There’s nothing like fishing for the first time in a new place. For any angler, whether aspiring or full of experience, fishing is a valuable activity that helps them relax. What could be better for them than to combine tourism with their favorite pastime? Fortunately for those who love fishing, there are great places in Europe that feature a variety of fish. If you’re planning on making your next vacation all about fishing, we can help you decide where to go. Let’s look at our list of 6 top-rated fishing spots in Europe to enjoy.
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Tiber River, Italy
All roads lead to Rome, as the saying goes, and if you follow the Tiber, it will eventually lead you straight to the Eternal City. Rising in the Apennines, the Tiber begins its journey through central Italy, crossing Tuscany, meandering through Rome, before greeting the sea some 400 km from the mountains.
The Tiber is most famous for its huge population of brown trout of all shapes and sizes. The largest specimens are over 100 cm long and can reach a weight of 10 kg. Besides trout, graylings are also a big part of the ecosystem and are a delight for all grayling enthusiasts, as this fish is not found in all rivers, at least not in such abundance. The season begins in April, culminating in the first peak in August/September. Since some stretches of the river are exclusively reserved for fly fishermen, the Tiber is an ideal choice for visiting Italy.
Galata Bridge, Istanbul
The Galata Bridge is a famous fishing hotspot in Istanbul, Turkey. Spanning the Golden Horn, this bridge is not just a connection point, but a bustling hub where local fishermen mingle with enthusiastic tourists against the captivating Istanbul skyline.
The Golden Horn hosts a variety of fish species, with mackerel, bluefish, and horse mackerel being the most common. The bluefish, known for its fighting spirit, is the star attraction for anglers here.
Fishing on Galata Bridge is a year-round pursuit, but the excitement peaks in fall during the ‘Lüfer time’, the bluefish migration. On lucky days, fishermen might even haul in a hefty bluefish weighing over 4 kg! In this vibrant corner of Istanbul, fishing isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way of life.
Traun River, Austria
The Traun River is another beauty in a collection of alpine rivers that certainly rank among the best fly fishing rivers in Europe. It originates in the Northern Alps, passes through the town of Traun and ends its 150 km journey by connecting to the Danube in the city of Linz.
The Traun River is home to brown trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, grayling and even some large specimens of lake trout. While the most common hold is the rainbow, it is not uncommon for a shadow over 50 cm to grab your fly. The most productive part of the river is called Gmundner Traum, which stretches for about 15 km and where the season lasts from the beginning of April to the end of November.
Soča River, Slovenia
The Soča River is considered one of the most beautiful rivers in the world, offering the best fly fishing in Slovenia and maybe even in Europe! Rising from the Slovenian Alps, it crosses the Soča Valley, surrounded by the mountains and unspoiled nature of the Julian Alps, crosses the Italian border and ends its 130 km journey in the Adriatic Sea.
Soča is home to a very special fish, which is endemic to this region. Marble trout is the reason this river attracts hundreds of anglers every year, all eager to catch this alpine beauty. While almost extinct a few decades ago, its population has since rebounded, and thanks to the care of the fishing clubs that exploit the Soča, this special species is thriving again. This hard work was rewarded a few years ago when a record-breaking true marble was caught, measuring over 120 cm and weighing over 22kg.
Besides marble trout, the river is home to brown trout, rainbow trout and even grayling. The site season begins in April and depends on the amount of snow that melts in the mountains. May is usually a great month for fishing. In September and October, the fishing season reaches its peak, and fly fishermen are the most numerous.
Wye River, UK
The Wye River is one of the most popular fly fishing destinations in the UK. At almost 250 km long, it is one of the longest rivers on the island, its source being in Wales and its mouth in the Severn Estuary. There are plenty of places to cast a line along the Wye, as it is very clean and has a plentiful fish population.
Besides the river’s most sought after and recognizable fish, the Atlantic salmon, there is no shortage of other fish species such as chub, trout and barbel, the latter being the most popular for fishing. using a ground bait technique. Salmon are the main target of fly anglers in the lower parts of the Wye Valley. The season lasts from March 3 to October 17, with a peak in the spring when the salmon come up the river. Nowadays, the largest specimens caught can weigh up to 16 kg, but an old record dating from the last century amounts to 27 kg!
Hintersee Lake, Germany
Let’s finish the list of our 5 top-rated European fishing destinations with this beautiful lake in Germany. The Hintersee is located in the German Alps, near the town of Marsau, close to the Berchtesgaden National Park. It covers around 20 hectares, with shallow areas alternating with deep pools, making it one of the best and most attractive fly fishing lakes in Europe.
The Hintersee is home to a dense population of brown trout, with some nice brown trout adding to the diversity of the lake. Thanks to a special seeding plan of the fishing club, the number of fish is constantly increasing. Today, with an abundance of natural food, local trout reach lengths of over 80 cm. The season starts at the beginning of May and lasts until October. Fishing is possible from the shore, or for those who want more peace and quiet, especially in the summer months, fishing from a boat is also a superb option.
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