16 days exploring the Pyrenees from East to West + Barcelona
From the Mediterranean coast to the heart of Spain’s high country, this 16-day expedition crosses the Pyrenees from east to west, blending world-class fly fishing with authentic Spanish culture and language immersion. After arriving in Barcelona, we’ll head north into the mountains to fish pristine alpine rivers, spring-fed streams, and remote high-country lakes accessible through our exclusive local permits.
The Spanish Pyrenees are one of Europe’s most underrated fly-fishing regions and were a favorite of Ernest Hemingway, who immortalized their beauty in The Sun Also Rises. Anglers will target the endemic and highly prized wild zebra trout, along with barbel, brown trout, and brook trout — all amid dramatic, snow-capped mountain scenery and crystal-clear water. Midway through the expedition, we’ll shift gears for a day pursuing Wels catfish, one of the world’s largest freshwater predators, capable of exceeding eight feet in length.
Along the way, we’ll explore centuries-old mountain villages, enjoy famous regional home-cooked cuisine, and practice conversational Spanish in historical settings that capture the spirit of old-world Europe. Accommodations include a mix of 4-star hotels, mountain refuges, and historic lodges, each chosen for comfort, authenticity, and proximity to the water.
We’ll conclude the journey with a final few days back in Barcelona, spending time on the beach, taking part in a paella cooking class, and experiencing the seaside Catalan Mediterranean culture that makes the city so unforgettable.
Every day offers a new adventure — untouched alpine landscapes, wild trout, and cultural experiences few travelers ever encounter. This once-in-a-lifetime expedition is perfect for anglers who want to combine incredible fishing with genuine exploration and the unforgettable rhythm of life in Spain’s high country.
Upcoming Trips
| Dates | Cost | Arrive/Depart Location |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 12 - Jun 27, 2027 | $6800 |
Barcelona, Spain |
- Ages
-
Entering 9th GradeEntering 10th GradeEntering 11th GradeEntering 12th Grade
- Community Service
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3 Hours
- What to Bring
-
We have put together a list of all that you will need for a successful and comfortable expedition. We offer a rental program for most of the big ticket items like fly rods, reels, sleeping bags, etc.. If you are already enrolled, you can rent gear by logging into your account at: https://lillard.campintouch.com/v2/login/login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f and navigating to Forms & Documents —> Rental Options.
Highlights
- Fly fishing in exclusive, remote areas with high populations of trout and brook trout, 100% dry fly
- Fish for Europe’s most ancestral trout, the zebra trout, a brown trout variety that survived the last glaciation
- Special day targeting catfish, one of the largest freshwater species in the world which can exceed 8' in length
- Experience the culture and lifestyle of hidden Spain
- Alternating adventure in shepherd cabins and mountain refuges with comfort in 4-star hotels
Arrival in Barcelona and transfer to the Pyrenees base camp
Day 1
Welcome to Spain! Upon arrival at Barcelona Airport, we will transfer to Hotel Cases, in La Guingueta d’Àneu, next to Alt Pirineu Natural Park. After checking in and getting to know each other, we will have dinner and prepare everything for our first day of fishing.
Acclimatization and zebra trout fishing in mountain rivers
Day 2
A relaxed day of fishing in a mountain river near Aigüestortes National Park, targeting zebra, brown and common trout with dry flies. This will be a good opportunity to adjust to the time difference and recover from jet lag. We will finish the day with a game of football.
Brook trout fishing in exclusive and restricted-access lakes and rivers in Alt Pirineu Natural Park
Day 3-4
Two days exploring alpine lakes and high-mountain rivers with exclusive and restricted access, fishing for brook trout. During our hikes, we may see chamois, golden eagles and even brown bears. Overnight at Hotel Cases.
Lake fishing, change of base and cheese-making experience
Day 5
We will fish for large brown and zebra trout in a mountain lake. In the afternoon, we will transfer to Barruera and visit a local cheese farm, including a cheese tasting and an experience involving milking and cheese production. Overnight at Hostal Noray.
Trout stocking in the river next to the hostel
Day 6
We will meet with the local forest rangers and fishing club to stock the stretch of river in front of the hostel with medium and large trout. We will then fish there, targeting both wild and stocked trout. We will finish the day with a game of football.
Trout conservation and a day of fishing
Day 7
We will visit a wildlife recovery center and a fish farm to learn about the conservation of native trout. Afterwards, we will fish for large barbel with dry flies and have time to swim in the river or in the village swimming pool. Overnight at Hostal Noray.
Cultural and gastronomic tour
Day 8
We will explore Aínsa and Alquézar, two of the most beautiful villages in Spain and the Pyrenees, accompanied by a young and fun local cultural guide. We will visit different places, enjoy some tapas and take part in various activities throughout the day. Before reaching Bujaruelo Refuge, we will have dinner at a spectacular viewpoint, enjoying wood-fired pizza. Overnight at Bujaruelo Refuge.
Zebra trout fishing near Ordesa National Park
Day 9
We will spend the entire day fishing the Ara River near Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, in restricted-access areas where we have special permits for our vehicles. We will target wild zebra trout in a spectacular mountain environment. Overnight at Bujaruelo Refuge.
Fishing near Ordesa National Park and transfer to Jaca
Day 10
We will continue fishing the Ara River throughout the day, in restricted-access areas where we have special permits for our vehicles. At the end of the day, we will transfer to Jaca, where we will stay at Apartahotel & Spa Jacetania.
Black bass, flamenco music and the Jaca festivities
Day 11
We will fish for black bass in a small private lake with a high density of fish and exclusive access for our group. In the afternoon, we will enjoy a private gathering with a local flamenco music group who will come especially to perform for us. Music, dancing and fun. In the evening, we will go out to enjoy the atmosphere, fairgrounds and music during Jaca’s local festivities.
Relaxing day and transfer to Rueda Monastery
Day 12
We will enjoy the hotel swimming pool in the morning before transferring to the historic Hospedería Monasterio de Rueda, near the Ebro River. On the way, we will stop in Zaragoza to visit its new shopping center, one of the largest in Europe, where participants can do some shopping or look for gifts. A more relaxed day before continuing the adventure.
The giants of the Ebro River
Day 13
A full day of guided spin fishing on the Ebro River, targeting some of the largest freshwater fish in Europe. Lunch by the river and dinner at the monastery accommodation.
Culture and gastronomy in Barcelona
Day 14-15
We will enjoy Barcelona, combining culture, gastronomy and time at the beach. We will take part in a paella-making workshop, visit the Sagrada Família, swim in the sea, visit a fishing tackle shop and enjoy a tapas dinner. Two days to explore and experience the culture and gastronomy of Barcelona.
Departure Day
Day 16
Breakfast and a final briefing before heading to Barcelona Airport for our return flights.
Travel Info
Please book flights for your child that arrive at Barcelona Airport (BCN) on June 12 between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm local time. The flight to Spain will most likely be a redeye, departing the U.S. the evening before and arriving the following day. Jack and Adrian, our Spanish trip leader, will be at the Barcelona airport to meet all participants upon arrival. For the return trip, please book a flight departing from Barcelona (BCN) on June 27; departures may be scheduled for any time that day.
Is prior fly fishing experience required to participate in the expeditions?
Some prior experience in fly fishing and the ability to cast at medium distances are recommended for this expedition.
How do we guarantee personalized attention and safety on our fly fishing
expeditions?
Our expeditions stand out for offering personalized attention, with a ratio of 3 clients
per fly fishing guide and transportation in exclusive vehicles. This ensures that each
participant receives the support needed to improve their fly fishing skills in a safe
environment.
What types of accommodations will the participants be staying in?
We will stay in six different places:
- Hotel Cases — https://www.hotelcases.com/
- Hostal Noray — https://www.norayestances.com/es/hotels/barruera/hostal-noray
- Bujaruelo Refuge — https://www.refugiodebujaruelo.com/
- Apartahotel & Spa Jacetania — https://ahjacetania.es/
- Hospedería del Monasterio de Rueda — https://realmonasterioderueda.es/la-hospederia/
- Hostal Itaca in Barcelona — https://itacahostel.com/
Are there any additional costs beyond the price listed on the website?
The following are not included in the program fee: travel and cancellation insurance,
fishing equipment (available for rent), and personal expenses such as gifts or any
purchases outside the scheduled program, especially during the stay in Barcelona.
Do you offer rental fishing equipment?
Yes, we offer rental services for waders, boots, rods, and reels.
What types of flies should I use for fishing?
We will send you a PDF with recommendations for dry flies, nymphs, and streamers
suitable for this expedition. Additionally, we will prepare a selection of flies for you to
use alongside your own flies during the trip.
Can the expedition route change?
Yes. Each year, river conditions and flow rates may vary, so this itinerary represents the
standard plan we will follow under normal conditions. The route may be modified if
necessary, always aiming to guarantee the best fly fishing experience and provide top-
quality service for our participants.
What is required to travel to Spain?
A valid passport with a visa (if required) is necessary for the duration of the stay
in the European Union.
Participants must also have travel health insurance covering any illness that may
occur during the expedition.
Accident and liability insurance is included only for the guided river fishing
activity, regardless of whether participants are from the EU or not.
- Brown Trout
- Zebra Trout
- Brook Trout
- Barbel
- Catfish: up to 8' feet in length!
