Fishing in the Ebro Delta — Seasons, Methods & Tips
From December to September: Discover when each species bites and which technique works best.
The Ebro Delta is one of the most diverse fishing regions in the Mediterranean. Many species can be caught all year round, but each has its peak season: sea bass in winter, gilthead bream in spring, tuna and shoal fish from late spring to autumn. Weather, currents and water temperature play a major role, so the following seasons are to be seen as guidelines.
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Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
Best time: December (especially in cold conditions). Area: From the river mouth up to Xerta.
Techniques: Spinning from the boat (anchored or drifting), trolling outside the river, or bottom fishing with live bait.
Baits: Shads, soft lures (glass eel imitations), feathered spoons, and poppers. Night fishing increases the chance of larger catches; bright lures work best without light.
Catfish (Silurus glanis)
Best time: Cool spring months. Area: From the river mouth to Tortosa.
Techniques: Spinning with large shads or bottom fishing using pellets similar to carp boilies.
Gilthead Bream (Sparus aurata)
Best time: Spring to November. Baits: Worms, river or sea crabs, and razor clams (Cañut).
Although bream can be caught year-round, size and numbers decline once autumn storms start and the water cools.
Cuttlefish & Squid
Cuttlefish: Best time March–May, usually caught trolling with squid jigs and sinkers.
Squid: July–September — trolling or vertical jigging works well.
Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) & Little Tuna (Bacoreta)
Since 2010, large tuna populations have settled in the delta. Note: Fishing is regulated with quotas and seasonal restrictions — please respect local rules.
Season: From April, usually 3–4 miles offshore. Techniques: Spinning with big poppers, jigs or artificial lures; trolling is also possible but requires patience.
Mackerel, Bonito & Other Shoal Fish
Mackerel: From May onward, depending on the year. Watch for seagull flocks — they indicate feeding fish below.
Bonito & Shoal Fish: Peak season from June. Spinning and trolling with jigs, soft lures or feathers are very effective.
Dorado (Mahi-Mahi) & Leerfish (Palometa)
Dorado: Mid-August to September — fast and acrobatic fish. Leerfish: May and again September–October, with trophy catches in autumn.
Bluefish
Present all year, most active from May. They strike hard on poppers, espets or dead baitfish. Strong fighters — steel leaders are recommended.
Black Bass
Autumn catches upstream from Amposta. Spinning from the boat with artificial lures (anchored or drifting).
General Notes & Recommendations
- Seasons are indicative — weather, temperature and food availability may shift fish activity.
- Many species travel in shoals: teamwork and a good pair of binoculars help spot them early.
- Always check local fishing rules for permits, closed seasons and quotas (especially for tuna).
- For current conditions, contact Julio Bellaubi, your local guide for the Ebro Delta.