Fly fishing?

[alaska-itchyfeet]

I'd love to fish along the Camino Frances. Is it worth packing the gear (lightweight)? Will I have time? Any tips as to best places & which flies to bring?

 

[miguel_gp]

I'm not able to answer your question but there is mention of a good trout stream and information about licences in this thread

 

[alaska-itchyfeet]

I'm not able to answer your question but there is mention of a good trout stream and information about licences in this thread

Thanks for the link, Miguel.

 

[bryans]

Last year there were men fly fishing in the river at Zubiri. This was in mid May.

 

[fostersail1]

I've had the same thought myself, there appears to be a number of beautiful trout streams along The Way. Some of the pilgrims meals often offer fresh fried trout and what a great addition to a meal cooked in the albergue. Make sure you get plenty, you'll need to share.

 

[SYates]

You have to bear in mind that these streams (including the trouts in them) belong to somebody, so you will need, most likely, some kind of permit. You will need time and Spanish to figure out how to get it ;-) Honestly, I do like to fish myself, but I would never take that kind of gear on the Camino. Every gram counts and every gram too much will only burden you. So my opinion would be - No, not worth it, SY

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I would say that the majority of the streams/rivers were posted No Fishing. A few spots were posted as open to fishing. I got a haircut in Zaragoza from a fishing enthusiast. He said the fishing was great in Spain, but all his good places were away from the caminos.

 

[scruffy1]

You do need a permit by province, not cheap as a foreigner and fines are stiff if caught without or worse fostersail if over the limit or undersized you will get nailed for each one!

 

[newfydog]

We ate lunch by a classic Hemmingway trout stream outside of Roncevalles. There were all sorts of signs about the protected trout, and a band of Gypsies had set up camp and were netting them out.

 

[alaska-itchyfeet]

Thanks for all the input. I still have a few weeks to decide. My 3wt rod & reel together weigh 1/2 pound---not bad. Will I feel worse walking along beautiful streams without being able to fish, or carrying extra gear? Right now I'm leaning toward fishing, which, for me, is a spiritual experience in its own way.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Oh, it is catch and release on many of the streams open to fishing! Don't take a frying pan.

 

[oursonpolaire]

I must admit that, in five Caminos, I have never seen a pilgrim fishing, but here is a link (http://madrid.angloinfo.com/information/lifestyle/sports-and-leisure/fishing/) which can provide information on licences. I know that hunting is closely regulated in Spain and I imagine that fishing is as well. My best memory of fishing in Spain was when I was on the Vadiniense and stopped in Las Salas for the night. After a discussion with the innkeeper on what might be available for dinner that night, he sent his son out to the stream to get my supper for me. I had my breakfast orange the next day on the porch of Franco's troutfishing cottage (now rentable from the council).

 

[alaska-itchyfeet]

Wow, that's a great story and very useful link. Thank you, Oursonpolaire. Sounds like you might be from the top of the world, too?