Discover the best time to fish in Portugal based on climate, seasonality, and water temperature. Plan your trips wisely and maximize your chances of unforgettable catches!
Fishing in Portugal goes far beyond a simple recreational activity — it’s a deep-rooted tradition that connects the Portuguese people to nature and the country’s rich maritime heritage. With a vast coastline and a great diversity of marine species, Portugal offers incredible opportunities for both beginner and experienced fishermen.
If you're passionate about fishing or thinking about taking your first steps in this activity, knowing the best time to go fishing for each species can make all the difference! In this article, we’ll explore the 2025 fishing calendar, helping you plan your fishing trips and maximize your catches throughout the year.
The Seasonality of Fishing in Portugal
Each species has specific periods of increased activity, influenced by water temperature, food availability, and reproductive cycles. Understanding the fish seasonality allows fishermen to take advantage of natural conditions and increase their chances of catching their target species.
The fishing season in Portugal is open all year round, but certain restrictions apply, which can be found in the “Diário da República”. However, having a good understanding of each species’ behavior throughout the seasons is essential for a successful fishing experience. To make the most of these seasonal patterns, let's explore the best times to go fishing in Portugal.
January to March: Fishing in Cold Waters
As expected, during the first months of the year, water temperatures drop significantly, reducing the activity of fish like sardines and tuna, which migrate to warmer waters during this period. Additionally, deep waters maintain a more stable temperature in winter, pushing these species further away from the coast.
However, this time of year is ideal for fishing white seabream and mackerel, as these species thrive in colder waters and move closer to the shore. If you love fishing in the Algarve, Peniche, or the Tagus Estuary, you can expect frequent visits from sea bass, one of the ocean’s top predators.
Another crucial factor to consider is the tides! In general, low tides often lead to memorable fishing trips. Discover all the secrets of the tides and much more in our article on the best time to fish.
Golden Tips for Winter Fishing:
- Choose sheltered areas, such as bays or protected coves. In these spots, the water is calmer, visibility is better, and both your safety and casting accuracy improve.
- If sea bass is your target, use natural baits like sardines and shrimp, or opt for artificial lures like minnows.
April to June: Spring and the Start of Peak Season
Spring warms the waters and intensifies the activity of species like cuttlefish, white seabream, sea bass, and gilt-head bream, which move closer to the coast in search of food. For those who love cuttlefish fishing, the best time is at dawn or during the night when they are more active and come out to feed. Between the north of Lisbon and the Algarve, you will find the largest concentrations, especially in rocky areas, sandy bottoms, beaches, and estuaries.
Octopus fishing also gains prominence during the mid-season when the species migrates from the depths to coastal areas to feed.
Golden Tips for Spring Fishing:
- Take advantage of calmer waters and high tides along the coast, rocky areas, beaches, and cliffs.
- Use artificial lures, such as vinyls or jigs, to attract migratory species.
- Plan a night fishing trip or go out at dawn for the best chance of catching cuttlefish.
July to September: Summer and a Sea Full of Life
In summer, the waters warm up significantly, intensifying the activity of migratory species like tuna, especially in deeper areas. Sardine fishing is also highly successful during this season, thanks to an increase in plankton, their main food source. If you're a fan of white seabream and gilt-head bream fishing, the coastal areas of the Algarve and the Cascais region remain top destinations.
During the summer, boat fishing gains popularity, especially for those looking to catch large species like tuna and mahi-mahi. Night fishing also stands out as a strategic option, as the cooler temperatures make fish more active.
Golden Tips for Summer Fishing:
- Take advantage of the calm waters for boat fishing.
- Avoid extremely hot days, as high temperatures reduce fish activity due to lower oxygen levels in the water.
October to December: Fall and the Return of Cold Waters
The beginning of fall marks the return of colder waters, drawing back to the coast species that prefer lower temperatures. This season is the best time to fish for bass and white seabream. Alongside this return, during October, fishing activity intensifies along the coastal regions of Alentejo and Costa Vicentina, where mild waters create ideal conditions for fishing.
Just like in spring, fall is an excellent season for octopus fishing. After migrating to deeper waters during summer in search of milder temperatures, the species returns to coastal areas as the waters begin to cool, making them easier to catch.
Golden Tips for Fall Fishing:
- Take advantage of the return of cold waters to fish for sea bass and white seabream.
- Focus on low tides and the early morning hours.
Portugal is a true paradise for fishing enthusiasts, offering an impressive diversity of species and spectacular locations to fish year-round. From deep waters to serene beaches and rocky coastal areas teeming with marine life, the possibilities are endless. The best time to fish depends largely on the species you’re targeting, making each season a unique opportunity for different catches.
Whether you’re looking for deep-sea fishing, the tranquility of the beach, or the challenge of coastal waters, Portugal provides the perfect setting for unforgettable fishing experiences. To make the most out of your fishing trip, it’s essential to plan considering seasonal conditions, and invest in high-quality equipment.