Fishing in Andorra

Located in the Pyrenees, the mountain chain that separates France and Spain, Andorra is one of the world’s smallest countries. But this nation, known in the international tourist community mostly as a mountain skiing destination, offers some significant fishing opportunities. From the fast-flowing mountain streams fed by glacial meltwaters to the serene, high-altitude lakes, Andorra provides a unique and rewarding fishing experience. Whether you’re casting a line in the clear waters of the Valira River, exploring the pristine lakes of the Ordino Valley, or fishing the remote streams of the Madriu-Perafita-Claror Valley, Andorra promises an unforgettable angling adventure. Fishing in Andorra is regulated by the Andorran Ministry of Environment, Agriculture, and Sustainability, which ensures sustainable fishing practices and the conservation of fish populations. Anglers must have a valid fishing permit; various types of permits are available, to both Andorra residents and visitors from other countries. Some permits give you the right only for catch-and-release fishing. Different size and possession limits may be in force on various lakes and stretches of rivers. Usually, only trout larger than 20-23 cm can be taken, and in some areas you can only take the introduced brook trout. Fishing from boats and floating devices is prohibited, and only single barbless hook lures may be used. An angler is also obliged to carry a landing net. On the rivers of Andorra, the fishing season opens on March 15 and continues to November 20. On the lakes, it is shorter, and runs from June to September. But no matter when you come to Andorra, you are sure to experience breathtaking mountain views, Pyrenean hospitality, safety and comfort, and of course excellent fishing!

Andorra’s waters can’t boast of such a diversity of species as some other nations. On some rivers and lakes you can find the traditional European fishes such as carp, wels catfish, perch, pike, and chub. But basically, fishing in Andorra is about trout, more trout, and there’s also trout. Yet both the native brown trout and introduced brooks and rainbows come in sufficient quantity and quality to make the anglers forget about anything else.

For many fishing enthusiasts, it’s blasphemy to try and catch trout with any other technique but fly fishing, and scenic trout streams and remote mountain lakes of Andorra offer some of the best fly fishing in the Pyrenees, if not the whole of Europe. For the non-purists, spinning is both exciting and efficient. But beware - the landscapes that fishing in Andorra will take you are so breathtaking that one almost forgets how to cast!