the winter on deadbaits from the bank and don’t be surprised if you catch a large mean Barbel either. ( Recommended Pike Guide www.spanishsafaris.net ) All in all Extremadura is challenging, wild, unspoilt and charming.
