The region of Góis has three main trout rivers: the Ceira, the Sotão and the Sinhel. The biggest of these is the river Ceira, its crystal-clear waters flowing from its source high in the mountains, down the valley, until it finally slows and deepens by historic mill-weirs as the river approaches Góis.

The river offers very diverse fishing in some of Portugal’s most beautiful and tranquil scenery, where you are still likely to see kingfishers and even otters.

The Sotão is a small mountain river, whose waters originate in the majestic Pena de Góis, To the west, the Rio de Pena, that flows through the xisto village of Pena, and to the east the Ribeira do Loureiro, coming together at Ponte de Sotão. At this point the Sotão flows north down a glacial valley, finally joining the river Ceira at the gorge of Candosa. The river is known for its abundant wild trout, that swim around the smooth, glaciated boulders.

The Sinhel, originating on the south face of the Pena de Góis, twists its way down the valley over boulders and gravely stream beds, providing spawning grounds for the trout found in the lower sections of the river. The river flows through the village of Alvares to the south, joining the Rio Unhais which is dammed, providing deep, wide water which may account for the size of the fish to be found in the river.

The fish of the region are as diverse as the rivers. The gravel riverbeds which are abundant in the region are ideal for the spawning of many fish species, particularly trout. Some of the sections of river are stocked with trout, and these sections are strictly permit-only, and operate on a catch-and –release system.
Many of the freshwater fish species to be found in the Iberian Peninsula are not found in the rest of Europe. This is because the mountains of the Pyrannees have provided a physical barrier, isolating Spain and Portugal and causing species to develop separately from fish species elsewhere in Europe.

European eel ( Anguilla anguilla ) Enguia

Predominantly nocturnal, the eel is found mainly in still water, and is not restricted to rivers and streams. It can travel overland and be found in small pools. The young eels travel up the main rivers in late autumn, and remain in the rivers for several years until they are large enough to return to the Sargasso sea where they spawn.

Iberian Barbel ( Barbus bocagei ) Barbo

Slender bottom-dwelling fish, these can be found in large numbers, between April and July, when the fish swim upstream to spawn. The fish is found in fast-flowing rivers. It is a very strong fish when hooked. The Iberian barbel is slightly different in appearance from the northern European barbel, the colour tending towards dark olive, rather than gold. The natural diet of the fish includes aquatic invertebrates, small fish and plant material.

Iberian Nase ( Chondrostoma polylepis ) Boga

The Iberian nase can be identified by its prominent snout and thick upper lip. It is found in fast-flowing rivers, migrating upstream to shallower tributaries to breed. In colour the fish is grey to greenish, with a yellowish underbelly and reddish fins.

This is a large, majestic fish, common throughout Europe in slow-flowing rivers and lakes, where it can grow to a very great size. It is found in the Góis region in slow-flowing sections of rivers, particularly above mill-weirs. The common carp can be seen in early spring, gathering to spawn in shallow waters. It has a varied diet, including aquatic plants and invertebrates.

This is a large predatory game fish, introduced from North America, related to the North American sunfish. It is unlikely to be confused with any other fish in the Góis region. The appearance is green in colour, with a spiny dorsal fin. It is found in still to slow-flowing water, and is particularly fond of overhanging riverbanks and tree roots. The natural diet of the largemouth bass includes crustaceans, fish and amphibians, and it occasionally takes fish that the angler is reeling in!

Originally introduced from North America as both a sports fish and for fish farming, the rainbow trout has done well, spreading throughout Europe. It is a superb angling fish, growing to a large size, and is re-stocked annually to provide an excellent sports fishery. Its diet is similar to that of the native brown trout. The rainbow trout lacks the distinctive large spots of the native trout, and has a tendency to a pink colouration along the lateral line.

Calandino roach ( Rutilus alburnoides ) Bordalo

The calandino is a small Iberian roach. It is a schooling fish, with large silver scales and pink fins. It is found in the lower reaches and slower sections of the river. The calandino is bottom-feeding, mainly invertebrates.

Brown trout ( Salmo trutta ) Truta-de-rio ou Truta-fário

King of the mountain rivers, the native European trout is related to the salmon and can travel between fresh and salt water, spawning in the upper reaches of the rivers. In the Góis region the fish remain mainly in fresh water, and provide some of the most exciting angling experience. Mainly feeding on invertebrates and other fish, the brown trout can be seen jumping to take flies. The fish can be identified by defined spots along its body.