The Djetinja River in Serbia is open for fishing again! After almost nine months of “rest” — from October 2024 until July 8, 2025 — my friends and I headed out for the trip we had been waiting for. The plan was simple: tents, a campfire, a barbecue and, of course, a search for grayling and trout.
Part of our group took the train from Belgrade to Stapari station near Užice, while I drove with my family. We arrived on Friday evening, set up camp beside the water and immediately started looking for the local trout. The fish were active and interested in our flies, but cautious — we did not get a single confident take before dark. Then came dinner by the fire, a barbecue and a night under the stars.
Early the next morning we headed downstream, about three kilometres from camp, to a stretch that holds grayling. The fish were indeed active, taking both dry flies and nymphs. We used small hooks in sizes 16–20, and an occasional trout joined the action. The Djetinja has a clear natural divide: above the waterfall there are only trout, while below it there are both trout and grayling. The waterfall is a natural barrier that grayling cannot pass, unlike trout.
On Sunday we enjoyed one more half-day session. The results were similar: 10–20 fish per angler, satisfying casts, beautiful water and great company. The Djetinja is the kind of place you always want to return to, and we certainly will.
