Costa Blanca fishing

This week’s takes us to La Pedrera, the reservoir at Torremendo, 10 kilometres from Torrevieja and 5 kilometres outside the village of San Miguel.
Surrounded by orange and lemon groves, the lake is clearly visible on most maps and is sign-posted on all surrounding roads.
The turquoise waters stretch 5 kilometres long by 1 kilometre at the widest point. So vast and enclosed is the hillside that at about 13.00 hrs when the breeze from the sea blows in, it becomes almost tidal, sending waves lapping the shores.
While most of the access is difficult, it is possible to access the water’s edge by car at a good few locations.
This lake is very popular with the Spanish fishermen coming in from Murcia and surrounding areas.
Some of the most popular pegs are unfortunately spoilt by the rubbish left by careless fishermen and weekend picnic parties.
However, the fishing here is excellent, with large catches of carp and barbel being the most common.
June to September brings good hauls of black bass and zander. These fish are edible and very tasty and most sought-after by the experienced Spanish anglers.
Although the lake is overflowing with fish at the moment, I am informed that 8 kg is about the top weight being caught... but the great size and depth (30 metres) of these waters makes one think of the monsters that may lurk there!
Look out for the water inlet where water gushes down a stone gully and into the lake. In this roaring water you can see the barbel leaping like salmon into the surf.
This is also the best spot for the bass and zander. Most- used baits in this location are sweet corn, bread and worms. I fished here a few weeks back with a CBF trip and caught 15 barbels using a secret bait....

Where not to fish!
For those of you looking on maps for various fishing locations, I am informed that the following places are not worth a visit:
Lorca- top lake, EMB de Valdeinfierno is a dry lake, small with no visible access.
Murcia – near Molina de Segura, Emb de Ruols is dry. Likewise is EMB de Moro, just outside Cieza. Also in Murcia area on the outskirts of the Sierra de Espuña are two small and shallow lakes not worth a visit - EMB de Pliego and Doña Ana.
Just outside Orihuela is the reservoir at Santomera where fishing is not allowed because of water sports.
Good fishing and catch you next time.

For Costa Blanca Fishing Trips call 650-675-968. Access to all locations in our 4x4 vehicles and bait and tackle is supplied. Although fishing in this region is free, an Alicante-Valencia fishing license is required. CBF Trips can also supply this at a small admin charge.