Pre-Spawn Bass Fishing in Andalusia

Andalusia, in southern Spain, has quietly become one of Europe’s most consistent destinations for largemouth bass fishing. Within this region, the provinces of Córdoba and Jaén are home to three standout reservoirs — Navallana, La Breña and El Jándula — that offer outstanding opportunities during the pre-spawn period.

This is the time of year when bass are at their heaviest, most predictable, and most aggressive if you understand how these reservoirs fish.

The Pre-Spawn Season in Córdoba and Jaén

In Andalusia, pre-spawn typically begins in late February and runs through March, sometimes extending into early April depending on weather patterns and water temperatures.

Across Navallana, La Breña and El Jándula, bass are:

• Transitioning from winter depth toward spawning flats

• Staging on structure close to shallow water

• Feeding heavily to prepare for the spawn

Stable weather and sunny days accelerate this movement, while cold fronts simply push fish slightly deeper — not out of the area.

How Bass Use These Andalusian Reservoirs

Navallana (Córdoba)

Located near the city of Córdoba, Navallana is a clear to moderately clear reservoir with rocky banks, steep shorelines and significant fishing pressure.

Pre-spawn bass in Navallana:

• Hold on secondary points and rock transitions

• Use short depth changes to move up and down

• Respond well to jerkbaits, finesse jigs and soft plastics

Precision and patience are key on this lake.

La Breña (Córdoba)

La Breña is one of the largest reservoirs in Córdoba, known for its flooded brush, long coves and wind-driven patterns.

Here, pre-spawn bass:

• Stage on wind-blown points and brush lines

• Push baitfish shallow during warming trends

• Show strong reaction bites on moving baits

Spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits and casting jigs are top producers in La Breña during this phase.

Jándula (Jaén)

Jándula, located in the province of Jaén, is a deep, rocky reservoir with exceptional structure and trophy potential.

During pre-spawn:

• Big females stage deeper, often between 3 and 6 meters

• Rock transitions, ledges and channel swings dominate

• Bites are fewer, but fish size is noticeably bigger

This is a classic slow, methodical jig and soft plastic lake.

Proven Pre-Spawn Techniques in Andalusia

Suspending Jerkbaits

Ideal for clear water and post-cold-front conditions. Long pauses trigger strikes from staging bass.

Casting Jigs

A must for targeting pre-spawn females across all three reservoirs, especially around rock and wood.

Spinnerbaits

Excel on windy days and slightly stained water, particularly in La Breña and Navallana.

Texas & Carolina Rigs

Perfect for pressured fish and for covering transition areas between deep and shallow water.

Lure Colors and Presentation

Stick to natural, confidence colors that match local forage:

• Green pumpkin

• Brown/orange craw

• White and shad tones

In pre-spawn, bass in Córdoba and Jaén prefer controlled, deliberate presentations over fast retrieves.

Final Thoughts from an Andalusian Bass Guide

Pre-spawn bass fishing in Andalusia — especially in Navallana, La Breña and El Jándula — offers some of the best chances of the year to catch both numbers and trophy fish.

Understanding each reservoir, adjusting to daily conditions, and fishing with purpose is what separates average days from truly special ones on the water.