The barbel day with fly rod

Water and place: river Berounka in Prague surroundings

Date of fishing: 20.07.2018

Weather and water conditions: air temperature +30 C, water temperature +22 C, very sunny day with a few clouds, stable high pressure

Fishing method: fly fishing with french nymphs

Tackle and baits: 3,3 m (11 ft) 3# Greys Streamflex rod was a great choice with french nymph set, 2,7 m (9 ft) 4# Cormoran rod with czech nymph set

Catch in total: approx.30 bites, 15 fish landed. Among them 4 outstanding barbels and a few vimbas.

The biggest fish: barbel (Barbus barbus) 70 cm (28 inches)

Special features of a fishing day:The morning and afternoon session with Hector on river Berounka was unexpectedly outrageous. Though the water was clear, the flow little and there were many people on the banks and in the the river due to hot weather the fish took flies quite well, especially vimbas and even the queen of streams – barbel. I found that french nymph works well especially in such a hot days because of its sensitivity and thin tippet targeted on spooky fish.

Initially our main goal was catching a chub, but we didn’t find any of those large-mouth glutton in the morning. And of course after getting the first bite from the barbel we’ve payed attention just to this amazing fish. Though the barbel’s take is usually quite soft the fight this stubborn fish gives very strong bending the rod to its maximum possible curve. Four fish pricked, three landed, all carefully released back. Come to Czechia too and try fly fishing for non-trout species. I believe it will become for You an unforgettable adventure!

Photo report:

More detailed information about fly fishing in Czech republic You can get on the page Fly fishing Czech republic