Salvelinus

Spanish Pyrenees Fly Fishing

The Pyrenees is considered one of most natural areas in Europe. Over 30 years, Iván Tarín and guides have researched rivers, streams, spring creeks, tailwaters, reservoirs, and alpine lakes to ascertain fly fishing potential—all for clients' benefit.

The Water

From Arén Lodge (Eastern Pyrenees):

700 miles of river and 20+ lakes within hour drive. UNESCO biosphere reserves, preserved National Parks, recondite fly fishing spots. Magnificent valleys between Spain and France set against rugged alpine wilderness with gin-clear sparkling waters.

From Santa Cilia Lodge (Western Pyrenees):

Rich trout waters flowing through verdant valleys. Located on banks of Aragón River along Way of St. James. Any direction from lodge leads to prolific freestones, gin-clear lakes, interesting tailwaters.

Water Types:

● Spring creeks in alpine meadows
● Larger streams flowing through mid and low country valleys
● Remote streams and lakes
● Tailwaters with easy wading
● Freestone rivers
● Glacial lakes at elevation

All waters for various skill levels from beginners to experts.

The Fishing

Fish different locations each day, choosing from diverse water types. Guides select optimal water based on conditions, seasons, and angler preferences. This is storybook fishing, especially in high mountains.

Helicopter fly-outs available May–October for access to most remote, unspoiled waters where others cannot reach.

Seasonal Fishing

Early Spring (March–April): Great BWO hatches

Late Spring–Early Summer (May–June): Main hatches, excellent dry fly fishing

Summer (July–August): Best fishing in highlands, backcountry options, variety

Autumn (September–October): Stable weather, productive nymphing

Late Autumn (November): Prolific days on nymphs and streamers

Target Species

Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)

Predominant and native species.

● Size: Trophy specimens throughout system
● Season: March 1–November 30
● Techniques: Dry flies, nymphs, streamers
● Habitat: All water types
● Notes: Wild, healthy populations in pristine European waters

Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Trophy specimens in select rivers.

● Season: March 1–November 30
● Techniques: Dry flies, nymphs, streamers
● Notes: Strong fighters in tailwaters and freestones

Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)

In remote creeks and lakes.

● Season: March 1–November 30
● Habitat: High-elevation waters
● Notes: Beautiful fish in spectacular alpine settings

European Barbel (Iberian Barbel)

Great fighters, also known as "golden bones."

● Season: Available in select waters
● Techniques: Sight fishing, nymphing
● Notes: Adds exciting variety to mixed-species days

Salvelinus Lodges

Two strategically located Orvis-endorsed lodges in ancient Pyrenees villages help you get most out of your stay. Exceptional hospitality, cultural heritage, excellent food and wine, complete range of experiences for travel companions.

Santa Cilia Lodge (Western Pyrenees)

15th-century palace transformed into cozy fly fishing lodge on banks of Aragón River in ancient village of Santa Cilia along Way of St. James.

History: Since its beginning, served as meeting point for merchants, pilgrims, San Juan de la Peña monks, winemakers, all who followed Pyrenees waters to Mediterranean Sea

Accommodations:

● Five rooms total
● Two suites
● Two bedrooms (twin or double beds)
● Country-style with Aragón River views
● Private outdoor terrace access for all rooms
● Indoor lounge in palace's 15th-century wine fermentation room

Amenities:

● Bar lounge (old winepress building used by monks 500 years ago)
● Terrace by river
● Wader room
● Fly shop
● Massage room
● Dining room (converted from old stable)

Arén Lodge (Eastern Pyrenees)

10th-century medieval village within natural boundary. Area remained untouched until 20th century, accessible through Sopeira gorge.

Accommodations:

● 30-guest capacity
● 4 suites
● 2 apartments
● 8 bedrooms (double beds)
● Six restored bedrooms on first and second floors
● Fully furnished, comfortable
● Not traditional fishing lodge—intimate traditional hotel nested in village

Amenities:

● Spa and wellness center (ground floor)
● Massage room
● Sauna
● Jacuzzi
● Gym
● Heated wader room
● In-house fly shop
● 300-year-old private restaurant

Bajo La Piedra Fly Fishing Lodge

Opened 2024, brand new 4-room lodge exclusively operated by Salvelinus. Anglers can overnight in satellite "camps" adding to Spanish experience while fishing isolated waters.

Dining

Award-winning traditional Pyrenees cuisine prepared by recognized local chefs. Exquisite wines from Spain's best DO (Denominación de Origen) selected by expert sommeliers.

Arén: Family-owned restaurant operating since 1715 (Juan Antonio and family). Menu features local, organic ingredients—deliciously authentic. Private wine cellar gatherings nightly.

Santa Cilia: Comprehensive selection of Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine elaborated with local produce in rustic stone building (part of 15th-century palace).

All meals, tapas, tasting menus included. All drinks, wine, beer, spirits included.

Non-Angling Activities

● Cultural tours of ancient villages and medieval architecture
● National park exploration
● UNESCO site visits
● Wine tours and tastings
● Light hiking and kayaking
● Wellness and spa treatments
● Food tours featuring Spanish culinary tradition
● Sightseeing in Barcelona before/after

Perfect for mixed groups—anglers and non-anglers both fully accommodated.

Travel to Salvelinus

International Airport

Barcelona International Airport – El Prat (BCN)

Ground Transfer

Lodge chauffeur meets you at Barcelona Airport and provides transfer in luxurious Mercedes vans and Class E vehicles.

● To Arén Lodge: 3-hour drive
● To Santa Cilia Lodge: 3.5-hour drive

Arrival Recommendation

Arrive in Barcelona night before lodge stay begins. This allows time to recover from jet lag and offers incredible opportunity to sightsee and explore historic city.

Departure

Transport back to Barcelona departs lodge at 9:30 AM. Expect arrival in Barcelona early afternoon. No return flights should be booked until evening at earliest.

Barcelona Stopover

Consider spending days in Barcelona—cosmopolitan city with rich history, world-class architecture (Gaudí), museums, dining, Mediterranean culture. Perfect complement to Pyrenees fishing adventure.

Sample Itinerary (6 Nights / 5 Days Fishing)

Day 1 – Arrival

● Arrive Barcelona Airport
● Meet Salvelinus chauffeur
● Transfer to lodge (3-3.5 hours through scenic Pyrenees)
● Settle into historic accommodation
● Welcome appetizer and briefing
● Dinner featuring traditional Pyrenees cuisine with Spanish wines
● Trip orientation

Days 2-6 – Fishing Days

● Breakfast at lodge
● Depart with guide (two anglers per guide)
● Full day fishing diverse Pyrenees waters
● Water selection based on conditions and preferences
● Options: alpine meadow spring creeks, verdant valley freestones, tailwaters, remote streams, glacial lakes
● Lunch by river or at lodge
● Continue fishing prime sections
● Return to lodge
● Spa/massage available
● Appetizers and wine tasting
● Multi-course dinner with carefully selected Spanish wines
● Evening in historic lodge setting

Optional Helicopter Fly-Out Day (May–October):

● Helicopter flight to remote, unspoiled waters
● Fish where others cannot reach
● Full day in pristine alpine wilderness
● $1,200 per round trip

Day 7 – Departure

● Breakfast at lodge
● Depart lodge 9:30 AM
● Transfer to Barcelona (arrive early afternoon)
● Evening departure flights

Pyrenees Trout Tour (8-12 Nights)

Extended itineraries combining both Santa Cilia and Arén lodges:

● 8 nights / 7 fishing days: $10,900
● 10 nights / 9 fishing days: $13,600
● 12 nights / 11 fishing days: Custom pricing

Experience full diversity of Pyrenees fishing from both lodge locations.

Custom Trips

2-4 nights, 3 guided days from $4,495 per person. Fully customizable to your preferences.

Package Rates

Classic Salvelinus Fly Fishing:

● 6 Nights / 5 Days Fishing: $7,950 per person (shared room & shared guide)

Pyrenees Trout & Adventure Tour:

● 8 Nights / 7 Days: $10,900 per person
● 10 Nights / 9 Days: $13,600 per person
(Shared room & shared guide)

Custom Trips:

● 2-4 Nights / 3 Days: From $4,495 per person

Season Dates: March 1–November 30, 2025

Contact Front Range Anglers for specific dates and availability.

What's Included:

● Lodging at Salvelinus lodge(s)
● All guided fly fishing (two anglers per guide)
● Ground transfers including from/to Barcelona Airport
● All meals, tapas, and tasting menus
● All drinks, wine, beer, and spirits
● Daily fishing licenses and permits
● Fly fishing gear needed and flies (Salvelinus provides all waders, boots, premium rods & reels, necessary flies, terminal tackle)
● Laundry service
● Spa access (at Arén)
● Cultural, sightseeing, wellness, adventure, food & wine tours (Multi Activity program—no extra cost)

Not Included:

● International flights to Barcelona
● Accommodations in Barcelona before/after
● Helicopter fly-outs ($1,200 per round trip, May–October)
● Gratuities for guides and staff
● Travel and medical evacuation insurance (highly recommended)

Additional Fees:

● Conservation Fee: $545 per guest (destined to Anglers Pyrenees Ecology Association)
● Children Under 16: 50% off

Deposit & Payment:

All services pre-paid on booking confirmation (payments not accepted at lodge).

● 50% deposit
● Total balance due 60 days prior to arrival

Cancellation Policy:

● 90+ days before arrival: 100% of sum paid can be used as future deposit
● 90-45 days: 50% can be used as future deposit
● Less than 45 days: 20% can be used as future deposit

Risk-Free Reservation Guarantee:

If trip cancelled due to pandemic restrictions, 100% of sum paid will be used as deposit for future Salvelinus trips in Spain.

Travel Insurance:

Front Range Anglers strongly recommends Medical Evacuation Insurance (we recommend Global Rescue) and HIGHLY recommends Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance.

For insurance questions, contact: Kim D'Amico – kdamico@globalrescue.com – 617.459.4200

Connect with Our Spain Experts

Ready to learn more about fishing the Spanish Pyrenees with Salvelinus? Our Adventure Travel team can answer all your questions.

Rob Kolanda – Adventure Travel Manager

Rob is a Front Range Anglers guide, Sage Elite Pro, and can provide insights on European trout fishing techniques, fly selection, and preparation for Pyrenees waters.

John Brown – Adventure Travel Coordinator

John handles international travel logistics and coordination with Salvelinus, ensuring every detail is handled seamlessly from booking to departure.

What We Can Help With:

● Pyrenees fishing techniques (dry flies, nymphs, streamers)
● Gear recommendations (3-7 weight rods typical)
● Fly selection for Spanish trout and barbel
● International travel coordination to Barcelona
● Choosing between Santa Cilia and Arén lodges
● Pyrenees Trout Tour itinerary planning
● What to expect at historic Salvelinus lodges
● Helicopter fly-out options
● Non-angling activities for travel companions
● Barcelona pre/post-trip planning
● Seasonal considerations and timing
● Pairing you with compatible trip partners

Contact Us:

Email: rob@frontrangeanglers.com
Phone: 877-935-2975
Visit: 2344 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302

Stop by our Boulder fly shop to see European trout gear, test cast rods, and talk with our team about Salvelinus.

What to Bring to Salvelinus

Important Note: Salvelinus provides ALL waders, boots, premium rods & reels, necessary flies, and terminal tackle. You may bring your own gear but it's not required.

Optional Personal Fishing Gear

If Bringing Your Own:

● 3-7 weight rods (typical range for Pyrenees)
● High-quality reels
● Floating lines
● Leaders and tippet (4X-6X)

Flies (if supplementing provided selection):

Dry Flies:
● BWOs (March–April)
● Caddis patterns
● Mayflies
● Terrestrials (summer)
● Attractor patterns

Nymphs:
● Pheasant Tails, Hare's Ears
● Stonefly nymphs
● Caddis pupae

Streamers:
● Woolly Buggers
● Baitfish patterns
● For trophy browns

Clothing for Pyrenees Weather

March–November Season:

Weather varies by elevation and season.

Layers:

● Long-sleeve fishing shirts
● Fleece or light insulated jacket
● Rain jacket (essential)
● Quick-dry pants
● Warm socks
● Base layers for spring/fall

Sun Protection:

● Wide-brim hat or cap
● Buff or neck gaiter
● Polarized sunglasses
● Sunglasses retainer
● Sunscreen SPF 30+
● Lip balm with SPF

Evening/Casual:

● Comfortable clothing for dinners at historic lodges
● Light jacket for cool evenings

Personal Items

Documents:

● Valid passport
● Credit card
● Cash (Euros) for incidentals

Other Essentials:

● Personal medications
● Basic first aid
● Toiletries (quality soaps/shampoos provided)
● Camera for spectacular scenery
● Binoculars for wildlife viewing

Optional:

● Hiking shoes for cultural tours
● Book or tablet
● Swimsuit for spa (Arén Lodge)

Gear Consultation

Front Range Anglers can outfit you with European trout gear if you prefer to bring your own. Visit our Boulder shop or contact our team for personalized recommendations.