Secrets of the Bistra’s Underwater Forests

With my legs sunk into the mud up to my thighs, I leaned forward with the last of my strength into the dark depths and scooped my catch into the net. To the sound of my own heavy breathing and birdsong in the background, I stared into the net and saw as hazelnuts big, red spots scattered along the body of the fish.

…A sight every angler would wish to see was waiting for me. In a deep pool with long strands of floating aquatic plants, an enormous dark shadow appeared. I slowly took a few steps back, crouched down and focused my gaze. It blended perfectly with its surroundings and looked like an extension of the vegetation. It was very dark, so I was concerned that it might be a huchen. Since it seemed to have a small head and distinctly sharpened fins, however, I decided to try…

19 Avgust 2026

The Mysterious Ljubljanica River

After searching, but not finding, the silver prince in the center of Ljubljana, the desire to fish for a species so characteristic of this karst river kept growing. One evening, I suddenly gave in to a spontaneous idea to turn the following day, free of obligations, to my own advantage and catch the last breath of summer…

…I persistently fished the pool, caught a few smaller fish, and was almost ready to move on when, after a delayed strike, I was surprised by an unusual response. The hooked mass moved slightly but without jerking, so I increased the tension. The fish woke up and pulled strongly deeper. Flooded with adrenaline, my glucose levels immediately rose, and with a rapid heartbeat I quickly removed excess line, followed the fish, and reacted calmly. What on earth is this? I wondered about a possible accidentally hooked huchen, and then for the first time saw a shade of yellow. At first, I could not believe my eyes. The fish soon showed itself again and removed all doubt. Shortly after, a remarkably large brown trout found itself in my net, and my heart skipped a beat…

27 March 2026

Spring Day on the Soča River

As the ancient philosopher Heraclitus said, “You cannot step into the same river twice.” Although the thought primarily conveys the deeper idea of ​​the constant change of the human personality, whose feelings, thoughts and experiences change with each new contact with a place, a person and a memory, it also expresses the unpredictable nature of which the only constant is change.

That spring morning, my nap was interrupted early in the morning by the alarm clock, and as I looked out the window, it became clear to me that I would have to leave the morning confusion in bed and venture to the hunting ground, as the sun’s rays were already reflecting off the highest mountains and illuminating the cold valley. Despite the haste with which I ventured to the starting point, after crossing the willows, I noticed…

3 May 2025

Seeking Monster Trout at the Sava confluence

Everyone familiar with fly fishing likely dreams of landing a trophy fish from the very first moment. With experience, however, one learns that large and beautiful wild fish are special for a reason. As the old saying goes: ”When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” Or should I say; When the angler is ready, the trophy fish will appear…

20 March 2024