September fly fishing on the Ljuča and Lim was exactly as it should be: beautiful views, active grayling and moments that stay with you. We began at Lake Plav, where the calm surface reflected the mountains as if a mirror had been stretched across the whole valley. We could have sat on the pier for hours simply watching it, but the rods reminded us why we had come.
We stayed in a cozy house with a stove and kitchen. In the evenings it was especially pleasant to dry our clothes, cook dinner and recall the day’s fishing adventures. It felt like a real angling family: someone cleaned the tackle, someone tied new flies, and someone was already pouring rakija while stories of “the biggest grayling” made the rounds.
On the Ljuča we fished dry flies exclusively—no nymphs or streamers. The smaller the hook, the greater the excitement and the more jokes about the fly being blown away by a draft while you try to tie it on. The grayling rose eagerly, while lake trout occasionally appeared as if checking who was in charge.
One moment beside a deep pool on the Ljuča stands out. The cast landed perfectly and a grayling took at once. It was a serious fish, and instead of the usual quick fight I faced a proper landing puzzle. For five full minutes I carefully held it on fine tackle, giving line and recovering it as the fish surged into the depths. My heart was pounding. When I finally brought it to the bank, the relief matched the joy. It was a worthy trophy, and the photo with its sail-like fin raised became the image of the trip.
The largest fish over three days measured 45 centimeters—an excellent grayling. Yet a trip like this is not measured by fish alone. We walked many kilometers along the rivers, searched for new places, debated fly colors and spent plenty of time “getting nowhere.” Those empty kilometers later become the brightest memories.
In the evening, a cold Nikšićko beer put the perfect full stop on each day. You sit with the can in your hand, legs pleasantly tired, the mountains and river outside, and know the fishing was a success. Even if half tomorrow’s casts catch nothing, this place always offers beauty, excitement and good company.
Join me for fly fishing in Montenegro this autumn or winter >>>