River Sana

Description

After about 17 km from its springs, the Sana meets with its first major tributary, the well-known Ribnik river. The area surrounding the confluence of the two rivers is called Ribnik and is divided between two settlements, Gornji and Donji Ribnik. There is a “Fly fishing Only” stretch in the upper part of Sana which belongs to the LTG Company. 

From Ribnik, the Sana runs through a valley in the south to north-northwestern direction as it reaches the historic town of Ključ. This is where the middle course of the river starts. Not that far from Ključ on the riverbank of Sana is located Hotel Kraljevac. For this part of the river, the “Fly fishing Only” zone starts from the hotel and spans for the next 8 kilometers. Spinning fishing is permitted in other river sections that still hold good fish populations. 

Fishing inspectors along with local guides and anglers put a lot of effort and help to protect the wild fish population. Thanks to their efforts Sana river has become a top fly fishing destination. An example of how a well-maintained river stretch can become a worldwide fly fishing destination!

Riverbed consists of deep pools where you can look for Hucho followed by wide shallow sections, with a width ranging from 10 to 30 meters. 

Sana`s river tributaries Ribnik and Sanica are not that far from Ključ and are suitable for day trips. Both rivers are spring-fed and offer excellent fishing and are worth considering! 

Fish Species

This river stretch holds a very good wild population of Danube Salmon (Hucho hucho) and is a supreme destination for the keen Huchen anglers. There is also large wild graylings (Thymallus thymallus), and brown trout (Salmo trutta). It also holds a good amount of nase (Chondrostoma nasus) and some large chubs (Squalius cephalus). It is the perfect river for what we call the “Balkan Grand Slam”.

Type of fishing & equipment

The upper part of the river from the very spring to the end of the LTG section is ideal for dry fly and nymph fishing. 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. 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.

For Huchen fishing you need 9 to 12 wt rods single or double handers depending on your own preference. Floating to superfast sink tip lines can be used depending on the situation. I suggest you read my article about Hucho fishing in the Balkans where you will find good advice on Danube salmon tackle and fishing strategy.

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

Brown trout- 1.03 to 30.10

Grayling- 1.03 to 30.10

Huchen- 1.06 to 31.12

In the LTG Part: Fly Fishing Only! Catch and Release only! Every caught fish is gently released! Having a net is obligatory! Single barbless hooks only!

In the Zmajevac Stretch: Fly Fishing Only (only for Huchen spinning is allowed)! Catch and Release only! Every caught fish is gently released! Having a net is obligatory! Single barbless hooks only!

  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