The brown trout lives in cold, flowing waters, and in Spain there are rivers where fly fishing has a long tradition and clear rules. In León, all river stretches are catch-and-release free zones except for closed areas, special waters, fishing estates, special controlled regime waters (AREC), and social sporting venues (EDS). Picuco organises trout fishing in the Riaño reservoir, in León, and the rest of the destinations in this guide can be arranged upon request.
Órbigo River: the Benavides and Puente de Hospital de Órbigo stretch
The Órbigo is one of the most emblematic rivers in the province of León, and its Benavides stretch is known for its proximity to the Puente de Hospital de Órbigo, the longest medieval bridge in Spain. Hospital de Órbigo is in the province of León, and the bridge takes its name from the Paso Honroso tournament, which is remembered today through the Medieval Jousts hosted by the town on the first weekend of June. If you fish by fly, choose your stretch carefully before setting off: in León, special waters and fishing estates have their own rules within the regional regulations.
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Esla River: brown trout in the headwaters and large wild specimens
The Esla is one of the best settings in Castilla y León for fishing brown trout in its headwaters and barbel in the lower stretch. It is one of the few Iberian rivers where you can still hook large wild specimens. As it passes, you can spot Las Pilastras and the Puente del Mercadillo. Before casting your fly, consult the current fishing regulations for Castilla y León and the permits for the stretch you wish to work.
Porma River: trout waters in the province of León
The Porma is a watercourse in the province of León with trout waters, so it belongs on the list of Leonese rivers where you should plan a fly fishing day. As in the rest of León, it is advisable to check if the chosen stretch is catch-and-release free, a fishing estate, or an AREC. Ensure your regional licence is in order and check the season before booking the day.
Curueño River: catch-and-release free zone and routes from La Vecilla
The Curueño rises in the Puerto de Vegarada and flows through Valdelugueros, Valdepiélago, La Vecilla, and Santa Colomba de Curueño before emptying its waters into the Porma. Outside of the fishing estates and special stretches, its waters are catch-and-release free. La Vecilla offers hiking routes and cultural visits, and one of the most recommended is the one that goes from La Vecilla to the source of the Curueño river. Combine your fishing day with that route and consult the current fishing regulations before setting off.
Gallo River: canyon, gorge, and viewpoints between Teruel and Guadalajara
The Gallo forms one of the most recognisable landscapes in the Molina de Aragón–Alto Tajo region, between the provinces of Teruel and Guadalajara. It rises in the municipality of Orihuela del Tremedal and flows into that of Zaorejas, having carved out a canyon with reddish cliffs, junipers, pine forests, and a strong geological personality. Its stratigraphic outcrops, which are a reference for the Cordillera Ibérica, the visual power of the gorge, the viewpoints, and the sanctuary of the Virgen de la Hoz nestled in the rock, stand out. To fish here, you need the licence for the community corresponding to the stretch and the permit required by the current regulations.
Frequently asked questions
Where do you fish for trout in the Riaño reservoir?
The Riaño reservoir, in the mountains of León (Castilla y León), is a cold mountain water destination where you can fish for brown trout and rainbow trout. Picuco organises Trout fishing in the Riaño reservoir, León with a guide.