Fishing in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a picturesque country located in Southeastern Europe. It is surrounded by the majestic Balkan and Rhodope Mountains, has several big rivers including the mighty Danube, and access to the Black Sea. It is not very famous as a tourist destination, but the Golden Sands beaches on its coast used to be one of the most prestigious vacation destinations in the Communist Block, and became even better with the arrival of the Capitalist economy. And of course serene waters of the Black Sea, tranquil lakes of the Rila Mountains, and fast-flowing rivers of the Thracian Plain promise an unforgettable angling adventure. The country's temperate climate and distinct seasons provide excellent fishing conditions throughout the year. Spring and summer are particularly favorable for both coastal and inland fishing, with mild temperatures and active fish populations creating ideal conditions. However, in order to protect the fish in the vulnerable time of spawning, fishing for most species from April to June is closed. Autumn brings cooler temperatures and stunning foliage, enhancing the fishing experience, and winter, with frequent storms in the sea and lethargic freshwater fish in rivers and lakes, is for anglers that aren’t afraid of challenges. Fishing in Bulgaria is regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry and the Executive Agency for Fisheries and Aquaculture (EAFA). For fishing in freshwater rivers and lakes, anglers must have a valid fishing permit. However, no permit is required for saltwater fishing, as well as fishing in private stocked ponds, which are very popular and provide excellent fishing opportunities not far from major cities. Always check the latest regulations before your trip to ensure compliance and to help preserve Bulgaria’s rich aquatic ecosystems. Starting from April 2024 Bulgaria has fully entered the Schengen Visa Agreement, simplifying travel for citizens and residents of most European countries. Americans and Canadians can enter Bulgaria for short-term stays without a visa, too. If you ever come to Bulgaria for any reason, be sure to explore its fishing opportunities. Book your fishing trip directly from trusted captains and guides on BaitYourHook.com today.

Anglers can enjoy several types of fishing in Bulgaria. Offshore fishing is not one of them, as the oxygen-poor waters in the depths of the Black Sea do not support much fish life, but nearshore and inshore trips are quite popular and exciting, especially around Bulgaria’s seaside resorts. Reefs and wrecks are often the first locations operators take their clients to. Inland, river fishing is a significant aspect of Bulgaria's fishing landscape. The Danube River, with its vast expanse and rich fish populations, is a prime destination for anglers, while the Maritsa and Struma rivers also provide rewarding experiences for anglers. The Rila and Rhodope mountains are home to some of the most beautiful and productive lakes in the country, supporting populations of brown trout, rainbow trout, and Arctic char, providing tranquil setting among stunning alpine scenery.

The Black Sea, with its brackish waters, can support both saltwater and even some freshwater species. Flathead grey mullet, shad, and several local varieties of mackerel are the most popular targets of local anglers. The Black Sea also offers opportunities to catch turbot, European seabass, and some smaller tuna species such as the bonito. Bulgaria’s fresh waters host healthy populations of catfish, perch, pike, and zander, and Bulgaria is ranked among European fly-fishing enthusiasts as the best kept secret when it comes to brown trout. Bulgaria’s mountain rivers and lakes are also home to rainbow trout and Arctic char. Other popular freshwater species in Bulgaria include barbel, chub, and the European carp, which is especially popular for stocking in small ponds for the sake of recreational angling.

Fly fishing is one of the most iconic and widely practiced techniques in the country, particularly for targeting trout, while spinning and trolling work best for zander and pike. Carp fishing, as elsewhere in Europe, stands in a class of its own, with extra fine and at the same time extra strong equipment needed to first fool, and then land, a trophy fish. There is no fish that would require heavy tackle in the Black Sea, but light tackle trolling is the default method of charter captains. Alternatively, they could take you bottom fishing, vertical jigging, especially around the reefs and other structures, while spinning and baitcasting can also provide good results.