Two jewels are hidden in the deepest parts of the Balkans. Concealed among mountains and lush forests, we find two magical rivers that seem to have been created by the most imaginative novelist. This project is a collaboration between Focus On The Fly, Bistro Fly Fishing School, and LTG Bosnia Fishing.
Pure and crystal-clear waters, sandy bottoms, and intensely green underwater plants compose the most beautiful painting ever seen and build a magical ecosystem for the abundant brown trout and grayling, and of course, a great variety of insects and hatches. Yes, we present to you the Ribnik and the Pliva, the jewels of Bosnia.
Both rivers flow nearby, but although at first glance they may seem similar and the fish population is incredible in both cases, the fishing is completely different due to the differences in behavior that can be observed among their inhabitants.
The Ribnik is a paradise for those who enjoy sight fishing with dry flies and tiny nymphs. The trout and grayling in this river tend to be active all day long, choosily selecting the menu of the day. However, they are truly selective and demanding with the presentation. As always, following the good advice of our guide, Zeljko Prpic, is key: fishing downstream with extremely long leaders will be essential if we want to succeed.
On the other hand, the Pliva is possibly one of the most beautiful rivers I’ve ever seen in my travels around the world, but it’s also one of the most difficult rivers I’ve fished. It’s the ideal combination if you’re addicted to sight fishing with nymphs and you’re not obsessed with numbers, only with the how and the pleasure of that feeling of fulfillment when you finally manage to catch one of its grayling.
The first time you take a look at this incredible watercourse, you come to think that the fish are suspended in the air. Its waters are crystal clear like no others, and you can quench your thirst with them at any time during the fishing day. However, being able to estimate distances and depths in such a setting is tremendously complicated.
Additionally, you have to be a quick-draw gunslinger. Being able to detect the take in time is fundamental in a river where the fish can swallow and spit out in a thousandth of a second. Even more so if you’re fishing at long range.
Fishing is always more than catching fish, and Bosnia, its people, culture, and landscapes leave a taste in our mouths that will take time to fade. The memories are forever.
If you want to enjoy this experience firsthand, contact Aitor Coterón and his Bistro! Fly Fishing School, and they will inform you of all the details regarding it.