Catfish

The catfish (Silurus glanis) was introduced in the reservoir of Mequinenza in 1974. Since then, it is one of the invasive species most difficult to eradicate. Nowadays some of them reaches more than two meters and 100kg, so it has become the swamp monster (although it is harmless to humans). Once passed the first years of life it has not predators.

catfish fishing on the ebro river from the camping portmassaluca1
catfish fishing on the ebro river from the camping portmassaluca2
Catfish fishing from a rental kayak on the ebro river
catfish fishing on the ebro river from the camping portmassaluca3
catfish fishing by night on the ebro river
catfish fishing on the ebro river from the camping portmassaluca4
catfish fishing on the ebro river from the camping portmassaluca5
catfish fishing on the ebro river from the camping portmassaluca6
catfish fishing on the ebro river from the camping portmassaluca7
catfish fishing from a rental kayak available on the camping portmassaluca

Catfish fishing is one of the most popular in the Riba-roja swamp, especially in Mequinenza (catfish fishing paradise). The campsite is located 20 minutes from the town of Mequinenza and share their same waters. It is an exciting and powerfull fishing, the biggest catfish can even compromise the most experienced fishermen.

Techniques and seasons for fishing

There are multiple fishing techniques, but the most used in our area are spinning fishing or pellet fishing. If is the first time you go after this fish, we recommend join a fishing guide to learn the techniques, and get better results.

EFFECTIVENESS OF FISHING DURING ALL YEAR
MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Catfish - spinning
Catfish - pellet
Catfish - live bait NOWADAYS FORBIDDEN

Spinning catfish fishing

Feeling in your hands the bite of one of these giants while holding the rod is a full fishing experience. Catfish used to bite the lure in the first seconds, just when it contact the water, and it makes it even more exciting. In addition, the equipment used with this technique is lighter, so it takes more time.

catfish-kayak-ebro-mequinenza-fayon-portmassaluca-campsite-9

In Spinning fishing a boat or kayak is normally used, more in this area. The idea is to cover most of the areas where they normally move, trying in as much places as possible. Catfish used to move around structures, deep shadows and reeds areas, away from sunlight. During the evening and night they increase their activity.

Pellet catfish fishing

Fishing with pellets is characterized by attracting them to a feed place where rods are prepared. Pellets are a kind of balls made from fish, some are drilled to pass the thread. It is less sportive and more relaxed than spinnig, until catfish bite. The bites are usually very spectacular because the rod is fixed and the thread is tensed. The fishing equipments are usually stronger than spinning so normally it takes less time to get the catfish.

pellets-catfish-fishing

Near the campsite there are several fishing sites with good access from where you can get big catfishes (100 kg and 2.5 meters). However, fishing with pellets has proven more effectiveness in over-exploited fishing areas where catfish get used to eat every day at the same places. For this reason, we coordinate trips to Mequinenza (20 minutes from the campsite) for this type of fishing.

Fishing with live bait

Nowadays is forbbiden in Ebro river.