Why Spring Is the Best Time to Fish the River Ebro
Ask any experienced Ebro angler when they'd choose to go if they could pick any month, and the answer is almost always April or May. Spring on the River Ebro is the closest thing freshwater fishing has to a guaranteed experience.
Catfishing in Spain is outstanding year-round, but spring separates itself from the rest of the calendar for one simple reason: Wels catfish feed aggressively, consistently, and in numbers that UK anglers find hard to comprehend until they experience it themselves.
Here's everything you need to know about spring fishing on the Ebro.
What Happens to Fish in Spring
As winter fades and water temperatures climb from the low teens into the 16–20°C range, something shifts on the Ebro. Fish that have spent weeks in deep, slow water start moving. Feeding intensifies. The river comes alive.
Wels catfish are pre-spawn in spring. Wels catfish spawning behaviour typically occurs when water temperatures reach 18–20°C — usually late May into June on the Ebro. In the weeks leading up to the spawn, catfish feed harder than at any other time of year, building energy reserves. This is the feeding window you want to be fishing.
Carp follow a similar pattern. Pre-spawn carp in April and May are at their heaviest and most active. The Ebro's carp population — fish that regularly run 30–50lb — are competitive feeders in spring and respond readily to both method feeder and boilie presentations.
Zander are post-spawn in spring and recovering their condition. They feed well but are slightly less aggressive than in autumn. Worth targeting if catfish sport slows mid-session.
Month by Month: March, April, May
March — The Warm-Up March is transitional. Early March can still feel like winter — water temperatures in the low teens, fish sluggish and holding deep. By mid-to-late March, the change is noticeable. Catch rates climb, fish start showing in shallower water, and the first big spring sessions start happening. March is excellent for anglers who want the river quieter and don't mind adapting their approach as conditions evolve.
April — Prime Time Begins April is when the Ebro truly switches on. Water temperatures hit the 15–18°C range, catfish are moving and feeding confidently, and catch rates are at their seasonal high. Groups on guided sessions in April regularly land 8–15 fish per day. The weather is warm (20–25°C days) without the oppressive heat of summer. April is arguably the single best month on the Ebro calendar.
May — The Peak May matches or exceeds April for catch rates, with the added bonus of slightly warmer, more reliable weather. The risk is that very late May can see catfish starting to think about spawning, which can temporarily affect feeding behaviour. But for the first three weeks of May, fishing is exceptional. Carp in May are at their largest and most catchable.
For a complete breakdown of all twelve months, see our full season by season guide.
Spring Tactics on the Ebro
For catfish:
- Pellet fishing over a baited area is the go-to spring tactic. As catfish move shallower, your guide will position bait over known feeding areas.
- Morning sessions from first light through to mid-morning are consistently the most productive.
- Don't neglect evening sessions — the transition from afternoon heat into cooler evenings triggers feeding.
For carp:
- Boilies on a simple hair rig, fished at range over a bed of freebies, produces spring carp consistently.
- Method feeder fishing with a paste wrap is particularly effective in April and May.
- Look for carp showing on the surface in the warmest part of the afternoon — surface fishing in spring can produce some spectacular takes.
Tackle: All tackle is provided on guided packages. See our Wels catfishing guide for a full breakdown of rods, reels, and rigs used on the Ebro.
What to Pack for a Spring Trip
- Light layers — mornings can be cool (12–15°C), afternoons warm (20–25°C)
- A light waterproof — spring showers are occasional but not uncommon
- Sun protection — the Spanish sun is stronger than it feels
- Camera — you'll want photos of every fish
Spring Packages with Caspe Fishing
Our guided spring packages are among the most popular on the calendar — book early as April and May fill up fast.
See our guided packages and pricing for full details, or check our honest breakdown of what a River Ebro trip really costs from the UK including flights, bait, and licences.
3-night packages from €325pp | 7-night packages from €475pp
Book your spring catfishing trip →
WhatsApp / Phone: +44 7802 283085 Email: caspecatfishingchaos@gmail.com