River Neretva

Description

The River Neretva is the largest river in the Eastern-Adriatic basin. Neretva is a unique jewel of global nature. The river has been witness to many events, among which the fourth offensive of Nazi Germany and its satellites against the Yugoslav partisans in 1943, also known as the Battle at Neretva or as the German operation codenamed “Fall Weiss”, as well as the very recent fighting in the Yugoslav wars. Now it is a safe and peaceful place that offers the passionate fly fisherman such a great variety of species to be caught in one of the most beautiful waters in Europe. The river is really cold around 7-8 degrees C (all year round). The unique characteristics of its water, as yet unknown to scientists, despite all funds invested in studying it during the last few years, have made it and preserved it as the home of three different freshwater relics of the Salmonidae family, some of which may have outlived the last ice age.

Fish Species

From the springs situated in the Republic of Serbia to its estuary in the Adriatic Sea, Neretva, together with several of its tributaries and specific marshes, is home to the Neretva Softmouth Trout (Salmo obtusirostris), the so-called Zubatak (Salmo Dentex) and the other endemic salmonid fish of Neretva, carried from Neretva in the XX-th century to some Slovenian rivers – Glavatitsata (Salmo marmoratus – Marmorata / Marble trout) – after which the Village of Glavatichevo is named. Normal brown trout (Salmo trutta) and European Grayling (Thymallus thymallus) are also presented in Neretva`s waters.

Type of fishing & equipment

Fly fishing area is 4 km long, located in Glavaticevo only a 30-minute drive from M-17 road and some 80-minute drive from Sarajevo Airport.

Neretva is a river where you can practice literally any method known to the fly fishing world. Dry fly fishing is best during the evenings until absolute dark and after. Nymph fishing is better during the day. French nymphing can also be very effective. Spin fishing is also allowed in places. Rods from 2 to 5 weight from 8 to 10 feet will do perfectly for fishing the species of trout and grayling in the river. A floating line to match the rod is essential. Tippets from 0,14 to 0,10 are preferable.

Small dry flies patterns such as the f fly and small parachute Adams on hooks 14,16,18 as well as emergers as shuttle cock pattern on the same hook sizes are some of the preferable dry flies there. The standard PT and GRHE nymph in small sizes from 12 to 20 are also working great like anywhere else in the world. Stripped peacock quill nymphs also work great during the summer months. Copper is the preferable color of the bead.

We have large selections of flies to match the hatch throughout the whole season and the fly tying equipment is always ready on the desk so we guarantee to provide you with the flies for the very moment if necessary.

All the equipment necessary for up to 6 persons can be provided by us. Long fishing boots, rods, reels, lines, flies, etc. The cost is 15 euro for rod and reel, 15 euro for high waterproof boots and 20 euro if you need both. The prices are for one day only. The Check-clean-dry regime is followed strictly.

Season and regulations

The fishing season on the Neretva River is opened on April 1 and closed on November 1 each year. Only one fly is allowed, single barbless hooks only. The best Season starts in June and ends in September. For dry fly fishing prime time is after middle of July until end of September. Daily ticket cost 25 euro.

  Season    Top Season

Please do not hesitate to contact us for tailor-made trip planning and rates, as well as other information required.

Fly Fishing Destination in Bosnia