Fishing in Slovenia: Clean water, full of life

The clear waters are home to several species of freshwater fish. Sport fishermen will be most interested in the marble trout, brown trout, grayling, rainbow trout, Danube salmon and carp. If you add to this relaxing by the rapids, deep pools, wild gorges and landscapes that gird the rivers and lakes, then you know you are in fishing heaven.

Fishing rivers and lakes

Slovenia is crisscrossed with rivers and lakes both large and small. Slovenia’s rivers are part of the Adriatic and Danube watersheds. The queen of the fishing rivers in the Adriatic catchment area is the Soča, which is home to marble trout and grayling. The main fishing river in the Danube watershed is the Sava, Slovenia’s longest river, which is a popular fishing site. The Danube salmon is the river’s primary fish.

Fishing is also possible in the numerous bodies of standing water. Perhaps the most attractive are Slovenia’s two largest glacial lakes – Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled. You can also enjoy the peaceful environment of Slovenia’s largest intermittent lake, Lake Cerknica, which is home to pike and tench. Šmartinsko Lake near Celje is a fishing treasure, and primarily features carp. There is also a lot of fishing to be had in the many other lakes and in the smaller man-made ponds.

Different types of fishing

In Slovenia, you can engage in all forms of freshwater sport fishing: fly fishing, spinning, float fishing and trolling. Fly fishing on Slovenia’s clear rivers and lakes offers you the joy of being outdoors, peace and quiet and the excitement of looking for fish. Fly fishing in Slovenia has a history dating back more than 100 years. In some places, for instance on the Soča, it is the only type of fishing permitted. In addition to the Soča, the best fly-fishing spots in Slovenia can be found on the Sava Bohinjka, Krka, Unica and Radovna rivers. Besides fly fishing, the catch and release technique is becoming more and more popular in Slovenia.