Trout fishing in Western Catalan Pyrenees, an activity to be promoted at European level

Barcelona (ACN).- The Noguera Pallaresa, in the Catalan county of Pallars Sobirà, is now famous for its adventure sports, but it used to be the place to be for trout fishing. When the species disappeared, the region lost its fishermen too. Located in the Western Catalan Pyrenees, near the border with Aragon, the County Council is now trying to recover its position as a destination for trout fishing at European level through building new canals in Llavorsí and Escaló where the fish will be able to grow and swim upriver more easily. Work started in January and will be completed this spring. Therefore, the facilities could already be used this fishing season, which will end in September. The work represent an investment of 100,000 euros provided by a grant and a contribution by the private electricity company Endesa, which runs several hydro-electrical plants in the area.

The Noguera Pallaresa is well known for its adventure sports such as rafting, but originally it was a fishing area. Fishermen throughout Catalonia, Spain and various parts of Europe, mainly France, came to Pallars Sobirà to fish trout. When the species decreased, so too did the number of fishermen. Now, with the aim of returning the region to its position as a destination for trout fishing, the County Council is developing a project to repopulate the Noguera Pallaresa. A French supplier of Mediterranean trout roe has guaranteed to provide the necessary supplies to the Pallars river for a minimum of 5 years. The eggs will be taken to France where their genetic quality and health will be guaranteed.

Work began in the last week of January and is expected to be completed this spring. The canals where the fish will grow are being built in Llavorsí and began a few years ago but couldn’t be finished due to a lack of funding. In parallel, an infrastructure will be built on a similar scale. These two canals are located next to the Noguera Pallaresa and will be left to the management of fishing companies in the region.

Llàtzer Sibís, President of the County Council of Pallars Sobirà, explained that the aim is to rediscover the environmental balance in the rivers of Pallars that has been lost. Furthermore, they are trying to establish the area as a quality brand within the European tourist market.