When you’re on vacation in Portugal, this is what your day might look like – lounging on a white-sand beach, sipping sweet port wine, and admiring the sunset. And then, the next day, you’re fighting a 500 lb Marlin somewhere in the Atlantic bluewater. That’s Portugal for you – the land of beautiful opposites. And if you’re a seasoned angler, you should have fishing in Portugal on your bucket list.
This country is one of the best fishing locations in Europe, especially if Billfishing is your passion. The country has access to both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, and the warm Gulf Stream comes close to the shore in the summer months. All this to create the action that fishing dreams are made of!
Best Fish to Catch in Portugal
The Portuguese love fishing and eating fish, so spending time on the water is second nature to them. This is what makes them incredible fishermen and guides. Saltwater fishing is what put Portugal on the fishing map, but the freshwater bite is equally good. Versatile anglers organize their trips so that they can see all the country’s greatest sights while exploring different fisheries.
That’s why we’ll talk about what you can catch in both freshwater and saltwater fisheries, and then it’s up to you to decide where you’d like to start. Let’s jump right in!
Trout
Trout species are the stars of freshwater fishing in Portugal. These beautiful fish can be found in rivers and lakes all over the country, and there are several species you can target. The best time to go after Trout is from early spring to mid-summer, usually from March–August.
Brown Trout are the most common catch here. Not only are they big, but they’re also strong and clever opponents. Their strategy is to stay in one spot instead of running so you’re not sure whether you hooked into a fish or just an underwater plant or rock.
You can also find Rainbow Trout, though here they’re more of an exotic catch. Portugal’s rivers are the home to Browns mostly, but there are aficionados who like to go after Rainbows. You’ll have the best luck chasing them in spring and summer. The same goes for Seatrout that live in coastal waters, especially in the north of the country. The Trout bite is excellent wherever you go!
Salmon
Yes, Salmon is on the menu in Portugal. Atlantic Salmon, aka Iberian Salmon, make the lives of fly fishermen interesting and can be easily transformed into a beautiful meal. The Salmon season, similar to the Trout season, is from March until late July.
These fellas might not be as big as their Pacific counterparts, but they’ve got fight in them. They’re not in their usual silvery attire, but rather a deep green color with yellow bellies. You’ll find them in Atlantic-bound rivers of Northern Portugal, there’s no Salmon in the Mediterranean Sea.
Some of the best spots to target Atlantic Salmon in Portugal are Lima and Minho Rivers. During the spring and summer, you’ll find plenty of passionate fly fishermen here. Join them and discover firsthand where the love of Salmon fishing comes from!
Largemouth Bass
Along with Trout and Salmon, Largemouth Bass makes up the trifecta of freshwater fish in Portugal. If you’re a fan of traditional rod-and-reel action, then you’ll love going after Largies. The Bass season starts from July and lasts through fall and winter, all the way to March. Bass can be found pretty much anywhere, including the Elvas region, Valle de Gaio Reservoir, Algarve Dam, and Agueda River.
Largemouth Bass fishing is excellent for beginner anglers and families because it’s enjoyable, not too hard, but productive. Use light tackle and cut sardines to get your prey’s attention. “Chumming” with sardine paste is another option – get some of it in the water and Bass will come to you, attracted by the smell. Then, it’s time to fish!
Marlin
Meanwhile, on the saltwater front, Portugal’s fishing scene offers a premier Blue Marlin bite. Deep sea fishing for these monsters earned the country its reputation.
Blue Marlin come into the Portuguese waters in July and they stick around until October. During the high season, 500 lb Marlin are an everyday occurrence, and anything from 600–900 pounds is also in the cards. If you’re lucky, you’ll stumble upon a 1,000 lb Blue Marlin. White Marlin are common as well, though they’re usually in the 50–100 lb range.
To find the best bite, start your trip from the Azores archipelago (950 miles from the mainland) or Madeira Islands (669 miles from the mainland). From there, you’ll have the best access to the most productive Marlin bite.
You’ll target them by trolling and when you get one on the line, you’ll need all your strength and a fighting chair to get your catch close to the boat. Most Marlin are released after you’ve snapped a quick photo with your trophy.
Trust us when we say, there’s nothing like Marlin fishing in Portugal. Once you give it a go, you’ll be hooked for life!
Bluefin Tuna
Giant Bluefin Tuna are the crowning jewel of every big game angler worth their salt. These beautiful, hard-fighting fish come to the Portuguese waters for only a short period, so you need to time your trip right.
In July, Bluefins return to the ocean after spawning in the Mediterranean Sea, and this is the month to go after them. You don’t have to travel very far to get on their trail. You can find them just five miles from the shore. Some specimens can weigh a whopping 900 pounds, though common catches are in the 200–500 lb ballpark.
Local guides swear by chumming when you’re targeting Tuna. Along with Bluefin, you can also catch Yellowfin, Albacore, Bigeye, and Skipjack Tuna, so there’s no shortage of choice. Albufeira in the Algarve district is a top spot for Tuna fishing in Portugal and the perfect spot to begin your Bluefin expedition!
Swordfish
If Marlin are the kings of big game fishing, then Swordfish are next in the line of succession. Broadbill Swordfish that live in these parts are fierce fighters and thrive in the depths of up to 2,000 feet. Early spring (March–April) and late summer (August–September) make for excellent Swordfishing, though you can catch them during the winter too.
If you’re set on catching magnificent Swordfish, book an overnight fishing trip from the Madeira Islands for maximum success. Spend your night drifting bait over underwater mountains and canyons, and you might be fighting this 200 lb gladiator of the sea before the sun is out.
And Much More…
Not all fishermen are set on chasing the biggest fish, and if you’re one of them, worry not! Fishing in Portugal is all about variety and there’s plenty of delicious species out there for you.
Mahi Mahi is the top table fare, closely followed by Seabream, Dentex, Common Pandora, Mackerel, and Seabass. You could also hook into Spearfish while looking for its larger cousins. The presence of Mako and Blue Sharks make for superb Shark fights. There’s no limit to what you could reel in and the fun you’ll have while doing it!
And if you’re looking for more freshwater variety, Barbel and Carp are the favorite catches of local anglers, mostly because they’re just about everywhere. Target them from July–March and enjoy great winter fishing.
A wild card in these parts is Sturgeon. From January and until mid-summer, you could find yourself face to gills with these hard-fighting fish. While these fish are smaller than the mammoth Sturgeon of the North American continent, their fighting abilities won’t disappoint.
So as you can see, whether you go freshwater or saltwater fishing in Portugal, you’ll be spoiled for choice!
How to Go Fishing in Portugal
Since both freshwater and saltwater action are fantastic in Portugal, there are many types of fishing on offer. Let’s talk about the most popular ones that will take your angling adventure to new heights.
Fly Fishing in Portugal
When it comes to this type of fishing, Portugal is a diamond in the rough. Fly fishing here is some of the best in Europe, but not many foreign anglers know about it. This allows you to enjoy Portugal’s freshwater bite away from the crowds.
The best fly season is usually from March–July, though non-salmonid rivers are open year-round. Trout species and Salmon are the fish that make this scene exciting and productive. Some of the top fly fishing destinations are Minho, Coura, Lima, and Alva Rivers.
Beach Fishing in Portugal
Locals love spending time on a sandy beach, with their line in the water, and you can join them. This is an affordable way to catch plenty of fish to take home for dinner. Bear in mind that you’re not allowed to fish from the beach when there are swimmers in the water.
Depending on which beach you choose, you could find a lot of different species on your line. Seabream, Atlantic Mackerel, Turbot, Conger Eel, and Bluefish are on the menu. For your fishing endeavors, you can visit the best of the best beaches like Peniche, Praia de Faro, Alentejo coast, Praia de Olhão, and Albufeira.
Cliff Fishing in Portugal
Want to try something new? Cliff fishing combines stunning views and the adrenaline you’re looking for in your angling experience.
While it’s very fun, cliff fishing isn’t for the faint-hearted, and it usually requires some getting used to. You need calm seas and the safe ground to be able to fish safely. But that’s what makes it exciting! And that’s why you’ll see plenty of locals doing it. Cliffs in Lagos, Vilamoura of Praia da Falésia, and Portimão are perfect for your fishing escapades.
Fishing With a Charter
If you’re coming to Portugal for the first time, fishing with a charter is practically a must. This especially goes for big game chasers, set on getting their hook into a trophy-sized fish.
Charter fishing has only recently become popular in this country, but there are plenty of guides for any type of adventure you have in mind. Whether it’s reef fishing, fly fishing, or deep sea expeditions, there’s a local expert to help you get started. An experienced guide will help you find the fish, reel it in, and understand the fishing regulations.
Calheta, Faro, Funchal, Cascais, Azores, and Albufeira are top spots for finding a charter for ocean fishing. On the freshwater front, you can find guides all along the fly fishing rivers and streams.
Portugal Fishing Spots
There are so many top fishing spots in Portugal that only a book could cover them all. Now that you know what you can target, it’s time to get into where you can find your chosen species. These are some of the best freshwater and saltwater destinations for you to enjoy.
Top Freshwater Fishing Spots in Portugal
- Minho River: This 200-mile-long river boasts first-class Trout, Salmon, and Shad bite. Minho also poses as a natural border between Portugal and Spain and is the haunt of hundreds of anglers every year.
- Alqueva Lake: The largest artificial lake on the continent, Alqueva Lake boasts solid fishing. Zander, Pike, and Catfish are the most common catches, as well as Largemouth Bass and Carp.
- Serra da Estrela: If you’re looking for a unique catch, then the lakes of this national park are the perfect place for you. Here, you’ll find the peculiar Zebra Trout and other Trout species are at your disposal.
- Lima River: There’s no better spot for Salmon fishing than Lima River. Professional fly anglers love coming here to get their fill of action, and some parts of the river can only be accessed with their special license. You’ll find lots of other freshwater species as well!
- Lake Alfarofia: Carp chasers love Lake Alfarofia. This small yet incredibly productive body of water is full of jumbo Carp that are always down for a fight.
Top Saltwater Fishing Spots in Portugal
- Lagos: Easily one of the most popular mainland fishing destinations in the country, Lagos has it all. Go cliff and beach fishing, or hire a deep sea charter to take you to Sharks, Billfish, Tuna, and a slew of other species.
- Azores: All record chasers end up in the Azores sooner or later. This is the mecca of big game fishing, where trophy Marlin, Tuna, and Sharks are the norm, and they’ve got world records to prove it! The fishing season here lasts from June–November.
- Peniche: If you’re looking for a traditional fishing town, you’ve come to the right place. In Peniche, fishing is a way of life, and copious amounts of Seabream, Seabass, and the diversity of species will wow you.
- Madeira: Another epicenter of big game fishing, Madeira Islands and their abundance of mammoth specimens are outstanding. Think Marlin, Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Spearfish, Wahoo, and Amberjack all in one place, all only one cast away.
- Algarve Region: Whether you’d like to do some reef fishing or go after deep sea monsters, you can do it in Algarve. There are Sharks and Billfish on one side of the region, and massive Seatrout on the other, so all you have to do is pick!
Portugal Fishing Regulations
The Portuguese care a lot about their fisheries and keep them regulated, so it’s important to know the rules before you go. Everyone over the age of 14 needs a fishing license. Paper licenses are not issued anymore and if you’re asked about it, all you need to do is state your name and where you’re from.
There are different types of licenses available. A Sports Fishing License (Licença de Pesca Desportiva) is for saltwater fishing and a License for Fishing in Inland Waters (Licença de Pesca Desportiva em Águas Interiores) is for freshwater fisheries. There are also National, Regional, Local, Restricted Areas, and Special Licenses for non-residential anglers. Freshwater night fishing is forbidden in Portugal and you can only use two rods with one license.
Fishing in Portugal – An Adventure You Didn’t Know You Needed
With its Mediterranean way of life, marvelous nature, and spectacular fishing opportunities, how could you not love Portugal? The vibrant culture of Europe’s westernmost country inspires a zest for life. When you pair that with the possibility to land the biggest catch of your life, the adventure plans itself!
Have you been fishing in Portugal? Do you have a story you’d like to share? Is there something you’d like to add? Let’s talk in the comments.
