River Ribnik, Bosnia Hosted by Paul Procter (AAPGAI Master)

In Essence: This trip is a 4 night/4 day guided fly fishing trip to the Ribnik and Pliva rivers in Bosnia and Hertzagovina hosted by Paul Procter, AAPGAI Master Instructor and Orvis Endorsed Guide. Ribnik village is located 500 meters above sea-level and surrounded by woods, forest and mountain meadows. The river itself is one of the fly fishing jewels of Europe. Surrounded by scenic mountains, the Ribnik and nearby Pliva river are spring fed streams ensuring crystal clear, cold water that provides ideal habitat for wild brown trout and grayling. Due to the fertile nature of these spring fed streams the trout and grayling inhabiting these waters grow to in excess of 5 lb. The clear water enables sight fishing at its finest and the fertile waters provide prolific mayfly and sedge hatches making for one of Europe’s finest grayling and brown trout fisheries.

3 full and 2 half days guided fly fishing Hosted by Paul Procter Dry fly and nymph fishing for wild browns and grayling Crystal clear spring fed rivers 4 nights accommodation Full board

Dates:

8th – 12th September 2011

Host: Paul Procter is an AAPGAI Master Instructor and Orvis Endorsed Guide with over 30 years fly fishing experience. Having spent the last decade travelling extensively throughout Europe and the Americas, Paul has gained a wealth of knowledge on many celebrated rivers and streams with an intimate understanding of fly hatches and specialist techniques. Paul also hosts trips to many tropical saltwater destinations including Belize and Mexico, targeting such species as bonefish, tarpon, permit and snook.

Principal: Mat McHugh of Fly Odyssey is acting as the principal for this trip. You will make your bookings through Fly Odyssey under their terms and conditions. Orvis is acting as the marketing agent for this trip.

Rods: For a group of 6 rods.

Location: Ribnik village is located in the Western part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ribnik is accessed by flying to either Zagreb or Split in Croatia and being met at the airport and then transported to the Ribnik Villas Lodge in Bosnia and Hertzagovina.

The Fishing: The Ribnik river springs from under the Srnetica mountain near the village Gornji Ribnik. It springs from two strong springs whose volumes varies between 1.5 - 2.5 m3/s. Where the two springs join the river has characteristics of a high mountain stream. These upper reaches are typically fast flowing and boulder strewn. Once the river has made its way to Ribnik village the character has changed to a wide slower flowing river with water clarity that can only be found in ‘springfed’ or ‘chalk’ stream. In this section dense ranunculus growth provides habitat for a huge number of shrimp and other invertebrates that are the basic source of food for the grayling and brown trout. This part of the river along it course provides easy access all the way to where it meets the river Sana.

The Ribnik has an abundant grayling population with fish exceeding 50 cm in length not uncommon. It has a native population of brown trout with fish exceeding 5 lb in weight. Due to the clear nature of the stream sight fishing is rewarded, as is careful presentation of flies. Fine tippets, small flies and gentle presentation will give you every chance of landing the trophy grayling and brown trout that inhabit this stream. The upper fast flowing reaches of the Ribnik are home to a trophy section of stocked rainbow trout ranging in size of 6-10 lb. Many of these fish have become resident in nature and only accept the most carefully presented flies. The river requires the use of barbless hooks and catch and release is the accepted practice on the river.

The Pliva river is another spring fed stream that will be fished during your stay. It offers 8 km of exceptional fly fishing for grayling and brown trout. The rivers rich diversity of fly and plant life makes for fit and healthy fish with grayling to over 60 cm and brown trout over 10 lb being present. Due to the crystal clear water fine tippets and small flies are a must. Anglers should approach the waters quietly and cautiously. Upstream and downstream techniques take fish and prolific hatches occur on dusk.

Accommodation: The accommodation “Villas Ribnik” are located right on the banks of the Ribnik river and consist of four villas: “PLIVA”, “SANA”, “VRBAS”, “UNA” as well as one bungalow called “LUKA”. The villas are new, modern, of a high standard and can accommodate 6 people comfortably.

All villas’ interiors are designed in excellent quality leather and wood, with a fireplace. Each villa includes three bedrooms with bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, big living room, balcony, telephone, fitness center, SAT/TV, DVD player, and internet access. There is a wide choice of excellent wines in the basement of each villa. For our guests meals are traditional Bosnian fare using local meats and produce.

The reception includes video surveillance, a safe for valuables, as well as a tackle shop with all the equipment necessary for fly-fishing. Licenses for each days fishing are issued at the reception desk.

Itinerary: Day 1 – Depart UK for Split, Croatia. Met at airport and transferred to

Ribnik Villas in Bosnia and Hertzagovina. Day 2 - Guided fly fishing Day 3 - Guided fly fishing Day 4 - Guided fly fishing Day 5 - Transfer back to Split, Croatia for flight to UK.

Cost: £565 per person based on 6 rods. All prices include VAT (sales tax) charged at the current 15% rate.

Includes: 4 nights accommodation at Ribnik Villas 3 full and 2 half days guided fishing Meals Ground transfers Fishing licenses Local taxes

Excludes: International flights Gratuities Beverages Items of a personal nature

Flight Notes: 2 hour flight time costing from £80 return.

Non angling activities priced on request: 1. Hiking and Biking Numerous hiking and mountain biking trails throughout the hills surrounding Ribnik village. 2. Rafting and Canoeing There is excellent white water rafting and canoeing on the Vrbas river. 3. Rock Climbing and Caving In nearby Banja Luka there is a rock climbing and caving clubs that organise trips to the surrounding mountains for climbers. 4. Banja Luka The nearby city of Banja Luka has a range shopping, cinemas, cafes and restaurants.

Reserving this trip is easy:

Call Orvis Sporting Traditions on 01264-349515

If calling from outside the UK, on +44-1264-349515

Email us at [email protected]

We will then introduce you to Mat McHugh of Fly Odyssey who is the principal for the trip and he will discuss the full terms and conditions with you.

15% discount on Orvis merchandise when you arrange your trip through Orvis Sporting Traditions. You will receive a “15% Discount Customer” confirmation from us once you trip is booked, which entitles you to this discount on purchases of Orvis merchandise and lasts until long after your trip is over.

Orvis has been providing the best quality sporting gear and clothing for over 25 years in the UK through our catalogues, web site and growing portfolio of 22 retail stores across the country. We will advise you on the correct gear and clothing for your intended trip to make your purchasing decisions easier.