Fishing

View of Lake Cerknica with a fisherman in the distance, wildflower meadows with yellow and purple blossoms in the foreground, and Mount Slivnica rising under the blue sky in the background.
Photo: Jošt Stergaršek
View of Lake Cerknica with a fisherman in the distance, wildflower meadows with yellow and purple blossoms in the foreground, and Mount Slivnica rising under the blue sky in the background.
Photo: Jošt Stergaršek

In the waters of Lake Cerknica hide fish that attract angling enthusiasts from near and far.

The most prized catch is, of course, the pike, which grows very quickly in the lake thanks to its abundance of natural food – some pike reach over 40 cm in just two years, while they can grow to more than 1 meter in length. In addition to pike, the lake is home to other native fish such as tench, chub, and burbot (the latter is protected and therefore not allowed to be caught), as well as non-native species introduced by humans, including rudd, perch, and carp.

The mystical Lake Cerknica offers a truly unique fishing experience in unspoiled nature. Anglers can choose between two fishing districts, each with its own character and rich fish population, delighting both experienced fishermen and beginners alike.

Fishing Districts

Lake Cerknica fishing district

Lake Cerknica – Western Part

 Managed by Cerknica Fishing Association

  • Covers approx. 837 ha (varies with water level); during dry periods, mainly the Rešeto pond (9 ha) remains active.
  • Most common fish species: pike, chub, tench, carp, rudd, perch.
  • Permitted fishing techniques: fly fishing, float fishing, bottom fishing, boat fishing, spinning.
  • Permitted baits: plant-based baits (boilies, corn, bread, cheese) and artificial lures.

Lake Cerknica – Eastern Part

Managed by the The Fisheries Research Institute of Slovenia. 

  • Covers the area from the Stržen spring to the bend at Ključi.
  • Most common fish species: pike, chub, tench, carp, rudd, perch.
  • Permitted fishing techniques: fly fishing, float fishing, bottom fishing, boat fishing, spinning.
  • Permitted baits: plant-based baits (boilies, corn, bread, cheese) and artificial lures.

Purchase of Fishing Permits

Northern pike - Esox Lucius under the water of a lake, some green underwater plants (algae) also visible around it.

Fishing licenses for both fishing districts can be purchased:

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