Freshwater Fishing in Spain

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Freshwater Fishing in Spain

Fishing Permits

A fishing license (permiso de pesca) is required in order to fish inland or sea waters in Spain. The permit should specify if it is for a  "catch and release" (sin meurte) area. 

• Fishing licences are valid from one to four years. 
• Licences are available to anyone 16 years of age and older. 
• A parent or guardian must apply for a licence for a child under 16.

Permits are also issued by the local provincial office of the Ministry of the Environment (Ministerio de Medio Ambiente)

• National Ministerio de Medio Ambiente website
  Madrid Tel: 915 976 000 

Fishing Waters

There are both public and private waters in Spain. An additional permit may be needed to fish in some of the really good waters. There are three different types of waters:

• Free (libros): These waters do not need a special permit.
• Restricted (cotos): These are waters that do require a permit.
• Fisheries (intensivos): Permits for these waters are often available in local shops.

The fishing season varies on the particular species of fish. On most rivers there are restrictions on the numbers of licences issued per day and the quantity and size of the fish that can be caught.

Several rivers are easily accessible from the city: the Alberche, Eresma, Estena, Fresnedas, Henares, Jarama, Lozoya, Manzanares, Tajo, Tajuña, and Tormes. These can generally be fished for trout, pike, bass, carp and bowfin. Trout, bass and pike can be fished from the lakes, including the lake in the Juan Carlos I Park in town.

Further Information

• Real Federación Española de Pesca y Casting (Spanish Fishing and Casting Federation)
  At: Navas de Tolosa 3, 28031 Madrid
  Tel: 915 328 352 or 915 328 353
  Website