Introduction to Sport Fishing in Croatia

Croatia has a diverse fish population due to its forming during different geological periods. It s home is approximately 70 000 ha of fresh water. Fish from the Danube basin can mainly be found in the Central European rivers and streams. On the other hand rivers that belong to Adriatic basin are abundant with endemic species (often in particular river). Adriatic basin has very specific geological structure called carst. Intracular system of caves, cavities, holes and pits formed with many subterranean rivers under the tin surface of soil. That was a way how fish got isolated from natural migrations, changes and so on.Fish in Adriatic basin are of ancient origin.(It is easy to presume that Adriatic trout dates back to Tertiary period). Same goes for Illyrian chub, Croatian minnow, Croatian dace and some others.Austro Hungarian officer brought sturgeon and river trout to Gacka river close to the end of XIX ct. For these two species we know that population started some 100 years ago. Original, autochtonous species were eel and lamprey but with human input different varieties were brought in. Hydro geology of that part of the Croatia is rather complex.When we talk about Danube basin, species there are without doubt much younger. Fish from there are relatively different from those found in the Adriatic basin. After WW II significant pollution and general destruction of fresh waitress was noticeable. Due to developing industry, wrong moves and unawareness of natural balance some damage was done. There are still more than few waters ranking the cleanest in Europe....Croatian fresh waters are known for trout, pike, pike perch. huchen, carp ... and beautiful specimens of the same can be found. For known and familiar locations information can be gathered easily (where and when to fish with artificial and / or natural bait, mounted small fish or fly) For all other spots recommended action is to consult local facilities and anglers familiar with the particular places. Recommended rivers and lakesKupa and smaller rivers in vicinity ( Catfish, Pike, Huchen, Californian and River trout...)River Dobra ( same as above)Korana and Mreznica (Pike and River trout)Licka Jesenica (short, clean river famous for river trout)Gacka (one of the finest in Europe and known for the fact that trout growth is three times faster than in other salmonid waters)Ricica and Stikada( River trout and Croatian minnow)Una (Grayling, Catfish, Californian trout, River trout, Pike)Zrmanja ( Eel and River trout)Krka (River and Adriatic trout)Cetina ( River trout, Carp, Grayling)Drava (Catfish, Pike, Pike perch, Carp)LakesLepenice (River trout, Californian trout, Carp, Pike)Bajer ( same as above)Lokvarka (same as above)Kosinjsko lake ( Carp, Pike, Catfish)Vransko lake ( Catfish, Pike, Carp)Peruca lake (Grayling, River trout, Carp).