Pilgrimage

In the Footsteps of Ernest Hemingway

Fish for trout on the Rio Irati in Navarre, where the great American writer fished in the 1920s

A literary and fishing pilgrimage

Nearly 100 years after Hemingway's fishing stories in "The Sun Also Rises" (Chapter 11) and "The Dangerous Summer" (Chapter 9), I invite you to fish for trout on the magnificent Rio Irati.

This river, which has its source in France before flowing through Spanish Navarre, is home to trout of Mediterranean origin with colours very different from those of the Basque Nives river system. A day's fishing on the Irati is a truly unique experience.

Available only in May and June (Spanish regulations)
Full day of 8 to 9 hours
Transport from Arnéguy included
Spanish fishing permit provided

Book this experience — €310

Yvon Zill guiding a fisherman on the Rio Irati

Fishing in Hemingway's footsteps

Watch this video to get a feel for a guided day on the Rio Irati. Pristine landscapes, wild trout, and Hemingway's spirit permeating every corner of this valley.

Also read the article by one of my Australian clients: In the Footsteps of Hemingway by Bob Beamish, published in the New South Wales Rod Fishers' Society Journal (2014-2015).

I can also prepare a personalised Rio Irati gift voucher for someone special.

The Novel

"The Sun Also Rises"

Excerpts from Hemingway's novel and photographs of the places described, where I offer to guide you

Roncesvalles monastery

The inn in Burguete where Hemingway stayed

Novel excerpt - Arrival at the Rio Irati

The Rio Irati today — the landscape hasn't changed

The dam described by Hemingway

Novel excerpt - Wine and the cold spring

The cold spring where Hemingway chilled his wine

The cold spring — Hemingway chilled his wine bottles here

Novel excerpt - Trout jumping at the dam

Trout jumping at the dam, just as in Hemingway's time

Detail of Hemingway's text about the Rio Irati

The Rio Irati today

Approximately 40 minutes' drive from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, through the Pass of Roncesvalles (Ibañeta) and the village of Burguete where Hemingway stayed, the Rio Irati still offers exceptional fishing conditions.

The trout of Mediterranean origin that inhabit this river have markings very different from those of the Nives system. A day's fishing on the Irati is a truly unique experience.

For a longer stay, I recommend the Hotel Aribe, located just metres from the river in the village of Aribe — Hemingway's favourite fishing spot. The owners are welcoming and speak English.