Salvelinus

The spectacularly beautiful and rugged Pyrenees Range forms the natural border between northeastern Spain and France. They span 270 miles and flowing out of them, into the seldom traveled hill country of Spain, are 14 major river valleys and 60 remarkable wild trout rivers. Scattered throughout this sparsely populated region are quaint picture-perfect villages, wineries, castles, and cultural sites dating back thousands of years. This the home of Salvelinus, a remarkable fly fishing outfitter with two lodges, an incredible fishing program and polished staff of tour guides for travel companions who want to experience all that this remarkable region has to offer. With so much to offer, it is no wonder that a major percentage of Salvelinus's guest are couples looking to fish as well as take advantage of the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Salvelinus's fishing program stands up against many of the world's premier fisheries. They have access to a vast array of mountain lakes and streams as well as countless mid-elevation and lowland rivers. As one might expect, the higher elevation rivers and lakes offer higher catch rates for smaller fish in dramatic alpine settings. The surprise of the region is the mid-elevation and lowland rivers. These are often tailwaters that hold their flow throughout the season and produce some truly remarkable fishing for large rainbows and browns. The other surprise for the uninitiated is Spain's barble fishery. Barbel are a remarkable European sportfish often referred to as freshwater bonefish due to their tenacity and fight once hooked. They are by no means easy to catch, but when conditions are right, they readily feed on surface flies. In these waters, they average two to four pounds but trophy barble over 10 pounds are not uncommon.

Unlike most lodges, Salvelinus operates out of two different locations to take advantage of the region's seasons. In June and July, guests will base out of Santa Cila Lodge in the western Pyrenees and focus their angling in the scenic high country of the Pyrenees as well as some of the mid-country rivers. In the second prime season of September and October, guests will base out of Aren Lodge in the eastern Pyrenees focusing their fishing on the mid-elevation streams and lowland trophy tailwaters. Both lodges are based out of small villages and offer comfortable accommodations paired with exceptional meals and wines.

All in all, Salvelinus and the Spanish Pyrenees is a true gem that few have had the pleasure of experiencing. With a wide range of scenic, unpressured waters, skilled guides, a chance at trophy wild trout and one of the most thoughtfully constructed programs for travel companions, Salvelinus is a must-see destination for couples and serious anglers alike.

2024 Rate: Per person based on double occupancy

• 6 night/5 day package: $7,750
• 8 night/7 day Pyrenees Trout Tour (combo lodges): $10,900
• 10 night/9 day Pyrenees Trout Tour (combo lodges): $13,600

Included: Accommodations, meals and beverages including alcohol per itinerary, transport to and from Barcelona International Airport, all guided fishing two anglers per guide, all guided activities, fishing licenses and club water permits, tourist tax, rental of all gear, instruction if necessary, full spa access and massage service, laundry service

Not Included: International airfare and airport taxes, gratuities

Species: rainbow trout, brown trout, Iberian barbel

Season: Year-round with the best fishing occurring in March-July and September-November.

Capacity: Parties of 2-6 are most popular but larger groups can be accommodated.

Where are the lodges? The two lodges are in Aren and Santa Cilia, Spain.

How do I get there? Guests will fly to Barcelona International Airport (BCN) where they will be met by a representative of lodge and transferred 2.5 hours to Aren. 

Do I need a Visa? No

When should I go? The season runs March to November. June, July and September are prime time to see both lodges. The Santa Cilia Lodge fishes higher elevation waters and freestone rivers. Prime time at Santa Celia is June and July. The Aren lodge fishes lower elevations and tailwaters. Prime time at the Aren lodge is fall.

Where do they fish? Tailwaters, freestone rivers, high alpine creeks and lakes.

Where do we stay? In two well-appointed, historic, hotel style lodges complete with their own fly shops. The hearth in the Santa Cilia lodge was used by monks to make wine 600 years ago.

Who is best suited to this destination? Anglers of all skill levels and travel companions of varied interests love this program. Passionate anglers that are laid back and well-traveled are often the anglers that return to Spain year after year.  Also folks who like really well run operations with a wide range of fishing options including chances at trophy fish like this program. With a robust travel companion program and great food, Spain is also great for couples.

What is a typical day like?

• Breakfast is served: 8:00
• Departure from the lodge: 9:00
• Morning Fishing Session: 10:00 – 2:00
• Lunch: 2:00 – 3:00
• Afternoon Fishing Session: 3:30 – 6:30
• Lodge: 7:00/7:30 – message, spa, clean up.
• Dinner: 9:00

What are the meals like? World-class, with fresh local ingredients. Amazing Spanish wines are paired with every meal.

How would you describe the general vibe and atmosphere?

• Santa Cilia: Welcoming and laid back
• Aren: Welcoming, comfortable and authentic.

Is there an on-site manager, owner or point person at the lodge? Yes. There are several managers on site for anglers and travel companions.

Is there internet and cell service? Yes both.

How do they fish?

• Early Season March and April: Dry fly
• May: Tailwater fishing using nymphs and dry flies
• June, July, September: Prime time for dry fly fishing and great options for nymphing.
• Late Sept, October, November: Nymphing, dry flies and streamers

How many fish will I catch? It will depend on what the angler wants to do. It is possible to only fish for trophy fish and if that is the case an angler may only catch a few fish per day. A good average would be 10 fish per angler per day with a couple over 20”.

What are the guides like? Experienced, passionate, patient and proud of the fly fishing in Spain. Most guides spend 80-100 days per year guiding.

Will we see other anglers? Very rarely.

Is there wade fishing? Yes. The program is all wade fishing.

How far is it to the fishing grounds? 15 minutes – 1 hour by car.

Does the lodge provide equipment? The lodge can provide equipment. Guests should bring their own waders.

Does the lodge provide flies? Yes. They have a fly shop, but they do not take money. Bring leaders and a box of your favorite flies.

What is your favorite rod(s) for the trip? A fast-action 9-foot, 5-weight. 

What are the top flies? Parachute Adams #14, Royal Wulff #14, Hopper patterns #12, Beatle patterns #10, Blue Winged Olive #18, Flying Ant #18, Minnow patterns #8, Beadhead Pheasant Tail nymph and Blue Winged Olive nymphs.

Are there other activities? Yes. Lots! Salvelinus is an industry leader in travel companion programs. They offer cultural and history sightseeing, food and wine touring, kayaking, hiking, cycling, mountain biking, cooking classes, national park touring, 4×4 touring, ecotourism and spa and wellness therapies to just name a few.

Are there hidden expenses? No. Laundry, spa treatments and massages are included in the packages. There are special upgrades like Michelin star restaurants and helicopter fly outs, but they are not hidden expenses.

What is the cancellation policy?  If a trip is cancelled more than 60 days before your arrival, 100% of the sum paid will be used as a deposit for future Salvelinus trips in Spain. If a trip is cancelled less than 60 days, 50% no refund and the other 50% will be used as a deposit for future trips. If a trip is cancelled less than 45 days, no refund.

Do I Need Trip Insurance? Global Rescue and travel insurance is recommended.

Does this trip combine well with other trips? Yes. It is very easy to travel anywhere in Europe and Northern Africa from Spain.

Are there special skills required? No.

What are the physical demands? It can be as physically demanding as the guest would like. For the most part there are no long hikes and wading can be as difficult or as easy as the guest wants.

Dangers and annoyances? None really. For the helicopter fly outs on remote lakes you will need hiking boots with good ankle support. There are a few poisonous snakes in the high country.

Health Concerns? Not really. Guests have a responsibility to disclose any health concerns to the outfitter before or upon arrival. Differences in temperature can be an issue in the early season. It can be chilly in the mornings and in the evenings. We recommend that guests avoid August if possible, it is hot and Spain is full of tourists.

What am I forgetting?

1. For serious fly anglers this is a place to experience, and you will be back.
2. Culture, Culture, Culture. The hearth of one of the lodges (Santa Cilia) is where the monks of the area were making wine 600 years ago. There are 1000-year-old castles and monasteries in the area to explore while you interact with the people that live and farm in the region. The restaurant in Aren where guests dine has been run by the same family for 280 years.
3. Fall can be very warm and nice. Before November 15th it is not often cold.