(Post #23) Fly fishing in the Pyrenees!

For many Americans – fly fishing in the Pyrenees is linked to Ernest Hemingway’s writing about his wonderful experiences in Spain. We had hoped to fish here last summer but it was too difficult to figure out the permits- and too hot!

But even Papa H. would have been impressed with our three-day fishing adventure with the Pyrenees Fly Fishing outfitters – and our guide, Adrian.

https://www.pyreneesflyfishing.com/

Punctual, professional and personable – he brought us into the mountains where we fished in pristine streams for zebra and brown trout.

We started out fishing near a beautiful national park – Ordesa-Monte Perdido. Traveling through tiny mountain villages and herds of cattle, we arrived in a beautiful valley filled with wildflowers and snowcapped peaks.

https://www.spain.info/en/nature/ordesa-monte-perdido-national-park/

Of course, as beautiful as we found the surroundings- we were there to fish! With the company’s waders and boots – we headed to the water to find trout!

Of course – there’s always a time when one has to stop fishing and take a break. We’d been told that lunch was provided and we were expecting the usual sandwiches and chips and a bottle of water. We were wrong! Adrian sent us away to fish and said to come back in 10 minutes. We were happily surprised!

Ellen lands a small but feisty zebra trout!

After lunch on the last day of fishing, Adrian asked us if we’d like to try another kind of fish- a native carp like species called, Barbel. We said sure and headed to a different terrain in the open plains outside Biescas on the way to Pamplona. Fishing for Barbel is more like “trout hunting” and Chris was a great hunter. He caught two beautiful fish and Ellen hooked into a few but couldn’t land them. Adrian was all patience and we celebrated Chris’ beautiful catches! And then we headed back to Biescas – happy and tired!

Biescas – a village in the Spanish Pyrenees

Soon, our fly fishing adventure was over and turned our compass toward the western shore of the Iberian Peninsula – Porto Portugal! We had a great time in Biescas!