The upper Cardener runs through the pre-Pyrenean ranges north of Solsona — limestone and conglomerate country, alkaline water, productive in hatches when the temperature is right, and technically demanding in the hard Mediterranean summer light when the fish have seen everything. The trout reach is concentrated above the Llosa del Cavall reservoir, where the river runs freestone through scrubby oak. Wild brown trout in the managed sections, selective as any limestone-water fish tends to be in low clear water. Fish it in the morning or evening and give the midday hours to something else.

• Mixed