Explore the Top 6 Fly Fishing Rivers in Croatia, complete with the best information and included maps:

 

RIVER KUPA

The Kupa River is considered the most famous and beautiful river in Croatia. Part of its course is shared with Slovenia, its neighboring country. This karstic river with limestone materials originates near the Risnjak National Park in the Gorski Kotar county.

The Goran Fishing Club from Brod na Kupi manages its waters, where anglers can catch brown trout, rainbow trout, Danubian salmon, and especially grayling – a native fish with exceptional populations.

The key factors contributing to the thriving populations of trout and grayling in this river are as follows:

Absence of pollution: There are no population centers along its course.

Abundant food supply: Basic pH limestone rivers harbor numerous insects in their waters.

Numerous tributary springs maintaining a constant, cold temperature and consequently well-oxygenated water.

This river is also known for its incredibly clear waters, ideal for sight fishing.

Season:

• Brown trout: April 1st — September 30th.
• Grayling: April 1st — October 15th.
• Danubian salmon: October 1st — February 15th.

Permit Price: €40/day.

Species: Brown Trout, Grayling, and Danubian Salmon.

Use of barbed flies: Not allowed.

Number of rods: 1 per angler.

Permitted fishing type: Single fly on the line; the use of two flies is not allowed:

Waters below Brod Na Kupi: streamer, nymph, and dry fly. Two trout over 30 cm can be caught between April 1st and September 30th.

Waters above Brod Na Kupi: streamer, nymph, and dry fly. All catch and release.

Location Map:

 

 

RIVER KUPICA

The Kupica River originates near the town of Brod Na Kupi and stretches a mere five kilometers in length. In the middle of its course, there is a hydroelectric power plant that releases cold water from the mountains.

The river can be divided into two sections:

• Downstream of the power plant: This stretch has the highest flow and boasts a robust population of grayling. However, it faces greater fishing pressure due to its accessibility.
• Upstream of the power plant: This is a wild river meandering through a lush forest. It’s a small river with charming pools accessible only to local guides.

The river is known for hosting a multitude of grayling ranging from 30 to 40 cm in size, along with brown trout and Danubian salmon. Like the Kupa River, this section is managed by the Goran Fishing Club from Brod na Kupi. The fishing regulations for this section are stringent, allowing only a single dry fly imitation, with nymph fishing prohibited.

Season: May 16th to October 16th.

Permit Price: €40/day.

Species: Brown Trout and Grayling.

Use of barbed flies: Not allowed.

Number of rods: 1 per angler.

Permitted fishing type: DRY FLY ONLY. Only a single dry fly can be used on the line.

Location Map: 

 

 

CURAK STREAM

Curak is a small stream located very close to our Brod Na Kupi lodge. This river originates from a spring called «Remolino Verde – Zeleni vir.»

Fishing in the Curak stream is like stepping into a fairy forest. A river adorned with lush riparian vegetation, where mysterious trees with unique shapes and twisted branches can be found. The ground is covered with dry leaves and moss, and the air is filled with the sounds of birds and other forest-dwelling creatures. It is a tranquil and beautiful place, full of life and natural beauty—an ideal haven for anglers seeking solitude by the river.

This small-sized river is home to grayling and brown trout.

Season: May 16th to October 16th.

Permit Price: €40/day.

Species: Brown Trout and Grayling.

Use of barbed flies: Not allowed.

Number of rods: 1 per angler.

Permitted fishing type: Use of streamer, nymph, and dry fly. Only a single fly can be used on the line.

Location Map:

GACKA RIVER

The Gacka River is located in the central part of the country, within the plain that bears its name. The nearest town to the fishing area is Otočac, situated halfway between Brinje and Prusic. This river is distinctive because part of its course is an underground river.

Its flow resembles the typical English chalk streams. It’s a plain river with abundant aquatic vegetation, slow-flowing basic pH waters that meander through fields with sparse vegetation. Anglers often fish from the banks due to the slow current.

Thanks to the abundant food in its waters, the Gacka River yields large common trout, rainbow trout, and occasional grayling.

The fishing zones along the river are divided into four areas:

• Area A: Fly fishing only.
• Area B: Fly fishing and spinning.
• Area C: Catch and release.
• Area D: Danubian salmon (Grayling).

The trout fishing season in the Gacka River runs from March 1st to October 31st, while the Grayling season begins on May 15th and ends on December 31st.

Season:

• Trout in the Gacka River and its tributaries: March 1st – October 31st.
• Grayling fishing season (Tonković Spring – Church of St. Franjo): May 15th – December 31st.

Fishing is prohibited in the Karlo Canal (Otočac) from the Vivoze Bridge to the Poljica Tunnel.

Permit Price: €34/day.

Species: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Grayling.

Use of barbed flies: Yes.

Permitted fishing type: Use of streamer, nymph, and dry fly. Strike indicators are prohibited, and adding weight to the line with lead or other materials is not allowed.

Location Map:

SLUNJČICA RIVER

Rastoke is a small town through which the Slunjčica River flows, located very close to the Plitvice Lakes National Park, just 1 hour and 40 minutes from our hotel in Brod Na Kupi.

This area is renowned for its waterfalls, riverside structures, and ecological and ethnographic significance. In this idyllic setting, the Slunjčica River flows until it joins the Korana River.

It is highly recommended to enjoy fishing for brown trout and grayling amidst waterfalls and crystal-clear waters. After fishing, a brief cultural visit is worthwhile, as the location is truly worth exploring.

In addition to the Slunjčica River, you can also fish in the Korana, Mrežnica, and Glina rivers, managed by the Slunjčica Sports Fishing Association.

Season: March 1st to December 31st.

Permit Price: €20/day.

Species: Brown Trout and Grayling.

Use of barbed flies: Yes.

Permitted fishing type: Use of streamer, nymph, and dry fly. Strike indicators are prohibited, and adding weight to the line with lead or other materials is not allowed.

Location Map:

KAMAČNIK STREAM

The Kamačnik River is a tributary on the right bank of the Dobra River, spanning over 3 kilometers in length. It is a tiny stream that meanders through a limestone canyon, surrounded by a beautiful forest with wooden walkways.

Fishing in this location requires a technical approach, as the trout are small in size. Typically, dry fly or a small tandem rig with 9 or 8.6-foot rods are used. Only brown trout inhabit these waters.

The management of fishing activities in this river falls under the «SRD Kamačnik» fishing club.

Season:  May 16th to October 16th.

Permit Price: €20/day.

Species: Brown Trout and Grayling.

Use of barbed flies: Yes.

Permitted fishing type: Use of streamer, nymph, and dry fly.

Location Map: