Is February Worth Fishing on the River Ebro?
The honest answer: yes — but it's a different kind of trip.
February on the River Ebro is not the high-octane, rod-bent-double experience of April or September. The fish are slower, the sessions require more patience, and the tactics need to adapt to cold water conditions. But winter fishing on the Ebro has its own rewards that the busy spring and autumn crowds never get to experience.
Catfishing in Spain in February attracts a specific type of angler — one who wants the river to themselves, who doesn't mind working harder for their fish, and who understands that the biggest catfish of the year are often caught in the coldest months.
What to Expect in February
Weather: February in Caspe is mild compared to the UK — daytime temperatures of 10–15°C are typical, dropping to 4–8°C overnight. You'll need proper layers, but this is nothing like a UK winter. The sun shines regularly and by midday it's often genuinely pleasant on the bank.
Water temperature: River temperatures in February typically range from 8–12°C. This is the key factor affecting fish activity — cold water slows fish metabolism, meaning less frequent feeding and slower, more deliberate takes.
River conditions: February can bring higher water levels from winter rainfall and snowmelt in the Pyrenees. Your guide will know which sections fish best in coloured or elevated water conditions — often the slower, deeper stretches away from the main flow.
Pressure: Practically none. February is one of the quietest months on the Ebro. If you want the best spots to yourself and a more personal, relaxed experience, winter is it.
Catfishing in February
Winter catfish on the Ebro don't feed with the aggression of spring fish, but they do feed — and the fish that do take a bait in February tend to be the larger, dominant specimens. Big fish maintain their feeding through winter more consistently than smaller fish, meaning February actually offers a better-than-average chance of a true specimen.
Tactics: Slow down everything. Larger, stronger-smelling baits work better in cold water — oily deadbaits like mackerel and sardine are particularly effective. Fish are holding in the deepest available water, so your guide will focus sessions on known deep-water holding areas. Bites can be slow and deliberate rather than the aggressive takes of warmer months — watch your rod tips carefully.
Session timing: Unlike summer where early morning and evening are the only productive windows, February catfish can feed at any point during the daylight hours. Midday sessions in February are often the most productive as the water reaches its daily temperature peak.
For a full guide to the species and tactics, see our Wels catfishing guide.
February Zander Fishing
If there's one species that justifies a February trip to the Ebro on its own, it's zander (Sander lucioperca).
Zander are a cold-water predator at heart. As temperatures drop on the Ebro, zander come into their best feeding condition. February is prime time — the fish are active, well-fed from autumn, and respond aggressively to both lures and deadbaits.
The Ebro's zander run to a good size — 6–10lb fish are common, and double-figure fish are caught regularly in winter. If you've only ever caught small UK zander, an Ebro winter specimen will change your perspective on the species entirely.
Tactics: Blade lures and soft plastics fished on a drop-shot rig work well for active fish. Deadbait rigs fished on the bottom in slower water produce the bigger specimens. Your guide will know the holding areas.
The Case for a Winter Trip
- Fewer anglers, better spots, more personal experience
- Higher probability of big catfish
- Prime zander season
- Cheaper package prices than peak season
- Mild, pleasant weather compared to the UK
For anyone who's been putting off a River Ebro trip because of work or family commitments during peak season, February is a genuine and rewarding alternative. See our full season by season guide for a comparison across all months.
Winter Packages
Our riverside cabins are heated and comfortable year-round. Guided winter packages are available with full tackle setup.
See our full packages and pricing — winter availability is usually excellent with no need to book far in advance.
3-night packages from €325pp | 7-night packages from €475pp
Book a winter fishing trip on the Ebro →
WhatsApp / Phone: +44 7802 283085 Email: caspecatfishingchaos@gmail.com