Czech Grayling

This is a special fly-fishing programme concentrated on wild graylings of the Labe and Jizera River. Wild graylings are known as a symbol of fly-fishing in the Czech Republic. Especially male graylings with their big dorsal fin, like a flag in the wind, are the most desirable trophy. No other technique is so effective on graylings as fly-fishing. The programme also includes lessons of Czech nymphing techniques that became famous after the Czech Team had received many World Champion Titles. But don’t worry many times you will be fishing dry fly only. The length of the programme is usually 6 nights and 5 fishing days.

Highlights

• Our permit covers Labe and Jizera, each with more than 50 km of salmonid regime
• One guide has maximally 3 anglers
• You don’t need your own car in the days with our guide
• Czech nymphing lessons are included in our program
• You can choose the combination of services that you prefer

The location

About 100 km to the north of Prague there is a small town of Vrchlabi. It lies on the foothill of the Giant Mountains. The Labe River flows directly through the city and the Jizera River is not far away. Both rivers are suitable for fly-fishing and nymph techniques teaching. We can catch graylings, brownies, and some rainbows there. The biggest fish can be about 40 cm here. Our permit covers both rivers, each with more than 50 km of salmonid regime.

Labe

It is a smaller mountain river approximately 5-m bride with the depth from 0,5 m to 2 m in some pools. The bottom is mostly covered with pebbles or flat stones so that wading is easy. The river flows through the meadows and villages with a panorama of the Giant Mountains.

Jizera

It is a big mountain river approximately 15-m bride with the depth from 0,5 m to 2 m in some pools. The river has a typical light brown colour because of peat bogs around its spring. The river has never been regulated by any dam, especially in the upper canyon is very wild. A fast stream and big boulders complicates wading in some parts. More down stream there are no wading problems. The bottom is mostly covered with pebbles. The Jizera River is much more demanding than the Labe River. Fish are very clever here. We always call the river a grayling university.

Recommended accommodation

Pension Kobr in Vrchlabi: bed and breakfast, suitable for clubs or individual anglers
Martina Apartments in Vrchlabi: self-catering, suitable for families with children
Prsala House in Vrchlabi: self-catering, only for 4 people but cheap prices
Grof Apartments in Vrchlabi: self-catering, suitable for smaller groups up to 6 people
Zajicek House near Semily: self-catering, suitable for 4-6 people or a family with children

Programme proposal

1^st Sunday: Arrival at Vrchlabi in the late afternoon. After check in at your house there will be a welcome meeting with general information about fishing regulations and rules. Of course, the first dinner with Czech beer will follow.

2^nd Monday: After breakfast you’ll have time to visit the tackle shop and buy everything you forgot at home. We’ll set out for Labe fishing at about 9.30. The first place is about 15 minutes drive. During the day we will usually change our fishing place 3 or 4 times. Czech nymphing lesson is also included in the programme. As well as you will be fishing dry flies there. We’ll have a short lunch break in a typical village pub where we could try famous Czech dumplings, potatoes pan cakes and of course, Czech beer. After lunch there will be time for one secret place more. At about 17.00 we will go back to our house. Then you’ll have a free evening with restaurants, bars or you can also fish without guiding.

3^rd Tuesday: After breakfast we’ll set out for Jizera fishing at about 8.30. We will drive to the first place about 30 minutes. You will see a completely different river, bigger, wild and amazing. During the day we will usually change our fishing place 3 times. Czech nymphing lesson is also included in the programme. As well as you will be fishing dry flies there. We’ll have a short lunch break in a local village pub where we could try typical marinated sausages and marinated cheese. After lunch there will be time for one secret place more. Before 17.00 we stop our fishing and drive back to our pension

4^th Wednesday-5th Thursday: The programme is nearly same. We will probably change the river again. We always decide where to fish according to water level and weather on the spots. In the case of very bad weather there will be lessons of fly-tying, specialized in nymphs and of course with telling fly-fishing fairy tales.

6^th Friday: We will fish the river according to your wish. After 17.00 we will be back in our house. Before a farewell dinner we will make the final bill for you. In the evening we will visit a nice dancing club with a lot of pretty girls. If you prefer something else you can play pool or billiard there.

7^th Saturday: Your departure after breakfast.

This programme can be changed according to weather and water level.

Tackle to bring

- Fly-fishing rod AFTM 2-5, length about 9´-270 cm
- Chest-high waders, breathable are better than neoprene.
- Polarized sunglasses, cap and camera
- The smallest landing net you can buy. Czech fishing law requires the net when fishing.
- Fishing vests with everything you need
- Anything else you can think of