Spain

La Ribagorza Lodge

THE FISHING

The southern face of the Pyrenean range, which is our primary area of interest when fly-fishing the Aren area, it has a very favourable climate, particularly during the summer months, However, guests need to be prepared for the big differences in weather and temperature conditions between the lower reaches where the lodge is located and the higher elevations where we are often fishing. April through October generally offer the most prolific insect hatches and due to the water quality and guests fishing these months can expect an enormous variety of species.

The seven most important valleys for trout in the Eastern Pyrenees, in both Cataluna and Aragon, are all within a 1 hour radius by car from the Lodge. This allows for enormous flexibility in terms of where guests fish each day as well as allowing the guides to tailor specific rivers, lakes and streams to optimize the seasons, from early spring to late fall.

Hidden in up in the high mountains 6500 Ft (2000 meters and above), there are a large number of Ibons that our anglers can access. “Ibons” is a Pyrenees word for a high-mountain lake of glacial origin. These spectacular lakes are only accessible by trekking on foot for a couple of hours or more, or by helicopter charter.

There are some lakes 2500 metres (7500 foot) in altitude where we can find trophy Brook Trout. Extremely cold water and many snow and ice during the majority of the season, allow to us fish inside these virgin location only from latest July to September. To access this location we need to walk 5 1/2 hour or using the helicopter during less than 30 min. The lower reaches offer us a variety of Rainbow Trout sceneries. These were introduced in the Eastern Pre-Pyrenees in the 1970’s and in some of the more remote areas we can find very good size Rainbows that will challenge even the most advanced fly fishing skills.

EARLY SEASON

March-April-May

The official opening for many waters in Pyrenees is the 1st of March. Depending on the conditions early in the season guests can fish with good results in the mid tier bodies of water. The majority of the time however, guests can expect to be fishing on the lower reaches. Depending on the water levels within the different valleys around the lodge, the guides will select the locations that offer the best conditions available. There are some areas that offer a constant level of water and a good water temperature for solid spring trout activity. In general, March and April have special interest for rainbows in the lower reaches and for trophy browns found principally in the entrance of river mouths that feed into lakes in mid tier mountain areas.

SUMMER SEASON

June-July-August

The summer months offer the best conditions for High Mountain Fishing. Many of the fishing days during this time frame are spent up in the mountains streams found within the incredible network of national parks found nearby. Warm sunny days are the norm and the scenery up in this pristine mountain wilderness is nothing short of breathtaking. Fishing terrestrials up in the high mountains during these months is incredibly productive and generally delivers lots of action. Heli-Fishing going up and down in the same day is another possibility you can choose with an extra cost to try with big flies for Brookies in “Ibons”. To fish with dries good browns in Medium and lower reaches, usually we have to begin in early morning or to wait to the latest lights of the day.

LATEST SUMMER & AUTUMN

September-October-November

We consider this to be the best season of the year for the size of fish that can be caught in the selected waters around La Ribagorza Lodge. From late August into September we usually combine very active high mountain fishing in rivers and alpine lakes with medium reaches with dries and terrestrials. From October to November guests will generally operate in lower tier rivers and streams for fishing with dries tyed in small patterns. Right before the pre-spawn (late November), guests can expect to fish river mouths and lakes for good sized browns. There are also a couple of very isolated rivers in this region that will provide and opportunities for trophy rainbows. Droppers with small nymphs are very good productive in the late autumn months.

We have access to helicopters from May to September for those guests interested in getting up into some of the more remote Ibons in a short amount of time. Chopper dates must be booked well in advance to ensure availability.

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT

This is strictly a walk and wade destination. All transportation to and from the fishing each day is by 4 wheel drive vehicle.

GETTING THERE

Most of our guests coming to fish the Pyrenees fly in and out of Barcelona, then take the high speed train from downtown Barcelona to Lleida. Once guests arrive in Lleida, a lodge representative will be waiting at the train station to pick guests up. The high speed train from Barcelona takes about 50 minutes and its then about a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from the train station to the lodge. If you are coming in through Madrid, it’s 2.5 hour high speed train to Lleida.

Slipstream is a full service travel company that can handle a variety of services relating to your trip. For assistance, please contact us directly at 1 866 644-7703.

RATES FOR 2024

$7,750 USD DBL 6 nights 5 days fishing

Please email us for single guide/room supplement costs

  • MAD - Spain
  • March 1 through November 30
  • Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout…
  • 12 anglers per week guests
  • Wifi: Yes
  • Language: English/Spanish
  • Physicality: Low
  • CC Payment at Facility : Yes
Spain

La Ribagorza Lodge

Tour Location

LOCATION

The La Ribagorza Lodge is situated in the small village of Aren, located in the East Pyrenees, which sits along the border between Araogon and Cataluna. Geographically, this area is situated next to the spectacular Sis’ Saw-Mountain chain, between the Isabena Valley and the Noguera Ribagorzana River.

PRIMARY SPECIES

Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Zebra Trout, Brook Trout and Barbell.

SEASON OF OPERATION

March 1 through November 30

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE LOGISTICS

There are no set arrival and departure days at this lodge

ACCOMMODATIONS

The lodge is located right in the heart of Aren, which is a small Pre-Pyrenean village of some 300 people, most of whom work in agriculture. This is a remote and rural environment far off the beaten path and in many respects it feels like you have taken a step back in time when you first arrive. There are two separate parts to the lodge, one for wining and dining, the second is a 20 second walk down an ancient cobblestone street to where the all rooms are located.

The lodge’s main floor bar is simple yet comfortable and this is usually where you find the owner of the operation, Juan Antonio, who also doubles as the barkeep. He’s a wonderful guy who has treated us like royalty whenever we’ve had the good fortune to be staying with him. Upstairs is the dining room, where some of the best food in Spain is served.

Dinners are exceptional and will often range from 4 to 7 courses, depending on what the chef has prepared that night. The wines served with dinner are excellent and if anyone is interested in digging into Juan Antonio’s wine cellar, he has some truly vintage wines available for sale. Lunches are taken streamside or back at the lodge depending on guest preference.

The sleeping quarters are very close by and consist of comfortable double rooms with private bath, air conditioning, and cable TV. There is also a spa attached to this part of the lodge, with a walk in sauna, Jacuzzi and exercise equipment. Guests staying here are immersed in the local culture and flavor of the region.

From this location we also have access to a 100 year old private home that was fully renovated in 2007. The property is a 5 minute drive from Aren and can sleep 10 guests. It offers complete privacy.

DESTINATION CAPACITY

6 anglers per week
Spain

La Ribagorza Lodge

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Spain

La Ribagorza Lodge

INCLUDED IN PRICE

  • The number of nights as per package purchased (Double occupancy)
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day. Lunch can either be taken by the river or back at the lodge depending on guest preference. Appetizers after fishing each day.
  • The number of days of guided fishing as per package booked (2 anglers per guide)
  • Fishing licenses for each of the different regions fished.
  • Daily fishing permits for all private waters fished.
  • Laundry.
  • Wines with lunch and dinner, local beers and soft drinks.
  • All applicable Spanish Government taxes.
  • Our comprehensive information package on this location, including our Gear and Fly PDF.
  • Round trip lodge transfers from and to the Lleida train station on arrival and departure days.

NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE

  • International airfare to Spain
  • Train tickets to the Lleida train station from Barcelona or Madrid.
  • Gratuities to guides and lodge staff.
  • Trip Insurance.
  • Telephone calls.
  • All personal items purchased.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

U.S., Canadian and EU citizens may enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay. You need sufficient funds, evidence of hotel reservations and a return airline ticket.