Bulgaria

Fish Species

In Bulgaria, Brown trout (Salmo trutta) is the most common species targeted by fly fishermen. Large specimens exceeding 70+ cm in length have been caught regularly.  Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) is also present in the country. There is not much, but Grayling (Thymallus thymallus) is also present in few rivers but can not be considered a target for fly fishing. 

Other fish species, such as pike, zander, perch, catfish, chub, barbel, asp, nase, and carp, can also be caught on a fly in Bulgaria, but this article will focus on the trout waters in the country.

Season and regulations 

The trout season in Bulgaria opens on the 1st of February and ends on the 30th of September.

Tiny blue lines…

The first fish I caught was on a small stream near my house, which I called a river back then. I feel connected to that stream, as every fly fisherman is connected to the water where he caught his first fish. Norman McLean has written much more about this connection between man and river so that I won’t retell the story.

Bulgaria is a mountain country with plenty of small rivers and streams, like a web of tiny blue lines on the map. Almost in each one of these streams, wild brown trout have been swimming for years, primarily native fish with pure genotype. The brownies in these streams are not too big, but one should always expect a surprise. The average size is up to 25 cm, but everyone who loves to fish in this kind of water will appreciate every fish, no matter the size. Often, these streams are desolate, even extreme, which makes fly fishing so adventurous. I am sure there are places where no man has set foot for years. Once, a friend and I fished on a stream 2300 m above sea level. We used GPS to navigate and the river bank was overgrown with massive coniferous bushes. It was extremely hard to pass through, but it was worth it because not many would get a chance to fish in such virgin waters. We caught wild brownies that survived in those hostile conditions and coped with the nutrient deficiency during the winter. That is much more satisfying for me than any stocked fish caught in a fishery.

If you are driving through Bulgaria, I am sure you will come across innumerable tiny streams, most of which you can fish for wild brownies. That’s how I have found more than one place suitable for fishing. I choose a tiny blue line on the map, I then go there and fish it. I have always had unforgettable moments because it is exciting when you are on the bank of an unknown river, and you don’t know much about life there; then you need to befriend the river and its inhabitants – the trout.

Middle-sized rivers.

I am writing middle-sized because I don’t think Bulgaria has big trout rivers. Vucha is probably one of our biggest trout rivers, but three dams have been built on it. I regret to say that probably the most beautiful trout river in Bulgaria, upper Vucha, has vanished from the map and is now a big dam—sad but true.

The rivers in Bulgaria flow into the Black and Aegean seas. The middle-sized rivers are quite a few. Their sources are Pirin, Rila, Rhodopi, Vitosha, and the Balkan mountains. One of the most significant rivers is Iskar, which springs from Vitosha mountain and is 368 km long. Brown trout inhabits most of its feeders and its upper current. Another river suitable for fly fishing is the Struma, 290 km long. The population of brown trout in this beautiful river has increased rapidly during the past few years, and nowadays, it is one of the most prospective fishing places in Bulgaria. Rainbow trout can also be caught in these waters, but they are less in numbers. They have built a vast dam named Tzankov Kamak on the upper Vucha River, which was undoubtedly the most picturesque trout river in the country.

Some of the most amazing rivers pass across Rhodopi Mountain. Such rivers are Devinska and Trigradska. These two rivers merge to form the river Vucha. Years ago, the population of wild brown trout used to be incredibly large, but nowadays, their numbers are dwindling. Nevertheless, you can still have a good day on the river if you get to know its waters. Arda, Kanina, and Iugovska rivers are also suitable for fly-fishing in this region. The Rhodope is a gorgeous mountain in which rivers and springs are not a rare sight. You can choose one on the map and visit it.

In the Balkan Mountains, many middle-sized rivers are inhabited by brown trout. The ones I love visiting most are Beli Vit, Cherni Vit, and Vidima. The average size of fish in those rivers is not too big, but their quantity is higher. In the upper current of the river Tundja, I have also caught brownies during the last two years, but they are stocked. River Eleshnica and River Vidima also have a lot of fish and are perfect for dry fly-fishing during the summer.

There are also some good rivers in Rila Mountain. One of my favourites is the Rilska, which is 51 km long and has trout all its length. It is one of those rivers where you can just sit on the bank and watch the flowing water and the surrounding landscape.

Two other trout rivers worth mentioning are Erma and Dragovishtica. Located in the western part of Bulgaria and very close to the border with Serbia, these two rivers are beautiful fly-fishing sites. The trout in their waters are beautifully coloured and called Macedonian trout (Salmo macedonicus).

Tail waters.

The best fly fishing in the country is done below the numerous Dams. Because of the constant temperatures and the abundance of food, tailwaters are excellent habitats for brown and rainbow trout, and they grow fast there and reach impressive sizes. Such rivers are Iskar below the Iskar Dam, Tundja below the Dam of Jrebcevo, Vucha Below the Dam of Krichim, Ogosta below the Dam of Ogosta, Topolnica below the Dam of Topolnica and almost every other tailwater in the country. In the last decade, in most of those places, catch and release regulations apply. and although they are not always the most scenic places for fly fishing, there are plenty of fish to be caught with a fly rod as well as some record specimens.

Limestone streams.

Limestone streams in Bulgaria are among the most beautiful rivers and are most frequently visited by fly fishermen. Unfortunately, they are just too few. The two most famous ones are Zlatna Panega and the river Iskrecka. Zlatna Panega is the biggest one, and due to its proximity to the capital, Sofia, which is about 80km away, is more attractive. That is one of my favourite rivers, and I have spent a significant part of my life there. Several years ago, an endemic trout species called Panezka trout was found in that river. This species is presently considered extinct. But many people, including me, still believe this species can be found near the river’s source because it is almost impossible to fish, and something like a lake is formed there. The river is inhabited by brown and rainbow trout, and record-sized fish are caught there. Insects and other food resources are abundant in the river’s area. Zlatna Panega is a river that never “sleeps” and it is always interesting to fish it. Recently, some grayling was stocked there, and it’s sporadic, but it’s still possible to catch one nowadays.

The other Limestone River is also close to the capital and is an often visited fly-fishing site. Its natural surroundings are wonderful. Although it is smaller than Zlatna Panega, its water still has enough brown and rainbow trout. Fishing clubs stock the river yearly, which helps maintain the quantity of fish.

Bulgaria has three more limestone-type rivers worth visiting: one in Rhodopi Mountain, one close to the border with Serbia named Nisava and the onother one near Razlog.

High mountain lakes.

There are hundreds of lakes in Bulgaria. Most of them are small. The most suitable lakes for trout fishing are in Rila and Pirin mountains. During the last 2 decades, I have visited some of them every year. I think the lakes in those mountains are the most beautiful places in Bulgaria to go fishing. That’s why I spent any time possible there during the summer. They are found 2000m above sea level, and almost half the year, they are covered with ice. Nevertheless, most of them are inhabited by brown trout and brook trout. Some of the most renowned and most frequently visited lakes in the Pirin are Popovo Lake, Vasilashki Lakes, Valiavishki Lakes, Bezboshko Lake, Kremenski Lakes, Vlahini Lakes, and Tevno Lake –one of the highest lakes on the Balkan peninsula, 2512 meters above the sea level.

The biggest high-mountain glacial lake on the Balkan Peninsula is Smradlivoto Lake in Rila Mountain. Other famous lakes in Rila Mountain are the Seven Rila Lakes, Maliovishki Lakes, and Ribni Lakes.

Rila and Pirin are among the most beautiful mountains in Eastern Europe, and in my opinion, the high mountain lakes in them are in no way inferior to those in France and Scotland. The fish in their waters reach enormous sizes but are challenging to catch because of the gin clear waters. Sometimes, the bottom can be seen at 5 meters depth. Fishing in those lakes is a real challenge for the fly fisher who seeks something rare and different.

With this short and modest article, I hope I captured the readers’ attention. I believe it has been a pleasure for you to learn more about one country that is not so famous for its flyfishing, which, in its nature, is not inferior to any European country and is unique. Bulgaria has ancient traditions and history, and flyfishing is becoming increasingly popular. I am sure many foreign colleagues will glance at Bulgaria because there is so much to see in such a small territory!

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