The Question UK Anglers Ask
When UK carp and catfish anglers start researching European fishing trips, two destinations come up repeatedly: Spain and France. Both offer Wels catfish. Both are within reach of UK airports. Both have established guide industries.
So which should you choose?
The honest answer depends on what you're after. But for most UK anglers specifically targeting Wels catfish, the comparison is clearer than you might think.
Fish Size: Spain Wins
This is the most important factor for most catfish anglers and it's not particularly close.
Spain (River Ebro): Average guided catch 50–120lb. Fish over 100lb common. 150lb+ fish landed regularly. 200lb+ specimens caught every season. River record 252lb.
France (River Saône / Rhône system): Average guided catch 30–70lb. Fish over 100lb exist but are less common. The French rivers hold large catfish but the average size is noticeably lower than the Ebro.
The River Saône and Rhône system in France have seen Wels catfish populations grow significantly since their introduction in the late 20th century, but they haven't had the same combination of warm water, time, and conditions that the Ebro has had since 1974. The Ebro's fish are simply older, bigger, and more numerous at the top end.
If a 100lb+ catfish is your target, Spain is the better bet.
Numbers: Spain Wins
Catch rates on the Ebro are exceptional. A well-guided week at Caspe typically produces 30–60 fish per group. Individual days of 10–15 fish are not unusual in peak season.
French river catfishing is more exploratory — lower density of fish means more searching, more blanks, and lower average catch rates. The fishing is rewarding in its own right but it's a different experience from the Ebro's consistent action.
Accessibility: Draw
Both destinations are similarly accessible from the UK.
Spain: Fly to Zaragoza (ZAZ) — 2–2.5 hours direct from London Stansted, connections available from most UK airports. Drive from Zaragoza to Caspe: 45 minutes.
France: Drive through the Channel Tunnel or ferry — 6–8 hours to the Saône Valley depending on your UK starting point. Or fly to Lyon (LYS) — 1.5–2 hours, then drive to the river.
France has the advantage for anglers who prefer to drive and bring their own tackle. Spain has the edge for fly-only trips and groups who want to travel light.
Cost: Spain Wins on Value
French catfishing operations tend to be priced at a premium — specialist guide operations on the Saône and Rhône charge considerably more per day than comparable Ebro operations.
On the River Ebro at Caspe, guided packages start from €325pp for a 3-night trip including accommodation, guiding, and tackle. For a full breakdown see our River Ebro fishing prices guide.
France offers excellent fishing but for the same budget you'll get more fishing days, more fish, and bigger fish on the Ebro.
Weather: Spain Wins
The Ebro valley in Aragón is warm, dry, and sunny. Spring and autumn sessions are conducted in T-shirt weather. Summer is hot but manageable with early and evening sessions.
French river fishing in spring can be cold, wet, and uncomfortable — similar to UK conditions. Autumn improves significantly but never quite matches the Ebro's climate for comfort.
For UK anglers who specifically want the contrast of warm-weather fishing, Spain is the clear choice.
Scenery: Draw — Both Are Spectacular
The River Ebro at Caspe runs through dramatic ochre canyon scenery — wide skies, golden cliffs, olive groves. It's visually striking and completely unlike the UK.
The Saône Valley in France is classically beautiful — rolling vineyards, historic towns, softer landscape. Both are excellent settings for a fishing holiday.
If the broader travel experience matters alongside the fishing, France offers more tourist infrastructure and cuisine. Spain offers a more raw, remote, fishing-focused experience.
Mixed Species: Spain Wins
The Ebro at Caspe holds exceptional carp alongside the catfish — 30–40lb commons are common, 50lb fish are realistic. Zander, perch, black bass and barbel are also present.
French rivers hold carp and perch but the Ebro's mixed-species fishing is richer, particularly for UK anglers who want to target big carp and catfish on the same trip.
The Verdict
| Factor | Spain (Ebro) | France (Saône) |
|---|---|---|
| Fish size | ✅ Bigger | ❌ Smaller average |
| Catch rates | ✅ Higher | ❌ Lower |
| Cost | ✅ Better value | ❌ More expensive |
| Weather | ✅ Warmer | ❌ Variable |
| Mixed species | ✅ Richer | ❌ Less variety |
| Accessibility | ✅ Draw | ✅ Draw |
| Scenery | ✅ Draw | ✅ Draw |
For UK anglers specifically targeting Wels catfish, Spain wins on every factor that matters most: fish size, catch rates, cost, and weather.
France is a genuine and rewarding catfishing destination — but for a first European catfishing trip, or for anglers who want the best possible chance at a 100lb+ fish, the River Ebro at Caspe is the right choice.
Plan Your Ebro Catfishing Trip
Read our complete guide to catfishing in Spain and our Wels catfishing guide for everything you need to know before booking.
See our guided packages — from €325pp, open all year.
Book your River Ebro catfishing trip →
WhatsApp / Phone: +44 7802 283085 Email: caspecatfishingchaos@gmail.com