Location
Northwestern region of Slovenia; 2 hours ahead of GMT.
Spring
An Alpine river in character, its source lies in the Trenta Valley in the Julian Alps at an elevation of 876 meters.
Characteristics
Alpine river, 10-20 m wide, average depth varies from 0.5 to 7 m. Leight: 138 kilometers. Soča is a tributary of the Sava river.
Description
Soča is a genuinely remarkable river, famed by the Slovenian people as the pearl of the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park. Its emerald waters are like no other. The colour comes from tiny particles of bedrock suspended in the water, which reflect more green and blue when hit by the light. Since the whole Soča Valley region is mainly from limestone and marl deposits, the colour remains almost the same for the entire length. Soča emerges onto the surface as a karst spring inside Triglav National Park; then, it quickly gains power from the many mountain streams that join the river. Parts of the Soča are not that accessible because it flows through numerous deep and unfishable gorges surrounded by mountain peaks that often reach altitudes of over 2000 meters. The upper part of the river has a truly alpine character with lots of rapids, small waterfalls, wide shallow parts and huge boulders which form deep pools. Soča river is divided into sections, each managed by different fishing clubs.
Trips Information
Capacity
Maximum 6 persons per trip.
Safety
Sunglasses, hats, sun lotion, mosquito repellent, waterproof clothes and wading staff are recommended. We always provide them, but you might prefer to take your own.
Nearest airports
Ljubljana Airport in Slovenia (1 hour and 40 minutes drive to the town of Tolmin). Venice Marco Polo Airport in Italy (2 hours drive to the town of Tolmin)
Fish Species
The Soča River is populated by indigenous Marble trout (Salmo marmoratus), Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Grayling (Thymallus thymallus), of which the most valuable species is the marble trout. Marmorata, as locals call it, is one of the largest fish species in the trout family. All eight remaining genetically pure marble trout populations were found in remote streams of the Soča River basin. Soča also holds the world record catch of marble trout. It was caught by an Italian angler with a fly rod and reel, measuring 120 cm. in length and weight of 22.5 kg.
Type of fishing & equipment
Rods and Lines
The Marble trout is the biggest representative of the trout family, so we have to be prepared with strong and reliable tackle to have our chances to land a dream fish. 5 and 6 wt rods from 9 to 10 ft are recommended for dry fly and nymph fishing. When we want to chase marbles with a streamer, then a higher AFTMA from 8 to 10 is recommended for single-handed rods. 6 to 8 wt trout spey can also do an excellent job and help you keep your distance from those spooky fish. Floating lines are essential for the dry fly and nymph fishing. We often use sink tip lines and triple-density sinking shooting heads regarding streamers.
For the grayling fishing rods, from 3 to 5 wt will do perfectly.
Flies
In most situations, the good old pheasant tail nymph works excellently with 3 to 4-mm silver beads. The marbles really prefer the nymphs’ natural colours, mostly imitating the nymphs of the Blue-winged Olives hatching at the beginning of the season.
Many good dry flies tied as mergers of the BWO or parachute style are always a good choice for the rising marbles. The famous Branko Killer pattern is a must-have, and you will have the unique opportunity to buy it from its creator and hear his story.
Sculpin imitations are always a good choice as they are a big marble favourite food choice. Other bigger streamers in olive, white and grey colours up to 16cm in length can be successfully used.
Tactic and Strategy
Long leaders up to 18 ft are essential when dry fly fishing. Different nymph fishing strategies can be used. Some European-style techniques can also be extremely effective for marble trout and also be used for heavier jig streamers.
Regarding streamers, perhaps the short shooting heads used with a trout spey rod with different sinking rates can work excellently.
Season and regulations
Fly Fishing is only allowed.
Single Barbless Hooks.
We recommend Catch & Release practice, but if a catch and kill license is issued, then a rainbow trout of a certain size can be taken.
Trout season opens on the 1st of April and ends on the 30th of September for marble trout and Hybrids and on the 31st of October for other trout.
| Fish | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
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| Rainbow Trout |  |
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| Grayling | |
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| Marble Trout, Hybrid & Brown Trout | |
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Season Top Season
Gallery AccommodationVila Noblesa Lodge
In an abundance of natural beauty and cultural signs. Vila Noblesa overlooks Lake Most na Soci.
La Vila is located at the confluence of the Soca and Idrijca rivers.
Vila Noblesa represents a 2-bedroom property with a shared lounge.
The centre of Most Na Soci is nearly 1 km from the venue. Soci Lake is accessible within 15 minutes’ walk.
Everything here exudes fishing; Branko, a renowned fly tyer, will provide you with “the” fly of the day. You can attend an editing session that you will remember for a long time.
Lunches and dinners are taken in Branko’s large house and are hearty and refined, accompanied by local wines.
Gallery Fishing River Soca
What Else
Triglav National Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, like trail hiking, mountain biking, or just enjoying the nature of the Julian Alps. If you’re an adventure seeker you can visit the few camps on Soča river which offer white water rafting. There is no need to have any special skills and after a short briefing you will be ready to hit the rapids under the supervision of a local rafting guide. It is also suitable for children so the whole family can enjoy it together.
Fly Fishing Destination in Slovenia
