2023 Barry & Cathy Beck - Spain

Fly Fishing in Spain

Hosted Trip

A Barry & Cathy Beck Departure

October 22-29, 2023

Trout Fishing in the Eastern Pyrenees Mountains

Spain

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Unparalleled Service and Knowledge Every Step of the Way

Dear Traveler,

Imagine yourself fishing a small, clear, cold freestone trout stream with hatches and rising trout as you’re looking up at the remains of an ancient stone watch tower. This is Spain.

Small spring creeks, small to medium size freestone rivers, tailwater fisheries and high alpine lakes encompass the surrounding areas around the lodge. Cast for wild brown trout, rainbow and zebra trout, and know there is nothing prettier than a 12” wild zebra trout nor more exciting than a 10 pound brown trout caught at the end of a drift. Our outfitter, Ivan Tarin and his guides, have an array of trout fishing to share with us. They’re an excellent team of guides and know the waters and the fish very well.

Relax in the small rural village of Aren, about twenty five minutes from several of the streams, take a walk through the narrow cobblestone streets, medieval archways and roam the remains of a centuries old castle. Or stop in at the Dinosaur Museum to travel back in time to the Mesozoic Era to visit the dinosaur’s tracks.

The Pyrenees also offers a perfect destination for non-anglers who want to enjoy a trip with their spouses. The experienced tour guides will ensure you get the most out of each activity.

Spain is much more to us than an exciting fishing trip. It would be a shame to spend a week in Aren without looking around a bit and taking in some of the local sights, sounds and history. The Pyrenees Mountains are beautiful beyond words and what better way to enjoy them but with a rod in your hand. Come with us and you’ll see for yourself!

What to Expect

• Fish for trout in tailwater and freestone streams among the breathtaking landscapes of Spain for six full days at Aren Lodge.

• This old country inn has been transformed into a lodge with JuanAntonio, operated by his family for the last 300 years, serving up outstanding local cuisine and fine wines in his restaurant.

• When you’re not casting on the freshwaters of Spain, be blown away by the sights and sounds of the rural village of Aren.

About the Lodge

Aren Lodge: Experience the unspoiled nature of Spain’s Pyrenees where crystal clear waters teem with wild trout. You’ll have access to more than 60 rivers and 180 lakes all within easy driving distance of the two lodges Salvelinus utilizes, both of which feature comfortable accommodations, delicious Mediterranean cuisine and Spain’s famous Rioja wines. It’s the perfect trip for couples blending first-rate fly fishing with Old World charm. Iván Tarín is the Head Guide, a passionate devotee of fly fishing for trout. Iván has built up an efficient guide team, all expert fly fishers.

About Barry & Cathy Beck

Their books include Cathy Beck’s Fly Fishing Handbook, Fly Waters Near and Far, Fly Fishing the Flats, and a coffee table book of photographs from around the world.

Sincerely, Barry & Cathy Beck

Longtime Frontiers trip hosts and photographers, the Becks travel far and wide to follow their love for fly fishing and nature photography. Based in Pennsylvania, Barry and Cathy write books, host fly fishing departures, lead African photo safaris, and operate a stock photography business. The Becks are well-known in the fishing, photography, and travel industries, and possess a stellar reputation for their skill, knowledge, and expertise.

Proposed Itinerary for Trout Fishing in the Eastern Pyrenees October 22-29

Saturday, October 21

Depart your hometown for Barcelona, Spain.

Please note that most flights from the United States are overnight flights, arriving Barcelona on the morning of October 22 Fishing commences on October 23 and Frontiers strongly suggests arriving one or two days prior.

Sunday, October 22

Upon arrival in Barcelona, collect your luggage and clear customs. You will be welcomed by a team member from Salvelinus, our outfitter in the Spanish Pyrennes.

Salvelinus will provide your transfer to Aren Lodge, your home for the next seven nights. The lodge features comfortable guest rooms, a welcoming lounge and dining room and complete spa facility.

Tonight, you will enjoy a welcome dinner.

Monday, October 23 - Saturday, October 28

Spend six full days fishing for trout in the eastern Pyrenees on a wonderful collection of tailwater and freestone streams.

Species available include various strains of native brown trout (including the Mediterranean “zebra”), brook trout and rainbows.

This departure to the Pyrenees offers a perfect destination for non-anglers. The group will have their own transportation and private guide to embark on fully guided excursions each day. It might be stunning cathedrals, medieval villages, watch towers, wineries, gentle hikes, and casual lunches. You can expect to have fun days with Judit and Maria who will make sure you get the most out of each one. Judit and Maria have many years of experience and have been guiding this group each year.

Continued overnights at Aren Lodge.

Sunday, October 29

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Barcelona.

Most international flights require an overnight in Barcelona to return home the following day. Take advantage of your time in the area and extend your time in Barcelona and the surrounding area (see next page for extension options).

Arén Lodge

Suggested Pre and Post Trip Extensions

At the conclusion of the fishing program, Frontiers suggests you take advantage of what Barcelona and the surrounding areas have to offer. Frontiers is poised to coordinate any pre- or post- trip accommodations, but highly suggest the following highlights:

Barcelona Highlights

Enjoy a panoramic visit to the city to learn about its history through its architecture and urban development. Learn about Modernism cultural movement that had its heyday in the West in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, embodying the most renovate tendencies in literature, theatre, architecture, fine arts, decoration and the design of furniture and other objects. Learn about Gaudí and visit his masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia Church. Visit the constructions at the entrance of the Park Guell, the most unique of Gaudí’s works. UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1984. Enjoy walking the Gothic quarter of the city.

Continue exploring Barcelona’s early city centre, which was surrounded by walls during Roman times making up what today is the Gothic Quarter. Narrow streets, with quiet squares and attractive corners, are home to an abundant collection of Gothic buildings, both civil and religious. Surrounding Barcelona’s impressive Cathedral, medieval palaces emerge, such as Casa dels Canonges, La Pia Almoina, and Casa d´Ardiaca. Visit the Cathedral of Barcelona and its beautiful cloister. Time permitting, visit the Picasso Museum. It not only owns the most important and exhaustive collection of the works of art from Pablo Picasso’s youth and period of training but also holds temporary exhibitions of other artists related to this artistic figurehead.

Madrid Highlights

Enjoy visiting Madrid with your expert local guide talking about the whys and the whens so that the buildings, fountains, squares and avenues come to life in your eyes. Enjoy a panoramic visit to the city to learn about its history through its architecture and urban development.

Walk the lively old quarter of Madrid discovering the magnificent Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa. Visit the Royal Palace that King Philip V ordered to build on an ancient fortress site that had previously been a Muslim castle. On many outstanding rooms paintings by Velazquez, Goya, Rubens, El Greco and Caravaggio can be seen. You will visit the Royal Armory showing a collection of weapons and amour belonging to the kings of Spain and to other members of the Royal Family since the 13th century including the armory of Carlos V and Felipe II. Kids love it!

End up your tour visiting the Prado National Museum. It houses the world’s best collection of Spanish painting. You will see works by El Greco, Velázquez, Goya, Ribera, Zurbarán, Murillo. The Prado also contains paintings by Van der Weyden, Hieronymous Bosch, the most complete collection of Titian and other painters of the Venice School and also has a collection of first-class works of German, French and English Art.

October 22 - 29, 2023

Double Occupancy / Shared Guide: $9,450 per person

Please note that pricing and inclusions are subject to change based on rate of exchange.

Inclusions: Six full days of guided fishing based on shared guide; seven nights of accommodations based on shared occupancy; all meals during your stay.

Exclusions: Round-trip air between your home city and Barcelona hotel overnight if required; round-trip transfers between Barcelona and Aren Lodge with the group; gratuities; fishing equipment; items of a personal nature.

Deposits and Payments: A 50% deposit per person is required to secure a reservation. Reservations that have not been secured with a deposit within 14 days may be canceled. Final payments are due 90 days prior to the trip start date.

As well as great trout fishing and relaxing accommodations at Aren Lodge, our Airline Department can coordinate your travel to and from Spain, providing a seamless trip from start to finish.

Delta, one of our preferred carriers to Europe, offers non-stop service daily between JFK and Barcelona. Delta is an easy choice with their extensive route network in Europe through the SkyTeam partners, and excellent connections in the US.

The Airbus 330 used by Delta on the non-stop flights between JFK and Barcelona features nine rows of 1-2-1 configured business-elite sleeper seats. These fully flat-bed seats have a roomy 80 inch pitch and if the personal video doesn’t appeal to you, there is 110 power available. Additionally, Delta offers economy comfort seats that provide several extra inches of legroom, which can make a far more pleasant flight.

Frontiers can provide expert advice and support on finding the right gear for your trip. A member of our Frontiers Gear Team will draw on thousands of hours in the field to recommend exactly what you need and what you don’t. Whether you have questions about how and what to pack, looking for a new fly rod and reel or need a pair of great binoculars – we’re happy to help.

Our team of highly specialized agents coordinate every last detail of your trip.

For this hosted departure, please contact:

Kristene Fitzgerald Program Manager, Spain kfitzgerald@frontierstravel.com

Toll-free: 1-800-245-1950 Phone 724-935-1577