The Czech Republic is blessed with an extensive network of rivers, streams, and lakes that offer exceptional fishing opportunities throughout the year. From the famous Vltava River to secluded mountain brooks, this guide covers the most productive and scenic fishing destinations the country has to offer.
Vltava River - The Crown Jewel
The Vltava is the longest river in the Czech Republic, stretching over 430 kilometers from its source in the Sumava Mountains to its confluence with the Elbe in Melnik. For anglers, the most prized sections lie in southern Bohemia, particularly below the Lipno Dam.
Vltava Below Lipno Dam
The stretch between Vyssi Brod and Rozmberk (designated as Vltava 28) is considered one of the finest trout waters in Central Europe. The cold, oxygen-rich water released from the dam creates ideal conditions for salmonids.
This section holds strong populations of brown trout with regular stocking of rainbow trout. The water depth varies from knee-deep riffles to pools exceeding two meters. Flow conditions depend on dam releases, with the best fly fishing typically occurring when flows are below 10 cubic meters per second.
Best Times to Fish
The Vltava below Lipno is fishable year-round, but the most productive periods are:
- May-June: Legendary evening caddis hatches attract surface-feeding trout
- September-October: Excellent dry fly fishing with reduced angling pressure
- Winter: Nymphing remains productive for patient anglers
Summer months see increased boat traffic, particularly on weekends, which can disturb the fishing experience though not necessarily the fish themselves.
Otava River - Sumava's Gem
Flowing through the western Sumava region, the Otava is widely regarded as the most significant fly fishing river in this part of Bohemia. Its clear, cold waters support healthy populations of wild brown trout and grayling.
The upper reaches near Kasperske Hory offer pocket water fishing among boulders and fallen timber, while the middle sections around Strakonice provide longer pools and glides suited to both dry fly and nymph fishing.
What Makes Otava Special
Unlike many European rivers that have suffered from pollution and over-fishing, the Otava has maintained relatively pristine conditions. The surrounding Sumava National Park limits development and agricultural runoff, resulting in exceptionally clear water and abundant insect life.
Wild brown trout averaging 25-35 centimeters are common, with fish over 50 centimeters caught each season. The river also holds a small but stable population of European grayling, particularly in the slower sections.
Ohre River - Trophy Trout Territory
Located in northern Bohemia near the towns of Zatec and Chomutov, the Ohre River has earned a reputation as perhaps the best destination in Central Europe for trophy brown trout. Fish exceeding 60 centimeters are caught regularly, with specimens over 70 centimeters reported each year.
The Ohre flows through a less touristed region, offering a more authentic Czech fishing experience. The river's character varies from fast riffles to deep, slow-moving pools that hold larger fish.
Fishing Strategies
Success on the Ohre requires different tactics than the mountain streams:
- Larger flies and streamers produce well for trophy fish
- Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times
- Stealth is critical in the clear, slow water
- Many local anglers use longer leaders (4-5 meters) for wary fish
Mountain Streams of Northern Bohemia
Horska Kamenice
This medium-gradient mountain river flows through a dramatic canyon in northeastern Bohemia. At approximately four meters wide with depths ranging from 45 centimeters to nearly two meters, it offers intimate fishing in stunning scenery.
The Horska Kamenice holds good numbers of brown trout, though most fish run smaller than those in the major rivers. What it lacks in trophy potential, it makes up for in accessibility and the quality of the fishing experience.
Jizera River
Rising in the Jizera Mountains near the Polish border, this river is known for its grayling population, particularly in the middle reaches around Zelezny Brod. The Jizera is less pressured than more famous waters, making it an excellent choice for anglers seeking solitude.
Additional Waters Worth Exploring
| River | Region | Primary Species | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kremelna | Sumava | Wild brown trout | Mountain stream with clear water |
| Tepla Vltava | Southern Bohemia | Brown trout, grayling | Scenic upper reaches of Vltava |
| Malse | Southern Bohemia | Brown trout | Medium-sized river near Ceske Budejovice |
| Cerna | Southern Bohemia | Brown trout | Tributary of Malse, smaller water |
| Volynka | Sumava | Brown trout, grayling | Shallow river, smaller fish |
Fishing Regulations and Access
Czech fishing waters are managed by the Czech Fishing Association and local fishing clubs. Access requires both a state fishing license and a permit for the specific water you wish to fish.
Most fishing clubs offer daily, weekly, and annual permits. Prices are generally reasonable compared to Western European countries, with daily permits typically ranging from 200-500 Czech crowns depending on the water quality and demand.
For detailed regulations and permit information, consult the Czech Fishing Association official website or contact local fishing guides who can arrange all necessary documentation.
Planning Your Trip
When planning a fishing trip to Czech Republic, consider the following:
- Book accommodations in fishing villages like Vyssi Brod, Roznov, or Strakonice for easy river access
- Hire a local guide for your first visit to navigate permits and find productive water
- Bring gear suitable for European-style nymphing as well as traditional fly fishing
- Allow flexibility in your schedule to fish when conditions are optimal
For gear recommendations and technique tips, check our Fishing Gear Guide.