Location
Northwest region of Bosnia and Herzegovina; 2 hours ahead of GMT.
Spring
358 m above sea level, located on the slopes of Plješivica mountain, near the villages of Donja Suvaja and Donji Lapac, Una`s source is among the deepest river sources in the world.
Characteristics
Spring river, 20-60 m wide, an average depth of 2-5 m, and deep pools that can reach over 10 meters. It flows in the Sava river and the length from its source to the Sava river is around 215 km. Danube Basin.
Description
The Una River is characterised by long canyons, cascades, unique travertine formations, and waterfalls. It is valued as one of the major fly fishing spots in Europe.
The unique combination of its emerald green water and scenic waterfall cascades surrounded by breathtaking natural forests makes Una undoubtedly one of the most beautiful rivers on the old continent. Una`s riverbed is almost untouched by humans and offers the passionate angler variety of fish species to be caught while enjoying jaw-dropping landscapes.
The water temperature varies in relatively narrow margins between 8 °C and 11 °C. That leads to the conclusion that the water spends much time running through the karst underground.
Further downstream, after meeting its tributaries (Unac and Krka), Una becomes even larger. Navigating and fishing by foot around its steep banks can become a challenge even for the most experienced. The most efficient way to fish this stretch of river is by drift boats.
Fish Species
The river Una’s fish population is rich and includes over 26 species of fish. The fish that attract us from a fly fishing point of view are rainbow trout(Oncorhynchus mykiss) and brown trout(Salmo trutta), grayling (Thymallus thymallus), and, of course, the enigmatic for the Balkans- Huchen or Danube salmon(Hucho hucho). The upper part of the river near the town of Martin Brod is a true paradise for rainbow trout fishing and the ideal place for beginner fly fishermen as there are many fairly easy-to-catch rainbows. Many of them escape from the fishery and become semi-wild fish, growing and living most of their lives in the natural environment. Some rainbows exceed 80 cm and are extremely strong fighters. The grayling population has been declining for the last decade or so, but if you know the right place, some good grayling over 45 cm can be targeted. There is a decent population of wild brown trout, but they are a rare catch because of the more competitive rainbows. Huchen on the river Una is largely spread below the natural barriers- the waterfalls in the national park. They vary in size, and the average catch is usually between 70 and 90 cm, but fish well over a meter certainly swim in the emerald blue waters of the one and only Una River. Danube salmons from the Una are often characterized by the many black spots on their skin. The so-called black spot disease causes this, and it can also be seen in fish from the river Krushnica(BIH) and Krka(SLO).
Type of fishing & equipment
Una is a large river, so some stronger tackle is useful in this situation. Rods from 4 to 6 ft and 9 to 10 ft can be used for dry fly and nymph fishing with a line to match. For streamers chasing the big rainbows, you might like to use 7 or even 8 wt rod and some sink tip lines on places as there are some real monsters in those waters. If you like to euro nymph, you can go with a slightly lighter tackle, but I wouldn`t recommend anything below 3wt.
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.
We can provide all the equipment necessary for up to 6 people. Long fishing boots, rods, reels, lines, flies, etc. The cost is 15 euros for the rod and reel, 15 euros for high waterproof boots and 20 euros 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 1.02
In the Martin Brod part of the river, the regulations are as follows:
Fly Fishing Only! Catch and Release only! Every caught fish is gently released! Having a net is obligatory! Single barbless hooks only!
In the lower part of Una around Bosanska Krupa, the regulations and our recommendations are as follows:
Catch and release only! Each fish caught is released gently! We recommend the use of barbless hooks!
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Season Top Season
Capacity
Maximum 6 persons per trip. 1 guide per two anglers.
Safety
The river is very large, and entering its waters can be dangerous, especially for beginner anglers. If fishing is about to be done from a boat, it is strongly recommended that you carry your inflatable life jacket or vest.
Sunglasses, hats, sun lotion, mosquito repellents, waterproof clothes, and a wading staff are recommended. We can always provide them, but you might prefer to take your own.
Nearest airports
Zagreb in Croatia (2 hours and 30 minutes drive to Bosanska Krupa), and Sarajevo in BIH (4 hours and 30 minutes drive to Bosanska Krupa). Banja Luka in BIH (2 hours and 30 minutes drive to Bosanska Krupa).
Lodge
In the upper part of Una in the town of Kulen Vakuf, we use the accommodation of Seosko Domacinstvo Una- Ostrovica. It is a perfectly located guest house on the bank of the river. The hosts are friendly and kind people, and their local food is brilliant.
As for accommodations at the lower stretch of the Una River near Bosanska Krupa, we can offer two bungalows located in a quiet valley near the river Una. The two bungalows have a large, covered terrace with an outdoor kitchen and a large barbecue grill. Both bungalows are equipped with 6 beds (3 separate bedrooms); because of their size, they accommodate larger groups. The bungalows have a shower/toilet, satellite TV, and Wi-Fi access. You can reach the best fishing spots on the Una in a few minutes. Because there is no traffic near the bungalows, they are also suitable for staying with the whole family. The fully equipped kitchens also offer the opportunity for self-catering, and shopping facilities are available nearby.
Gallery – Accommodation Bosanska Krupa
Gallery – Accommodation Kulen Vakuf
What Else
For all those who want to experience peaceful and pleasant recreation or adventurous excursions in the canyon of the Una River, we offer some unforgettable rafting experiences and tailor-made trips to different natural and cultural phenomena in the area. Bihać is only 20 km from Croatia’s most famous national park – Plitvice Lakes National Park, which means you can see two parks in two countries in one day if you are a keen traveller. In addition to all this natural wealth, there’s a fascinating cultural-historical side to Una National Park and its surroundings, from archaeological sites and several fortresses to various religious buildings and medieval towns.
Diving in the river Una to see the wild Huchen up close and personal can also be arranged.
Fishing Gallery
