Fly Fishing on the Leizarán and Araxe Rivers
Basque Country: Selective Trout and Exciting Challenges
The Basque Country is home to one of Spain’s most sought-after winter fly fishing destinations. The abundance of trout, their impressive size, and the technical challenge they present make the Leizarán and Araxe Rivers the perfect choice for anglers looking for a truly rewarding experience.
*Dates subject to availability and fishing conditions.
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TFC Staff Guides
2 fully guided fishing days (8 hours per day).
If you’re looking for a truly unique fly fishing experience, the Leizarán and Araxe Rivers in the Basque Country offer the perfect opportunity to put your skills to the test. This destination is ideal for anglers seeking a genuine technical challenge.
The combination of large numbers of trout, impressive fish sizes, and highly selective feeding behaviour makes these rivers a fascinating place to fish.
Surrounded by spectacular natural scenery, the Leizarán and Araxe provide unforgettable days on the water, combining breathtaking landscapes with exceptional trout fishing.
Discover Fly Fishing on the Leizarán and Araxe,
Two Iconic Rivers of the Basque Country
Nestled in the heart of the Basque Country, the Leizarán and Araxe Rivers are renowned for their crystal-clear waters and pristine natural surroundings. Both rivers, tributaries of the Oria River, flow through unspoiled valleys surrounded by lush forests.
This destination is particularly popular during the winter months, when fishing becomes especially rewarding thanks to both the number and size of the trout inhabiting these waters. The catch-and-release sections are perfect for anglers looking to target large, selective trout. Rainbow trout and brown trout can both be found here, with rainbow trout generally being more active, while brown trout tend to be more cautious and elusive.
Fishing Methods & Techniques
Fly Fishing on the Leizarán and Araxe: Crystal-Clear Rivers and Selective Trout
The Leizarán and Araxe Rivers offer ideal conditions for fly fishing thanks to their exceptionally clean, clear waters. Measuring between 6 and 9 metres wide, these rivers are home to trout that demand careful, highly technical fishing.
Success here requires patience, precision and refined presentation skills, as the trout are extremely wary and feeding activity is often limited during the coldest hours of the day.
Recommended Equipment
For Fishing the Leizarán and Araxe Rivers
Recommended equipment for this destination
- Flies
- Streamers
- Artificial nymphs
- Euro nymphing rods: 10 ft – 10 ft 6 in, #2–#3 weight.
- Dry fly rods: 9 ft, #3–#4 weight.
- Streamer rods: 9 ft, #5 weight.
- Tippets: 0.10 mm – 0.12 mm.
- Nymphs: Small, non-flashy tungsten nymphs (#18) and hair nymphs.
- Rainbow: San Juan Worm patterns, egg patterns and blobs.
- Streamers: White streamers and Woolly Buggers.
- Dry fly fishing: Rhodani mayfly patterns and dark olive mayfly patterns.
Essential Fishing Accessories
To make the most of your fishing trip in the Basque Country, suitable clothing is essential. Warm layered clothing and a quality waterproof jacket are highly recommended, as winter weather can change quickly. Polarised sunglasses are another must-have, protecting your eyes from glare while allowing you to spot fish more easily beneath the surface. A vacuum flask such as a YETI or similar is also highly recommended for keeping coffee, tea or other hot drinks warm throughout the colder fishing days.
Recommended Experience Level
This destination is best suited to intermediate and advanced fly anglers due to the selective nature of the trout and the need for delicate, accurate fly presentations. Previous fly fishing experience is strongly recommended to get the most from this trip.
Trout of the Leizarán and Araxe
Large Rainbow and Brown Trout
The Leizarán and Araxe Rivers hold healthy populations of both rainbow trout and brown trout, many of impressive size. Rainbow trout tend to be more active, particularly on sunny days, while the more selective brown trout often feed during calm, bright conditions. Average fish frequently exceed 40 cm, and trout over 60 cm are caught regularly.
Brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are two of the most sought-after species for fly anglers in the Basque Country.
The native European brown trout is renowned for its cautious behaviour and distinctive golden colouring with dark spots, while the introduced rainbow trout has adapted perfectly to these waters and is famous for its powerful fights and spectacular jumps.
Both species thrive in these cold, well-oxygenated rivers, providing exciting and memorable fishing throughout the season.
Selective Trout That Challenge Experienced Anglers
Fishing the Leizarán and Araxe Rivers is a rewarding challenge for anglers looking to test their skills. Catch-and-release regulations and the cautious behaviour of these large trout make every capture especially satisfying. To succeed, you’ll need quality equipment, precise presentations and refined fly fishing techniques.
Delicate Presentations for Wary Trout
The trout in these rivers are extremely selective, making accurate presentations essential. Large rainbow trout in particular are exceptionally cautious, requiring flies to be presented with great care and precision. Using fine tippets together with controlled casting techniques is essential to avoid spooking fish.
Accommodation in Urnieta
Comfort and Traditional Basque Cuisine
For your stay, we carefully select accommodation located close to the fishing areas. Our chosen hotels provide a comfortable and relaxing base where you can unwind after a full day on the river.
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Included Amenities and Services
The hotel offers comfortable rooms with 1.05 × 2.00 m single beds, air conditioning, heating, minibar, private bathroom, hairdryer, complimentary toiletries, wardrobe and safe. Each room also includes a 30-inch flat-screen TV and free internet access via both Wi-Fi and wired connection.
Local Cuisine and Dining Experience
Basque cuisine is one of the highlights of this destination. During your stay, you’ll enjoy dinners featuring regional specialities such as bacalao a la vizcaína (Basque-style cod) and traditional txuletón (Basque bone-in rib steak), accompanied by excellent local cider. Lunch is served riverside as a picnic, allowing you to maximise your fishing time.
Trip Itinerary
The itinerary has been carefully designed to help you make the most of your fly fishing experience on the Leizarán and Araxe Rivers.
Day 1 | Arrival in Urnieta & Welcome Dinner
Upon arrival at the hotel, you’ll check in before enjoying a welcome dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax and meet the rest of the group.
- Check-in at the hotel.
- Welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Day 2 | Guided Fly Fishing on the Leizarán & Araxe Rivers
Your local expert guides will take you to the finest fishing stretches on the Leizarán and Araxe Rivers. Throughout the day, you’ll have the opportunity to refine your techniques while benefiting from their extensive local knowledge.
- Full breakfast.
- Distribution of fishing permits and equipment check.
- Transfer to the fishing areas.
- Full-day guided fishing.
- Riverside picnic lunch.
- Transfer back to the accommodation.
- Dinner at a traditional Basque cider house.
Day 3 | Farewell & Departure
Enjoy one final day on the river before returning home.
- Full breakfast.
- Transfer to the fishing areas.
- Full-day guided fishing.
- Riverside picnic lunch.
- Return home after the fishing session.
Trip Details and Booking
Here you’ll find everything you need to know to plan your fishing trip to the Leizarán and Araxe Rivers.
What’s Included?
- 3 nights in a single room at the hotel.
- 2 fully guided fishing days.
- Breakfast, riverside picnic lunches and dinners featuring local Basque cuisine.
- Fishing permits for the Leizarán and Araxe catch-and-release sections.
- Travel insurance.
- A selection of flies for the destination.
What’s Not Included?
- Travel to and from the destination, including road transfers.
- Beer, wine and other alcoholic drinks.
- Fishing tackle, accessories and additional flies.
- Tips and personal expenses.
At Fly Fishing Experiences, we have everything in place for you to enjoy fishing in a variety of destinations, both in Spain and abroad.
We organise your trip around your preferred dates. Simply let us know when you’d like to travel and how many people will be joining you, and we’ll take care of everything so you can focus on the fishing.
Use our enquiry form to request all the information you need for your personalised trip.
NOTE: Every trip begins well before the day you depart. We hold pre-trip technical briefings covering the equipment, flies and fishing techniques we’ll be using. We also organise fly-tying sessions to prepare the flies for your trip, as well as a casting session to practise and refine the casting techniques you’ll use at your destination.
We think of every detail to help make your fishing trip a success.
Expert Guides
Your Perfect Companion on the Leizarán and Araxe Rivers
Local Guide | The FlyCenter Madrid Staff
Our local guides have spent years fishing these rivers and will share invaluable knowledge, techniques and local insight to help you enjoy a more successful and rewarding experience.
PRE-ARRANGED PACKAGE
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Book Your Experience Now
Ready for a unique fly fishing experience?
To book your trip, simply complete our enquiry form and we’ll provide you with all the information you need to enjoy a tailor-made fly fishing experience.