River Ribnik

Description

The river Ribnik is probably the most known Bosnian river nowadays. Despite its small size (only about 5 km), it became a world-famous destination for trout and grayling anglers. It is a spring creek type of river and water quality makes it extremely rich in aquatic insects such as shrimps, mayflies, sedges, and many other invertebrates that are the basic source of food for the grayling and brown trout. The river provides easy access all the way from the springs to where it runs into the river Sana. It is natural that being too popular doesn`t always help. Especially in nature. During the best fishing months such as May & June as well as September, the Ribnik suffers from very high fishing pressure.

Fish Species

Ribnik is inhabited by grayling (Thymallus thymallus) and brown trout(Salmo trutta) of record size. Graylings exceeding 50 cm are caught relatively often. Ribnik is especially rich in wild grayling, which make up 70% of the fish population there. Catching more than 50 fish a day on those two rivers is not a surprise if you are an experienced angler. Ribnik is probably the river with the highest density of wild fish in the Balkans. There are also rainbow trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss) that escape from the fishery situated in the upper part of the river. It is also possible that Huchen can also run into the Ribnik system to spawn.

Type of fishing & equipment

Ribnik is full of fish but that does not mean that they are easy to catch. Angler must be prepared to fish some of the smallest flies in his box because the heavy fishing pressure combined with the gin-clear waters make the fish extremely selective. Size 18 to 24 nymphs and dries in brown and olive colors will be effective in most cases. Any good imitation to match the hatch will always be effective. Sight fishing is one of your best choices if you are targeting a larger specimen. Streamer fishing can also be effective if you are after some record brown trout. There are fish over 80 and even over 90 cm in Ribnik.

Rods from 2 to 5 wt from 7 to 9ft can be used for fishing grayling depending on the technique you are planning to use. For the trout we recommend stronger rods 5 to 8 wt. Very small diameter of tippet must be used for the spooky and ultra-selective grayling -0,10 (7x) will do just fine.

We have selections of flies to match the hatch at the right time 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. Waders, rods, reels, lines, flies, etc. The cost is 10 euro for rod and reel, 15 euro for boots and 20 euro if you need both. The prices are for one day only. Check, the clean, dry regime is followed strictly.

Season and regulations

Fly fishing only. Only one fly is allowed, single barbless hooks only. Fishing is allowed 365 days a year. The best months for fishing trout or grayling you can see in the table below. It all really depends on the weather forecast.

The daily ticket cost 40 euros.

  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