The Short Answer: The River Ebro Fishes Well All Year
The River Ebro is one of the few freshwater fisheries in Europe that genuinely produces quality fishing in every month of the year. Unlike UK stillwaters that shut down in winter or rivers that blow out in autumn, the Ebro is a consistent, year-round proposition.
That said, there are clear peaks and troughs. Understanding the seasonal patterns helps you pick the right window for your trip — whether you're chasing your first big Wels catfish or targeting a specific species. This is the most complete seasonal guide to the River Ebro for UK anglers, covering catfishing in Spain, carp, zander, and more.
Spring: March, April, May — Peak Season
Spring is the standout time to fish the River Ebro. Here's why:
Water temperature: Through March, the Ebro warms from winter lows into the mid-teens °C. By April and May, temperatures sit between 16–20°C — the sweet spot for Wels catfish feeding activity.
Catfish behaviour: As water temperatures rise, catfish move from their deep winter holding spots into shallower, more accessible areas. Feeding is aggressive — fish are building condition before the spawn and competing for food. This means faster takes, more confident bites, and higher catch rates.
Catch rates: April and May are consistently the highest catch-rate months on the Ebro. Groups on guided sessions regularly land 10+ fish per day in these months.
Conditions: Days are warm (20–25°C), evenings are cool, and the river levels are usually stable after winter. It's simply the most comfortable and most productive time to be on the bank.
Carp: Spring carp on the Ebro are pre-spawn and feeding hard. 30–50lb fish are common, and May can produce exceptional carp sport alongside the catfishing.
For a detailed breakdown of what to expect in spring, read our spring fishing guide for UK anglers.
Best for: First-time visitors, groups wanting high catch rates, carp anglers.
Summer: June, July, August — Hot and Prolific
Summer on the Ebro is intense. Daytime temperatures regularly hit 35–40°C in July and August. But the fishing doesn't stop — it just shifts.
Catfish: Summer catfish feed most confidently in the early morning (before 10am) and from dusk through to midnight. Midday sessions in July and August can be slow, but early and late sessions produce well. Night fishing in summer is particularly productive — catfish are bold after dark and the cooler temperatures make it comfortable.
Carp: Carp fishing peaks in summer on the Ebro. Warm water means active, surface-aware fish. Method feeder and surface fishing can produce spectacular sport.
Practical considerations: Pack light, breathable clothing, serious sun protection, and stay hydrated. The heat is relentless between 11am and 4pm. Most experienced anglers rest during the middle of the day and focus their energy on morning and evening sessions.
Best for: Anglers who don't mind the heat, night fishing enthusiasts, carp specialists.
Autumn: September, October — The Second Peak
Autumn rivals spring as the best time on the Ebro. As temperatures drop from summer highs back into the 18–22°C range, catfish come back on the feed with a vengeance.
Catfish: Post-summer, catfish feed aggressively through autumn to build fat reserves for winter. Catch rates in September and October are outstanding — often matching or exceeding spring.
Conditions: Warm days, cool nights, and stable river levels make autumn the most comfortable time of year on the Ebro. Many experienced Ebro anglers consider October the single best month on the calendar.
Zander: Autumn is when zander fishing on the Ebro really comes alive. As temperatures cool, zander move into feeding mode and can be targeted effectively on lures and deadbaits.
Best for: Experienced anglers wanting the best overall conditions, zander hunters, groups who want comfort alongside high catch rates.
Winter: November, February — Specialist Fishing
Winter on the Ebro is a different challenge. Water temperatures drop and fish metabolism slows — but they don't stop feeding entirely.
Catfish: Winter catfish require a different approach. Fish hold in the deepest available water and feed less frequently. Slower presentations, heavier baits, and patience are required. But the fish caught in winter tend to be the biggest of the year — large fish are less active and hold in predictable deep spots.
Zander: Winter is the prime zander season on the Ebro. Cold, clear water and reduced light penetration push zander into aggressive feeding windows. Lure fishing and deadbaiting both produce excellent winter zander.
Practical considerations: Pack layers — mornings and evenings on the Ebro in January and February are cold. Read our guide to fishing the Ebro in February for exactly what to expect in the depths of winter.
Best for: Specialist catfish anglers targeting large fish, zander enthusiasts, those who want the river to themselves.
Month-by-Month Quick Reference
| Month | Catfish | Carp | Zander | Overall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| February | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| March | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| April | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| May | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| June | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| July | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| August | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| September | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
| October | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| November | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| December | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
Whichever Month You Come, We're Ready
Caspe Fishing is open all year. No off-season, no closed periods. Our guides know the Ebro in every condition and will put you on fish regardless of when you visit.
For a full guide to the species you'll encounter, read our Wels catfishing guide. For pricing and availability, see our guided packages page.
Packages from €325pp. Open January to December.
Book your River Ebro fishing trip →
WhatsApp / Phone: +44 7802 283085 Email: caspecatfishingchaos@gmail.com