Fishing in Valencian Community

Stretching along Spain’s southeastern Mediterranean coast, the Valencian Community (Spanish: Comunitat Valenciana) includes the provinces of Castellón, Valencia, and Alicante. Famed for its beaches, paella, and vibrant festivals, this diverse region also offers excellent saltwater and freshwater fishing in a warm, sunny climate nearly all year round. The Mediterranean coastline features sandy beaches, rocky points, and deep offshore canyons, while inland, a network of rivers, reservoirs, and irrigation channels provides ample freshwater opportunities. Major cities like Valencia and Alicante offer quick access to modern marinas and charter services, while smaller coastal towns maintain strong local fishing traditions. Whether you're a shore angler, offshore adventurer, or lake-side carper, the Valencian Community welcomes all anglers with its natural variety and hospitality.

Fishing opportunities in Valencia include offshore big game, inshore reef and shore fishing, estuarine angling, and freshwater fishing in inland reservoirs. Along the Mediterranean coast, offshore trips from ports like Dénia, Valencia, and Castellón de la Plana target bluefin tuna, swordfish, albacore, and mahi-mahi in summer and early autumn. Inshore, the coast is dotted with rocky breakwaters, sandy coves, and piers perfect for spinning, float fishing, and light bottom fishing. The Albufera Natural Park near Valencia is a unique estuarine ecosystem where anglers can target mullet, sea bass, and eels. Inland, reservoirs such as Embalse de Cortes, Bellús, and Amadorio offer productive freshwater fishing for carp, bass, catfish, and barbel. Further inland, in the mountains of the Iberian System, you will find backcountry trips after rainbow and brown trout.

In saltwater, the biggest prize is the bluefin tuna, caught offshore from June through September, often close to shore thanks to the deep underwater drop-offs. Other pelagics include albacore, bonito, mahi-mahi, and occasionally swordfish. Inshore, anglers target sea bass, gilthead sea bream, dentex, amberjack, mackerel, and barracuda around reefs and breakwaters. Surfcasters can expect flatfish, mullet, eels, and white seabream, especially during the cooler months. Freshwater options include common carp, often weighing over 10 kg, in the region’s larger reservoirs and irrigation canals. Largemouth bass, barbel, and zander are also widely distributed and responsive to a range of tactics. These waters, though less famous than Spain’s Ebro, offer peaceful surroundings and consistent action for both serious and casual anglers. Many rivers of the region can also boast wild brown and rainbow trout populations.

Saltwater fishing techniques range from trolling and live bait drifting for tuna and dorado offshore, to bottom fishing, jigging, and spinning near rocky coastlines for reef species. Shore fishing is extremely popular, with surfcasting using natural bait like sardines, cuttlefish, or shrimp bringing in sea bream and mullet. Rock fishing with lures is ideal for sea bass and small predators during early morning and late evening tides. In freshwater, carp anglers rely on boilies, method feeders, and hair rigs, often fishing multi-day sessions with baited areas. Bass fishing is best in spring and fall using soft plastics, crankbaits, and topwater lures, especially around submerged structures. Flyfishing is the way to go for rainbow trout, and even the barbel will take the fly occasionally, although most local anglers put their bets on spinning gear. Local guides help optimize methods and location, particularly when targeting elusive or seasonally-sensitive species.