The World’s Largest List of Fly Fishing Trout Rivers in Europe
The purpose of this directory is to consolidate information regarding rivers with trout populations in Europe.
The directory doesn’t aim to provide complete information about the rivers but rather to serve as a pointing guide for fly fishermen looking for river-based trout fishing destinations in Europe.
The directory also doesn’t claim to be inclusive of all rivers that contain population of trout or are suitable for fly fishing and the authors are updating it regularly.
Readers’ input is appreciated and you can get in touch with us through the contact form of the website.
Germany
Schwentine
The Schwentine is a river that’s located in the northern part of Germany and has a length of approximately 62 km. It’s in the German state called Schleswig-Holstein.
Amongst the fish species that are present in the area are trout, burbot, bleak, and stickleback.
Trave
Trave is a river that carries a length of 124 m. It flows into the Baltic sea and passes through Bad Oldesloe, Bad Segeberg.
Amongst the fish species that are present in the area are brooktrout, grayling, bullhead, minnow, European crayfish, brook lamprey, etc.
Stepenitz
Stepenitz is the right-hand tributary river of Trave and it is located in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern - in the northwest part of the country. It is approximately 52 km. long.
Similarly to Trave, it holds species such as grayling, brooktrout, minnow, brook lamprey, etc.
Warnow
The Warnow river is approximately 155 km. long and it is located in the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in Germany.
The river flows into the Baltic sea where there’s known population of sea trout, herring, cod, and flounder.
Recknitz
The Recknitz river is approximately 72 km. long and it’s located in Northeastern Germany. It stretches south to Glasewitz.
It feeds into the Ribnitzer Bodden where the river holds species like carp, pike, perch, trout, tench, and zander.
Peene
The Peene river is approximately 138 km. long and it is sourced from Vollrathsruhe in Germany. It flows into the Kummerower lake.
The river is known to hold trout population, as well as pike, carp, pikeperch, etc.
Black Regen/Regen River
The Regen river is found in Bavaria and it is approximately 190 kilometers long. It’s a left tributary of one of the largest rivers in Europe - Danube.
It’s known to hold species such as grayling, brown trout, brook trout, and some rainbow trout.
Weisse Traun
The Weisse Traun river is approximately 14 kilometers long and it is also located in Bavaria.
It is known to hold various trout species such as brook, brown, rainbow trout, and grayling.
Isar River
The Isar River is located in Bavaria, Germany, but it also flows into Austria. It is around 291 kilometers long.
The river is relatively shallow and it is known to cover some 900 acres. There is considerable population of trout and carp.
United Kingdom
River Test
River Test is one of the most popular destinations for English fly fishermen and enthusiasts from across the world.
It is a chalk stream located in Hampshire - in the southern part of England. It is approximately 64 kilometers long.
The river is well-known for holding considerable brown trout populations from its source to its tidal limit.
River Dee
The River Dee is one of the most popular fly fishing destinations in the world. It is long around 113 kilometers and spans across North Whales, runs through Cheshire, England.
All fishing on Dee is paid for and it is only allowed to fly fish. The river holds large populations of brown trout, grayling, sea trout, and even salmon.
Dry fly fishing is the predominant technique so various flies like the midge fly pattern work extremely well year round.
Itchen
The River Itchen is located in Hampshire, England, and it is approximately 42 kilometers long. It meets Southampton Water below the so-called Itchen Bridge.
Known for its chalk streams, the river holds large populations of trout. It offers clear water and some of the biggest hatches.
Usk
The river Usk is approximately 125 kilometers long and it forms the boundary between Carmarthenshire and Powys, flowing toward the north and right into the Usk Reservoir.
The river rises on red sandstone but it also flows over limestone. It is a very fertile river with big populations of trout of meaningful sizes.
Derbyshire Wye
Derbyshire Wye is a limestone river which is located in the Peak District of Derbyshire in England. It is long around 24 kilometers, but this refers to the section of the river that is within the borders of the National Park.
The limestone landscape is what attracts fly fishermen from all over the world, as well as the abundant population of wild trout.
Suir
The river Suir is located in Ireland and is among the longer ones. It spans across 185 kilometers, flowing into the Atlantic Ocean through Waterford.
Suir, according to many, is a river best fished by fly fishers once the sky starts to darken, as that’s when the biggest hatches are. It holds large populations of trout.
Tay
River Tay is known as the longest river in Scotland, as well as the seventh-longest one in the UK. It’s 193 kilometers long.
Although it might seem like it’s too big to be a trout river, it holds big populations of it. Experienced fishermen recommend it during June.
Frome
The River Frome is located in Somerset, England. It is around 43 kilometers long and joins Bristol Avon at Freshford, right below Bradford on Avon.
The river is appropriate for all-rounder fishers, holding considerable populations of grayling, brown trout, salmon, sea trout, etc.
Kennet
Kennet River is a tributary of the River Thames and it’s located in the southern parts of England. It is approximately 72 kilometers long.
The river is known to be stocked with both rainbow trout and brown trout. It’s a popular destination for fly fishermen from the country and abroad.
Coquet
Running through Northumberland, England, the River Coquet discharges into the North Sea on the east coast of Amble and spans across 90 kilometers in length.
The river is known as a popular destination for sea trout fishing, where the season runs from February 1st to October 31st.
France
Le Lot River
The River Lot is a right-bank tributary of the Garonne, and it is rising in the Cevennes mountains in France. It spans around 485 kilometers in length.
Fly fishing in this river is a rewarding experience because it is known to hold large populations of different trout species, as well as grayling, and chub.
Loue River
The Loue River is located in the eastern parts of France, and it is a tributary of the Doubs. It has a total length of around 122 kilometers.
The river is known for holding good amounts of brown trout and grayling. The best months to visit it for a fly fishing trip are January, April, May, June, July, August, and September.
Saone River
The Saoune River is also located in the Eastern parts of the country, and it is a right tributary of the Rhone river. It is approximately 473 kilometers long.
The river is known for holding considerable populations of brown trout and sea trout. The best months to fish it are May, June, and July.
Elle River
The River Elle is located in the western parts of France - in the Brittany region. Its source is located in the southern parts of the Rostrenen town. It is about 59 kilometers long.
It has numerous streams which are very appropriate for fly fishing and is known for holding brown trout.
Italy
Sieve River
The Sieve River has a length of approximately 58 kilometers. It is a tributary of the river Arno. It flows into it at Pontassieve and rises in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines.
Its closely located to Florence and is known to be stocked with brown trout, feeding on big caddis hatches. It is mostly popular from early April to late October.
Tevere River
This is known to be the third-longest river in the country, as well as the longest one in Central Italy. The Tevere River (also known as Tiber) is 406 kilometers long.
The river is known to hold European Grayling, as well as Apennine Brown Trout and is a popular destination for fishermen from across the world.
Nera River
Nera River is known to flow almost entirely within Umbria in Italy. It is the largest tributary of Tevere River, and it is 116 kilometers long.
It is a great destination for those seeking brown trout. The fish is easy to spot mostly because of the pristine waters.
Spain
Ara River
The Ara River is known for being a popular destination among fly fishermen because it holds a considerable population of trout, both brown and rainbow.
It is located in the northeastern part of the country and flows between multiple serene valleys and mountains, forming picturesque landscapes.
Gallego River
Located in Aragon, the Gallego River is one of the main tributaries of the river Ebro. It spans across a length of around 193 kilometers.
It is a popular destination for fly fishermen, and it is known to hold a lot of brown trout and rainbow trout.
Veral River
The river flows through the province of Huesca in Spain and it flows into the town of Berdun. It is considered that the source of the river is found in Zuriza, which is an ancient Pyrenean glacial cirque.
The Veral river holds a lot of trout, both brown and rainbow, as it is typical for a lot of the rivers in the country.
Tormes River
Tormes river starts in Prado Tormejon. More precisely, it starts in the mountain range of Gredos, which is in the province of Avila.
The river is possible to wade in multiple areas and it is a very popular destination for trout fishing because of its rich populations of brown trout.
Cares River
The Cares river is located in the Northern parts of the country and it flows through the communities of Asturias and Leon before it joins the Deva River. It is about 54 kilometers long.
There is a lot of brown trout here and the river is very popular for fly fishing.
Poland
Bialka Tartzanska
This river is known to be amongst the most beautiful in the southern parts of the country. It rises at an altitude of 1075 meters above sea level in the Tatra Mountains.
It is a fast river with exciting currents, and it holds a lot of trout. It is a typical mountain river, abundant of brown trout.
Bialy Dunajec
This is another mountain river, rising on the slopes of Lackowa at an altitude of around 750 meters. It attracts anglers from all over the world.
There are multiple species found here, including brown trout and grayling. Fishermen tend to take advantage of short-line nymphing for best results.
Czarny Dunajec
The Czarny Dunajec rivers spans across 48 kilometers and reaches Nowy Targ. This is where it connects to Bialy Dunajec.
The river is abundant of species but most dominant are the brown trout and the grayling, both of which make fine targets for fly fishermen from the country and abroad.
Belgium
River Lesse
River Lesse is located in the Ardennes, in the Walloon region of the country. It is about 89 kilometers long, and it is the right tributary to the Meuse River.
It is a popular destination for fly fishermen because it holds considerable populations of trout - both brown and rainbow.
River Ourthe
The Ourthe River is about 165 kilometers long and it runs through the Ardennes as well. It is also a very popular destination.
The high quality of the water is known to hold pikes, carps, as well as trout.
Sweden
Aby River
This river is located approximately 15 kilometers north of Byske, and it originates in the Ostra Kikkejaur Lake. It is about 100 kilometers long.
It’s a relatively small river that is known for its salmon and sea trout fishing opportunities.
Kagealv River (Kage River)
Kage River has an average flow rate of approximately 10 cubic meters per second and it is about 15 kilometers long. It is in the vicinity of the Byske.
Much like the Aby River, it also holds populations of salmon and sea trout.
Czech Republic
Vitava River
Vitava River, below the Lipno Dam, is one of the most popular fly fishing destinations in the Czech Republic. The surroundings are very nice, and the river management is adequate, attracting fishermen from the entire country and abroad.
The river holds considerable populations of brown trout.
Otava River
The Otava River is born in the Sumava National Park. The upper part of Otava is known to be fast and streamy with cold waters.
Otava river holds a good amount of brown trout with decent sizes.
Ohre River
The part of the Ohre River located below the Nechranice Dam is very large, and it can produce a considerable number of decent-sized brown trouts and grayling.
It’s an excellent destination for fly fishermen, especially if you prefer to fish upstream.
Jizera River
This is a stream of water that rushes from the Giant Mountains located in the northern parts of the country.
It is an excellent destination for those who would prefer a euro nymphing setup. This also means that the perdigon fly pattern will likely be very effective.
Austria
Krimmler Ache River
The Krimmler River is located in the Austrian state of Salzburg in the Pizgau region. It is a right tributary of the Salzach at Vordekrimml.
It’s a particularly beautiful river with very picturesque landscapes. It holds considerable populations of trout but the access is restricted, so make sure to read more about obtaining a permit.
Felberbach River
This river is born in the drainage of the Hintersee Lake.
It can be rather challenging because of how uneven it is, but the large populations of trout definitely make it worth it.
Amerbach River
The Amberbach River is located in a very picturesque region in Austria and is known for its slower flow and crystal waters.
The river offers the opportunity of catching trophy trout, but it is mostly suited for advanced fishermen because of how slow and clear it is.
Serbia
Gradac River
Gradac River is located in the western part of the country and it is a tributary of the Kolubara. It is approximately 22 kilometers long.
This is the most popular fly fishing spot in Serbia and it is known to hold a lot of brown trout, rainbow trout, as well as grayling.
Bulgaria
Ogosta River
Ogosta River is located in the Northwestern part of Bulgaria, and it runs through a city called Montana.
Local preservation efforts have made this part of the river extremely popular and rich in trophy brown trout and rainbow trout.
Vacha River
Vacha River is a long river that flows through the central part of the country. It is one of the most beautiful rivers in Bulgaria.
Beyond its picturesque landscapes, Vacha River is also home to the largest population of wild brown trout in the country.
Iskar River
Iskar River is a large river with a length of around 368 kilometers. It’s actually the longest river that runs entirely in the country of Bulgaria. It is a tributary of the Danube.
That said, there are pieces of water of the Iskar River that are being preserved and stocked with brown trout and rainbow trout and make for excellent fishing destinations.
Denmark
River Skjern
This is the largest river in the country when it comes to volume. It is around 94 kilometers long and it’s located very close to the longest river in Denmark - Gudena.
This is one of the most popular destinations for fishing sea trout and salmon.
River Karup
The Karup River is the country’s sixth-largest one and it is around 78 kilometers long. It spans 20 of its kilometers between Karup to Skive.
Much like Skjern, Karup is also known for holding considerable populations of salmon.
Slovakia
Bela River
The Bela River has its location in the Tatra Mountains. This is north-west of the city of Poprad. The water here is crystal clear, so if you’re a beginner, you will have harder times.
The river holds rainbow trout, brown trout, and grayling, among other fish species.
Poprad River
The Poprad River is one of the largest rivers in Slovakia, and it is a paradise for trout fishing. It flows through the town of Poprad.
It holds populations of rainbow trout, hucho hucho, and brown trout.
Dunajec River
The fishing zone for this river is located near the National Park called Pieniny. The river is known to pass between the border of Poland and Slovakia.
There are populations of brown trout, hucho hucho, and grayling. Make sure to follow the plans of the local company which regulates the height of the water level because the river is below a water dam.
Ireland
River Moy
River Moy is known to be one of the most prolific salmon fishing spots in the whole of Ireland. The best season runs from February to September.
You can find sea trout, brown trout, and salmon.
Rover Boyne
River Boyne is known for holding large populations of salmon and sea trout. The best spots are close to the lower reaches of the river - between Navan and Drogheda.
The average trout would average around two pounds but a lot of them reach above four pounds in weight.
Croatia
Kupa River
Kupa River is a right tributary of the popular Sava River and it forms the natural border between the southeast of Slovenia and the northwest of Croatia. It is some 297 kilometers long.
The river springs from a karstic well and is known for holding populations of trout. It is joined by multiple river outlets and streams.
Kupica River
This is another well-known destination for fly fishermen as it holds a lot of grayling and brown trout. It is also appropriate for dry fly fishing and euro nymphing.
Curak Creek
The Curak Creek springs from right underneath a high rock. The spring is named Zeleni Vir, meaning Green Whirlpool in Croatia. It’s known to have brown trout and grayling.
Gacka River
The Gacka River is located in the central parts of Croatia in the so-called Lika region. It is around 11 kilometers long, although it used to be around 32 kilometers in the past.
This is one of the best-known destinations and a great trout river in Europe, as well as around the world.
Kamacnik Creek
The canyon that’s formed around the creek is very picturesque. The creek itself is formed from a karstic well and it flows for around 3 kilometers before joining the Dobra River.
Kamacning Creek is generally a protected landscape. However, you can fish the Dobra River on a fishing license that’s purchased locally.
Moldova
Prut
Prut River is a left tributary of the Danube river and part of it forms the border between Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine. It is 953 kilometers long.
The upper course of the Prut river is known to hold populations of trout, gudgeon, and even Danube salmon.
Camenca
Camenca is a left tributary of the Prut River and it is located in the western part of Moldova. It is around 93 kilometers long.
More than 42 species of fish have been recorded in the Naslavcea - Camenca section and trout is amongst them.
Dniester
Dniester River is a transboundary one located in Eastern Europe, running through Ukraine at first and then through Moldova. It discharges into the Black Sea and is close to 1400 kilometers long.
It is known for holding large populations of different fish, including trout.
Raut
Raut River is a right tributary of Dniestar and it’s also one of the five larger rivers in the country, spanning across a length of close to 300 kilometers.
It’s also known for holding different types of trout such as brown and rainbow.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ribnik
The Ribnik River is located in the western part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is a headwater tributary of the Sana River. It’s approximately 5.5 kilometers long.
Together with Pliva, it’s one of the two most popular destinations for fly fishing in the country. It holds large populations of trout and grayling who feed actively during the summer period, providing for impressive takes.
Pliva
The Pliva River is relatively small, and it is located in the central parts of the country. It holds considerable significance in terms of cultural, natural, and historical heritage. The river is approximately 27 kilometers long.
As mentioned above, Pliva is one of the most popular destinations for fly fishers across the world, holding a lot of trout and grayling lie the Ribnik River.
Albania
Valbona River
The Valbona River is located in the northern parts of Albania. It’s a beautiful river that’s rather remote. It spans across a total length of approximately 50.6 kilometers.
The river is well-known to hold a considerable population of both brown trout and rainbow trout. It is a popular destination for local and international fly fishermen.
Shala River
The Shala River is located within the Albania Alps in the northern parts of the country. It’s about 36 kilometers long and drains by the river Drin.
The river is quite popular in local fly fishing communities and is often visited by fly fishermen from abroad. It holds a lot of rainbow trout, but it could be tricky to fish at certain locations.
Mat (Mati)
The Mat River is located in the north-central part of the country, and it has an overall length of about 115 kilometers - it’s one of the larger rivers.
There are plenty of trout fishing opportunities on the Mat river and some of them are really close to the capital of the country - Tirana.
Lithuania
Salcia
The Salcia River, approximately 76 kilometers long, flows into the Merkys and is known for its origin in a region situated east of Salcininkai.
Salcia is a tributary of Merkys and is known for holding certain populations of trout. It’s a popular local destination.
Sirvinta
The Sirvinta River is sourced in the Sirvintos districts - in its hinterlands. It’s the longest tributary of the Sventojiriver and it spans across 129 kilometers in length.
The Sirvinta river is known to hold trout, but like other rivers in the country - it’s not stocked regularly and conservation efforts are relatively low.
Sventoji
The Sventoji River is the longest river in the country, with a total of length of about 250 kilometers. Its source is the Lake Samanis in the Regional Park called Grazute.
The river, much like others in the country, is not best-known for holding large trophy trout, but it has a considerable population of trout.
Slovenia
Soca
The Soca River is also known as Isonzo (in Italian) and it flows through the western parts of Slovenia. It is approximately 138 kilometers long.
Soca is arguably the most popular alpine river in the country. It holds Adriatic grayling and rainbow trout.
Idrijca
The Idrijca River flows through Cerkno Hills and the Idrija Hills in Slovenia. The total length of the river is around 60 kilometers and it passes through Idrija (hence the name).
Idrijca is more challenging to fish as it’s a mixture of freestone and chalk streams. Fishermen have the chance to go after the marble trout.
Sava
The Sava River flows through Central and Southeast Europe, and as such, it also passes through Croatia, Bosnia, and Herzegovina—not only through Slovenia. The river is almost 1,000 kilometers long.
Being the longest alpine river in the country, Sava holds good populations of rainbow, as well as good-sized brown trout.
Radovna
The Radovna River forms the well-known Radovna Valley, which is located at the foothills of the Triglav Range. It’s a beautiful area with plenty of fly fishing opportunities.
Being a tributary of Sava and located near lake Bled, there’s an abundance of caddis flies feeding a lot of wild brown trout.
Kokra
The Kokra River is very picturesque throughout its entire length, which is around 34 kilometers. It flows into Sava River.
Kokra has good-sized graylings, as well as a lot of brown and rainbow trout - mostly wild.
Sora
The Sora River is located in the western parts of Slovenia. It gathers its waters predominantly from the Skofja Lake Hills. It is around 9 kilometers long.
Those seeking Danube salmon can find it in the Sora River. It also holds trout and grayling.
North Macedonia
Vardar River
The Vardar River is known to be the longest river in North Macedonia, and it’s also a major one in Greece. It’s total length is around 388 kilometers.
Being one of the largest rivers in the country, the Vardar River is known to hold a considerable population of brown trout.
Kadina Reka
The Kadina River is a mountain river that’s a right-side tributary of the Vardar River. It is approximately 34 kilometers in length.
The river is known to be a place where fly fishermen can target brown trout, as a tributary to the Vardar River.
Treska
The Treska River is located in the northern part of the country of North Macedonia and it is approximately 132 kilometers long.
Treska is also a tributary of the Vardar River, and it is also known to hold populations of brown trout. In this area, fish can reach up to three pounds in size.
Latvia
Barta-Bartuva
The Barta River, also known as Bartuva River, is located in the western parts of Lithuania and Latvia. It’s approximately 1036 kilometers long (in Latvia) and around 980 kilometers (in Lithuania).
Data from Helcom reveals that there is no data of the current salmon stock status. Although there are populations of trout, fishing for sea trout in the river is reportedly forbidden.
Daugava
The Daugava River also flows through numerous countries, including Belarus and Latvia. It is 1020 kilometers long in total and passes through the country's capital, Riga.
Although there are known populations of trout in the river, salmon fishing is more popular. The minimum legal size for salmon is 60 cm.
Gauja
The Gauja River is located in the Vidzeme region in Latvia. It is known to be the only river that both begins and ends in the country. It is around 460 kilometers long.
Salmon seems to be the predominant stocking species in Gauja River as well. However, fishing for sea trout and for salmon is not allowed.
Irbe
The Irbe River is a coastal one, and it’s on the northern Courland Peninsula in Latvia. It has a total length of around 32 kilometers.
There are known populations of trout in the river.
Estonia
Jagala
The Jagala River is located in the northern part of the country, and it flows into the gulf of Finland in the Joesuu, Harju County. The river is approximately 100 kilometers long.
It is known to be a very significant Salmon river. It also holds sea trout.
Keila
The Keila River is located in the northern parts of Estonia. It is about 107 kilometers long in the Gulf of Finland.
Much like most of the rivers in this part of Estonia, Keila River is also known for its salmon stock and sea trout population.
Kunda
The Kunda River has its mouth located in the Gulf of Finland and it flows in the Laane-Viru County. It is approximately 65.8 kilometers long.
This river is considered to have original wild salmon stock. It spawns only on the lower 2.3 kilometers of the river. The last stocks occurred more than 65 years ago.
Loobu
The Loobu River is located in the northern part of the country and has its source 12 kilometers southwest of Rakvere. It drains into Eru Bay and is around 62 kilometers long.
Salmon stock originated in the Loobu River from the Beva River. However, it is still considered to be in a relatively poor state.
Pirita
The Pirita River is also located in the northern parts of Estonia and carries a total length of around 105 kilometers.
The river is known to hold insignificant populations of sea trout and salmon, but it is known to hold a lot of parr (Atlantic salmon).
