4 keys to catching a big catfish near Camping PortMassaluca on the Ebro River

Many of you who visit us regularly ask us about how to catch these enormous fish found in our waters, so we have decided to explain 4 keys that will help you achieve this. The main and most important thing, the time of year, and if we have written this post now it is because we have noticed that in the last 15 days our clients’ catches have skyrocketed, and thanks to them we have gathered these 4 important factors.

1 – The time of year

We had seen them, we knew they were there but… Why weren’t they biting? The catfish, from the end of October until spring, is lethargic and although it is easy to see them in the clear waters of the Matarraña, near the Ebro, they ignore any lure. In the spring, although they start their activity, when the water reaches 18-20 degrees, their breeding season begins, and many of the specimens stop being active for fishing. But when this season ends, and that is right now (May-June), the catfish needs to recharge energy and the big catches begin. You can watch this video we recorded of the catfish from the kayak in front of the campsite, and just below the tunnel of the old railway line:

2 – And now, where are the catfish hiding?

The catfish is very sensitive to light and at this time (June-July) the sun is abundant, so during the sunny hours, it hides in the shadows near the large concrete structures created by man (concrete bridges and walls). As the afternoon progresses, the catfish disperses and can be found in any area of the Ebro and Matarraña rivers, but you always have to look for them along the banks and areas where they have food, mainly carp.

3 – But… What do catfish bite on? Kayak, boat or shore

This will depend on the time of day we fish. If we fish during the day, the ideal is to use a fishing kayak or a boat to cover all the shadows of the structures with a good spoon or similar (the spoon is very effective for this type of fishing, it meets two conditions: light flashes that bother these animals and vibrations that attract their attention). Depending on the time and the heat, the catfish can be more or less deep, so you have to do a vertical and surface sweep. In recent days, all bites have occurred in the last 2 meters, on the first drop of the lure. The sunny hours are ideal because we know where they are concentrated and it is easy for one to fall into temptation, although we have made the most catches on cloudy days without any wind.

 

If we fish in the afternoon or at night, the most effective is to use live bait (currently only allowed for fishing club members of the Catalonia reserves of the Riba-roja reservoir). Do pellets work? In summer they can work, but unlike Mequinenza (which is in the same waters), the catfish is not used to this type of food; the Matarraña is a breeding area for all species, so the catfish has more than enough food, so why eat pellets if they have fresh fish 24/7?

4 – Silence

Like all animals, the catfish is very sensitive to noise. Therefore, if we want to catch one of these specimens, it is best that they do not even realize that we are in their area, this will give us a great advantage. Sometimes it is good to stay in one place for a long period, as long as we are in their area, sooner or later they will appear. This point eliminates the belief that the catfish is dangerous for humans, I have observed these animals from the kayak thousands of times, at the slightest noise or knock they shoot off.

Catfish fishing from a kayak

For thrill-seekers, this is undoubtedly the best option. Adrenaline and power mix in this type of fishing, as it pits the angler against one of the largest fish in our rivers, undoubtedly an experience to remember!. And for those who do not want to catch one of these, observing is the alternative (windless days are the best).

 

 

Catfish kayak fishing in the Ebro River, near Mequinenza and Fayón. Camping Portmassaluca

 

 

Catfish kayak fishing in the Ebro River, near Mequinenza and Fayón. Camping Portmassaluca

 

 

Catfish kayak fishing in the Ebro River, near Mequinenza and Fayón. Camping Portmassaluca

 

 

Catfish kayak fishing at Camping Portmassaluca, in the Ebro River, 1-meter specimen

 

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