Fly fishing in Bosnia has grown in popularity since the 1990s. The well-maintained, clear waters attract fisherfolk from all over the world. There are rivers to suit every fly fishing skill level, from beginner waters to challenging for even the most seasoned fisherman. Booking a hire car will allow you to get the most from your fly fishing itinerary and travel between rivers. Visit from March when fishing season begins.
Take a look at our guide and then read more on Bosnia.
Photo by: SolisImages/Fotolia
Why Bosnia?
The chalkstream and limestone rivers are well-maintained which leads to some fantastic catches.
There is no national rod license so daily licenses must be purchased, sometimes months in advance as certain rivers have fishing limitations placed on them. Licenses should be organised through the society maintaining the river, or through a local fishing organisation.
All river bodies are controlled and strict penalties are in place for fishermen that break the rules.
Revirs are stretches of river dedicated to fly fishing. These can also be high quality fishing spots that are better stocked and maintained.
Grayling and brown trout are common catches. It’s normal for a catch and release policy to be in place for these fish. It may be possible, depending on the river, to take 1 rainbow trout. Be aware though of the policies for the particular river you are fishing in as penalties for killing a grayling, brown trout, extra rainbow trout, or undersized fish are high.
The 16th European Fly Fishing Championships were held in Bosnia. 2,976 trout and grayling were counted among the catches.
The best fly fishing waters can be found in the Krajina, particularly Bosanka Krajina where there’s an abundance of revirs, English speaking guides, angling lodges and accommodation.
The rivers
Sana – Find trout, grayling, chub, dace and huchen (also known as Danube salmon and Hucho Hucho) lurking in the many rapids and deep pools of the Sana river. Another wide and powerful river, fly fishing beginners may wish to start elsewhere. Note that if you’re trying to catch Hucho Hucho, a guide or the River Guard will need to be present, as the species is endangered.
Sanica – As deep as 4m and a width ranging from 10-25m, grayling, brown trout, pike, and huchen frequent the waters. This medium-sized mountain river is a tributary of Sana River and can be accessed near Kljuc.
Una – For a daily license fee of €21, you could catch brown and rainbow trout, grayling, and Hucho Hucho. Located near Kulen Vakuf and Martin Brod.
Pliva – A challenge for many, the waters are wide and powerful. Access this 6km river from Siporo. Be prepared with leaders over 5m long to catch grayling and trout.
Pliva waterfall. Photo by: NoraDoa/Fotolia
Find a guide and accommodation
The LTG Company controls several rivers in Bosnia including Pliva and Ribnik. Start with them if you’d like to fly fish in either of these rivers.
For tackling the Sana River, there is the nearby Sanica Revir and Zmajevac Revir. A €23 license will allow you to fish both. Stay at Oaza Mira.
The Fly Fishing Delta Agency can put together a fly fishing package for fisherfolk of all abilities.
Fly Fishing in Bosnia also offer a variety of logistics services including arranging accommodation and guides.
Book your own fly fishing in Bosnia trip
If you enjoy fishing, then fly fishing in Bosnia should definitely be on your to-do list. Combine a relaxing pursuit with visiting some of the more popular tourist hotspots in your hire car.
Do you go fly fishing in your spare time? What tips would you share with others who want to take up the hobby? Have you already been fly fishing in Bosnia? What was the experience like for you? Let us know in the comments!
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Written by Jessica Juby.
