Spain is certainly one of the most diverse countries in Europe when it comes to fish species. However, certain regions are often the go-to places, including the Pyrenees and Extremadura for trout and predators like pike or bass.
Living in Valencia, Spain, I had to try the lakes in the region without any information, and I can assure you that the fishing there is also very good, especially for black bass...
The fishing spot in a few words.
Just like in almost the entire Spain, the lakes in the Valencian Community are large reservoirs constructed during Franco's regime, with numerous structures that provide an ideal environment for fish, especially black bass.
There isn't really a "best" season because the bass are located near the shore in the submerged micro-forests for a large part of the year.
I've already had the opportunity to try Lake Loriguilla, a fishing spot located an hour from the center of Valencia, Spain. It's a medium-sized lake (for Spanish reservoirs) with 364 hectares, featuring gentle slopes in some areas, which is unusual for reservoirs in the region, as they are often inaccessible from the shore.
Apart from the gentle slopes and fish-friendly structures of the lake, Lake Loriguilla has a third and significant advantage: the clarity of its water. This is something that will truly impact fishing and the associated techniques.
With which fishing techniques ?
For example, I always start my bass fishing sessions with a wacky rig because it's extremely rare not to see fish cruising in shallow water, looking for any creature that has fallen into the water. In such conditions, the wacky rig works really well, and in case of refusal, a micro shad like the Easy Shinner in 2 inches can be even more discreet and can entice 40+ fish.
"However, the most productive fishing method by far is Chatterbait fishing. It's, in my opinion, the perfect lure for the edges of Loriguilla."
Thanks to its blade at the front, the chatterbait slides over the branches and rarely gets stuck. It's also one of the few lures capable of fishing fast and deep enough in the clearings among the submerged trees, where the biggest black bass hide.
Read also: A big 54 cm bass in the midst of the zander euphoria! Story of my fishing trip in Extremadura.
For my part, I use the Booyah Melee Chatterbait in 14g and the Sakura Cajun Chatterbait in 10g when the water levels are low, and there's no need to dive into the branches (to fly over the obstacles).
For enthusiasts of surface fishing, you can also try a very simple setup with a finesse worm and a weightless single hook in a Texas rig.
"I like to animate my finesse worm in a way that makes it sway from side to side with long pauses. This often yields very good results."
The strikes are often very subtle because the lure is light and falls slowly, and the bass inhale it gently.
I like to use very natural and dark colors to create a strong contrast with the often very blue sky in this region of Spain.
Read also: A big 54 cm bass in the midst of the zander euphoria! Story of my fishing trip in Extremadura.
A very promising approach !!
A technique I haven't used much yet (I've recently moved to Valencia) but could be very effective is to use diving jerkbaits like Vison +1 or +2 and fish along steep drop-offs to follow the deep structure.
The animation is quite basic: simple, sharp jerks to create a lot of noise and commotion to bring the bass and pike up from the depths. (Yes, there are also many pike, but they tend to stay farther from the shoreline...)
It's a fishing technique that is already quite popular in Spain, and guides in places like Extremadura often enjoy it, so why not try it here too!
When and where fishing near Valencia, Spain ?
To fish for bass, the most favorable times are spring and early autumn (September, October). But, of course, there are no strict rules.
Read also: Turia river, a pure gem near Valencia !
When it comes to fishing near Valencia in Spain, the Loriguilla reservoir (embalse de Loriguilla) is indeed a great spot. You can catch bass from the shore, and there are also meter-sized pikes (I haven't caught any yet, but I plan to give it a try). Hasta luego!
What to do in the area ?
This area is the paradise for climbers. There are so many clifts. However,there are many great paths from Chulilla. If you are near the Loriguilla dam, there is a path along the river which is very easy and great in terms of landscape: Ruta de los Pantaneros with a supended bridge.
Before it was free of charge but since several months, you will have to pay 1 euro to get there (it is for the association which manage/clean the area).
Visit the Chulilla village and its plaza. If you have time, you can reach Valencia via the road to Requena. The landscape is very nice.
Eat near Chulilla: There are many opportunities but with my father, when we do not eat along to the river (and usually we do), we stop in a small restaurant at the exit of the village Losa del Obispo. You can eat very good and quite cheap bocadillos.
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