Fly fishing for chub on the beautiful Balkans rivers can be a lot of fun! Actually, that can often be more fun than fishing in some overcrowded famous salmonid-lovers-river. Chub are known for being intelligent, spooky, curious, sensitive, and aggressive feeders, especially during the warmer months, and they are often found in many rivers and streams of the Balkans. Just the perfect fish created for fly fishing any style. If you are not speckled-fish lover, continue reading.
Chub are present in the Balkans rivers next to the trout or grayling, but also in lowland rivers very close to the sea. In large or small rivers, you will find chub everywhere, and also in almost every lake. Bosnian rivers Una, Sana, Vrbas, Bosna…Montenegrin Lim, Moraca, Cehotina…Serbian Morava, Timok…Greek Aliakmon, Strymona, Pineios…All of them are full of nice chub and always uncrowded, to fly fish miles and see no other fly fisher. Many of the chub fishing spots are “virgin”.
Best Time to Fish:
Chub feed actively during the early morning and late afternoon when the light is low, but a good catch is often possible in the middle of the sunny hot summer day. In warmer weather, they often rise to the surface, making fly fishing especially effective.
Fly Selection:
Chub aren’t too picky, but there are a few flies that work well:
- Dry Flies: Chub love to rise for insects, especially during summer. Any bushy dry fly could work, but large dry flies, such as foam beetles or balsa wood flies are the best choice. My creation, a pattern called “Bambula” is the most popular in the Balkans.
- Nymphs: Although you can catch chub on almost every classic nymph, the best choices are the mop nymphs and my very effective pattern “The Dude Nymph”.
- Streamers: For larger chub, streamers that imitate small fish like Woolly Buggers or Clousers can trigger a strike.
Technique:
- Surface Action: Cast upstream and let your dry fly drift naturally with the current. Chub are often found under overhanging trees or near the banks, so aim for those spots. It is very important how you will land the fly to the surface. The perfect cast will produce a sound of popping that will attract chub. Often, that sound is much more important than a fly pattern.
- Nymphing: If you’re using a nymph, try a dead drift technique where you allow the fly to drift naturally downstream. Adding a small strike indicator can help a lot but it’s not necessary. Euro nymphing (short cast) is more difficult because it is hard to approach the chub close enough for that technique.
Gear:
A light fly rod, something in the 3-5 weight range, is usually sufficient for chub. They put up a decent fight, so be ready for some fun!
