Slovenia is a wonderful country, with amazing natural beauty, pristine rivers, and charming medieval castles.
To the west of the capital Ljublijana, The Soca Valley is home to stunning rivers which flow into the Adriatic Sea, and home to the unique Marble Trout – one of only a few locations in the world where it is found. The tributaries of the Soca, Reka, Idrijca, and Kneza also have great numbers of, Rainbow Trout and Grayling.
This alpine river region offers a host of non-angling experiences and a wide variety of accommodation options which makes it a great destination for both anglers and families.
Nearby, the Bled region can also be combined into a detailed itinerary with great food and wine, horseback riding, majestic caves, and ski fields to explore.
Fly Odyssey has a select range of accommodation options throughout the Soca Valley, including Bovec and Kobarid.
This includes boutique hotels, private residences, and lodges which are all within a short drive to the local rivers and streams nearby, wonderful food and hospitality.
Private transfers can be arranged from Ljubljana throughout Slovenia as a part of a multi-day itinerary, experiencing the very best fly fishing available in the Soca Valley and Bled regions.
The Soca River is surrounded by the peaks of the Julian Alps. It is not only one of Europe’s most beautiful rivers but it is easily the most beautiful and productive river in Slovenia. The Brown and Rainbow trout fishing in this river is truly something special, with prolific fly hatches. Those who enjoy dry fly fishing will love this river as will those who contrastingly enjoy Czech nymphing.
The character of the Soca River changes from swift mountain stream to a mighty and strong river, with many deeps, its blue-green colouring cutting through spectacular gorges and wide moon-like shingle beds. Here lies the Marbled Trout, growing to reach Trophy sizes. Under the incredibly strong current, Marble Trout (Salmo Trutta Marmoratus) survive to hunt the Grayling and small Trout as well as almost any small creature that might swim in the river. In many ways, they are more like a Pike than a Trout and it is wonderful to think they’ve survived in such profusion. In the summer, the massive predators start to hunt and, ferocious by their nature, chase down their prey and then return to sulk under a rock or in the shadows. The illusive Marble Trout grows to a healthy size, with the world record trout reaching a monstrous 120.7 centimetres and weighing twenty-five kilograms. Don’t expect them to jump on your fly too quickly but they’re a big draw to any keen fly-fisherman. This is a place that time forgot.
Slovenia’s rivers are alpine and tree-lined in nature, therefore the ability to wade is usually required. This doesn’t necessarily mean deep wading, but there is usually wading of some sort on any given fishing day in order to reach the fish.
For the Rainbow and Brown Trout, a #5 weight rod, 9ft – 9ft 6 covers most situations, though it can be useful to have a lighter 8ft setup, and a heavier 9ft 6 setup as well. Floating line – Dry fly fishing is popular, but Czech nymphing works well on some of the very swift pools. It is also important to carry heavy lures and streamers, and a sinking line [Deep 7] or similar, for flood conditions.
For the Marble Trout, and especially the larger specimens, you will need to step up your gear to a 9ft 8# outfit with both floating and sinking line options. Large streamers and bait patterns will work.
We would advise all anglers to take their own equipment — rods, reels, lines, waders, and boots, etc. De-barbed hooks are preferred and the fishing is all ‘catch and release’.
Fly direct to Ljubljana and then take a one-hour (thirty-six kilometres) scenic drive to the river lodge/hotel.
Passport with a minimum six months validity and photo ID to purchase a fishing license.
Canadian, British, US, Australian, and all EU citizens do not require a Visa to visit Slovenia.
Let us do the groundwork for you.
Our tailored fly fishing and accommodation itineraries are designed with you in mind to suit your preferences. They are also quoted in your local currency with very favourable exchange rates.
This includes flight bookings, transit accommodation, transfers and a host of non-angling activities and experiences.
We specialise in group stays to the region, and our long involvement with our partners on the ground in Slovenia will ensure you are well looked after both on and off the water.
This includes extended stays in Slovenia and throughout Europe.
CONTACT OUR AUSTRALIAN OFFICE
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CONTACT OUR UK OFFICE
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Creating and sharing memorable travel experiences with our clients and friends provides us with genuine satisfaction. All of our trips are bespoke, tailored to your needs and we always love hearing all about the adventure on your return.
Our knowledge of travel logistics saves you time, and our highly experienced team is here to ensure it’s spent on the water and not at the desk or on a long flight connection that you didn’t require. Since 2006 we have developed a valued client-base that has travelled to all corners of the globe.
We are a fully-accredited travel agency, where all of our flights, accommodation and associated travel bookings are done in-house, which means that you pay less. We have access to a huge range of specials, deals, great volume pricing, and excellent currency exchange rates which allows us to pass these benefits directly onto you.
On the fishing front, our extensive expertise and experience around prime seasons, species, moon-phases, tides, and personalised customer service is centred around one principal – preparation. This includes detailed gear and equipment lists, the fly patterns, transfer details, up-to-date fishing reports and some of the finer aspects that can often be overlooked.
We travel extensively and understand that your free-time is important. Just as we all understand from experience, that the key to a successful trip is pre-trip preparation.
Our highly experienced team has fly fished the world for the last 25 years, and we understand the considerations and gear needed to turn a good fly fishing trip into a great one.
Fly fishing and travel is our passion. It’s all we do.