Location
Northwest region of Bosnia and Herzegovina ; 2 hours ahead of GMT.
Spring
225 m above sea level, located on the slopes of the Grmeč massif in the middle of the mountain.
Characteristics
Spring river, 15-20 m wide, average depth of 1-3 m and about 22 km long Sanica river can be described as the typical chalk stream. Danube Basin.
Description
The strong water vegetation offers a hide for a variety of aquatic insects. Therefore the fish population is abundant and consists mainly of grayling and brown trout. The fly fishing zone is 5 km long, but the river provides good fishing throughout the whole stretch. If you are a dry or die guy look no further. Rising fish can be spotted practically at any time. The evening rise can be very impressive, the water starts to boil from rising fish to the point that you can barely see where your fly is. Crystal clear waters of the Sanica river offer another thrill. The thick vegetation that surrounds Sanica`s riverbanks can give you a perfect hide for sight fishing.
Fish Species
European Grayling (Thymallus thymallus) is the most common species in the river. Some fish over 50 cm can be caught but usually, the average size is around 30 cm. Brown trout (Salmo trutta) is also abundant in Sanica waters. There were a couple of periods when large numbers of rainbow trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss) escaped from a fishery situated in the upper part of the river. In the lower stretches, occasional Danube salmon(Hucho hucho) can enter the waters of Sanica from the Sana river but their number is not sufficient and doesn’t make them a target for fishing.
Type of fishing & equipment
Sanica is a dry fly paradise. Rods form 2 to 4 wt from 7 to 9 ft are ideal with a floating line to match.
Small dry flies patterns such as the f fly and small parachute type of flies on hooks 16,18,20 and even 22 and 24 as well as emergers such as shuttle cock pattern on the same hook sizes are some of the preferable dry flies there. An ant patterns can make the day too.
Small nymphs and perdigones can also be deadly and bring good results.
The standard PT and GRHE nymph in small sizes from 16 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.
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Season and regulations
Brown trout- 1.03 to 30.09
Grayling- 1.05 to 30.12
Fly Fishing Only! Catch and Release only! Every caught fish is gently released! Having a net is obligatory! Single barbless hooks only. The daily ticket cost 10 euros.
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Season Top Season
Capacity
Maximum 6 persons per trip.
Safety
Sanica is fairly easy to wade in when the water level is normal.
Sunglasses, hats, sun lotion, mosquito repellent, waterproof clothes, and a wading staff are recommended. We can always provide them, but you might prefer to take your own.
Nearest airports
Zagreb International Airport in Croatia [ZAG] (3 hours drive to the town of Ključ), Sarajevo International Airport in BIH [SJJ] (3 hours and 20 minutes drive to the town of Ključ).
Lodge
The idea of building an eco-center “Oasis of Peace”, located in a quiet valley Sanica was built on the basis of a recognizable brand that has brought this place to his declaration, “the first tourist resort” in the former Yugoslavia. Surrounded by mountain slopes Grmeč, with three natural lakes, two rivers, and numerous mountain streams, Sanica had already been recognized as a place with a unique natural environment.
Eco Centre “Oasis of Peace” has four apartments with 20 beds, each of which is equipped with a kitchenette, TV and SAT TV, bathroom with shower, terraces and fireplace close to them, and a spacious parking area.
The eco-center has an outdoor pool and a kitchen for self-cooking, and grills near the tiny River Trebunj. Eco center has a cafe-restaurant with 80 seats, where guests offer local and international cuisine. The restaurant is located near the pool, which creates an additional atmosphere for lovers of good food and drinks. The true fans of the most beautiful natural surroundings will appreciate the atmosphere at the eco-center. Food is exclusively prepared on the grill including SAC, kettle, grill, and grilled lamb
What Else
Apart from local cultural and eco-tourism Ključ, Old Town is probably the most popular tourist destination in the region. It is really beautiful and well preserved. But, the most amazing thing about this historical complex is the breathtaking view that can be seen from the Old Town. Jajce is another interesting town not that far from Ključ. It has a rich cultural heritage. You can do a full day walk in the beautiful town of Jajce and visit various historical sites, museums and other tourist attractions.
Fishing Gallery
