Winter fishing in northern Montenegro is always a compromise between ambition and what the conditions allow. Weather, temperature and above all the water level decide everything. For much of the winter, the rivers are either too high, too cloudy or simply lifeless. Every successful outing is therefore less a plan than an opportunity. This New Year, Montenegro unexpectedly offered exactly such a chance. The level of the Lim was almost perfect—a rare winter occurrence. Clarity, current and structure all looked right.
I started on the Lim hoping for huchen. The conditions looked suitable, but the sun was too strong. Bright winter light almost always shuts the fishing down: the fish hold deep, do not move and make no mistakes. Several hours of observation confirmed it—the huchen were there, but completely inactive.
The answer was obvious: head to the Ljuča.
The Ljuča greeted me with perfect clarity—the kind of water where you can see not only the bottom, but your own mistakes. The grayling were not where you would expect them in winter. They were neither in the main current nor on the usual riffles, but in medium-depth pools with a calm, even flow. The fish held in shoals, which was the main challenge. If a single grayling noticed movement, the entire group disappeared.
They simply dissolved into the river. I had to approach slowly, sometimes literally inch by inch. Any sudden movement and the spot went dead for an hour. On the first day I hooked only one grayling on a nymph. It was around 35 centimeters, solid and heavy, but it came off. The rest of the day was spent observing, analyzing and memorizing the lies.
I began the morning of January 1 without expectations. I simply walked the river, watched, spooked fish, returned and tried again. At one point I noticed neat rings on the surface. At first I thought they were leaves. Then I realized they were rising grayling..
Taking dry flies. In January.
That was the last thing I had planned for. I had to rebuild the tackle immediately: an 11-foot nymphing rod, leaders and setup changed beside the water in the cold. The position allowed only a downstream presentation, with no room for error. I missed the first rise, then snagged, rebuilt the leader and had one more chance. The take was sharp and decisive. The fight lasted two minutes.
I stood knee-deep in clay, stuck in the mud and unable to move a step. The fish dug down, used the current and sent every surge through the rod.
I did not manage to take a photo, but I held that grayling in the net and felt its strength and cold, smooth scales. That was enough. Sometimes the moment matters more than the picture. Two days of winter fishing became a true New Year’s gift.
Opening the 2026 Season
This trip marks the start of my 2026 season. When conditions allow, the following trips will be available: winter trips to Lake Plav:
- huchen fishing on the Lim
- grayling fishing on the Ljuča
This is not easy fishing or simple entertainment. It means working with the river, the cold and yourself: careful winter approaches, accurate casts, and an understanding of both water and fish. Accommodation is in the center of Plav. Evenings bring meat cooked under a sač, a real fire and conversation. Mornings begin with coffee in the coziest café and excellent Albanian burek. Days are for demanding, authentic fishing with views of the Prokletije mountains. If winter allows, we go to the water.
Trips depend entirely on the weather, but I am confident that two or three will be possible before the beginning of March >>> https://fly-fishing.rs/en/#booking