The Tormes River cannot supply the population with water during the summer, which is why the Santa Teresa dam was built in 1960.
With a capacity of 496 million cubic metres (402,000 acres), it regulates and secures water supplies in summer and mitigates high flows in winter.
It also has the Villagonzalo dam and the Almendra dam, near the confluence with the River Duero.
Indice De Contenido
Source and course of the river Tormes
The river Tormes is a river belonging to Spain, it has its source in Tormejón, near the city in the Sierra de Gredos, citadel of Avila.
It crosses the cities of Avila and Salamanca and ends at the Duero River, in a place known locally as Ambasaguas, after 284 kilometres (176 miles).
Map of the Tormes River
Key features
- Length: 284 km.
- Average discharge: 42.43 ms³/s.
- Basin area: 7,096 square kilometres (2,740 square miles).
- Country crossed: Spain.
- Mouth: The Duero at Fermoselle.
Fishing in the Tormes
One of the best rivers in the region is the River Tormes, whose waters are home to excellent populations of native brown trout (see article: River Nora).
In its upper reaches, in the province of Ávila, the Tormes is a classic limestone river, with crystal-clear water flowing swiftly over rocks, bedrock and gravel, alternating with large pools, runs and rapids.
Further downstream, in the province of Salamanca, the river’s flow is controlled by the Santa Teresa dam (see article: Río Manu).
Here the Tormes becomes a wide, dark-bottomed river with large flats where the average trout size is around 14 to 16 inches, with many larger fish present.
It is perhaps one of the best rivers in Spain for big trout on flies. Another interesting option offered by this river is the possibility of catching big taimen or huchen on streamers.
These fish were introduced in 1968 and are regularly stocked in the Villagonzalo beat.
Other options for day trips from Madrid include the Tajo, Gallo or Sartenilla rivers in Guadalajara, and the Jucar and Cabriel rivers in Cuenca.
In the Madrid region itself, there are also opportunities for guided trips to brown trout waters.
All trips are led by experienced local guides, some of whom have competed in the Spanish National Fly Fishing Team, and most of whom speak English.
If you need accommodation and other travel services, there are several full service travel agencies in the area that can cater for all your travel needs.
The travel agents will arrange your fishing permit and licence, equipment hire, all flies and tackle.
Lunch packs and all transfers. All you have to do is tell them where and when to pick you up.
Rafting on the Tormes River
Enjoy the Rio Tormes from a unique canoe trip. We leave from Ledesma and you will cover a total of 5 kilometres, which will take you all the way.
The activity lasts about 2 hours, including a briefing on safety and management (see article: Río Cea).
You will use sit-on-top kayaks for 2 adults and 1 child under 10 years old. The activity is carried out with a life jacket and helmet, so even if you are not a good swimmer, there is no risk.
The section we will do will be next to Ledesma, passing under its bridges and arriving at a small beach where the “challenge” of the route awaits us.
Here we can discover its rich historical heritage, with some different and unique views of the region, as well as the incredible and totally natural landscape, made up of a great variety of autochthonous flora.
On some occasions, if we are lucky, we can enjoy the sightings of the diversity of fauna present in the region, such as herons, birds of prey, etc.
The Tormes River in Salamanca
At the gates of the monumental city of Salamanca, one of the most prosperous inland tourist destinations, both nationally and internationally.
Balneario de Ledesma is located in a scenic landscape rich in history, a gateway to vast expanses of Castilian and Portuguese territory, full of nature, jewels and heritage treasures.
We strongly recommend a city break in Salamanca, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1218.
A modern city with an outstanding historical and artistic heritage, including the Cathedral, the Plaza Mayor and the Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum in Casa Lis.