Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Croatia (Complete Guide)

Croatia offers awesome fishing for both freshwater and saltwater species. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in Croatia typically fall within the mild seasons of spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when many species are active, and water temperatures are optimal.

Month	Croatia Fishing Location
January	Ston channel’s saltwater teems with winter seabass.
February	Plitvice Lakes offer pike ice fishing adventure.
March	Spring in Vis Island’s harbors brings abundant octopus.
April	Experience trophy trout fishing at Gacka River.
May	Dive into the Adriatic Sea at Korčula for diverse gamefish.
June	Cetina River’s calm waters become a haven for grayling.
July	The waters around Hvar Island teem with hefty tuna.
August	Istria’s Fažana Channel offers the thrilling challenge of sharks.
September	Find rich carp populations in Sava River.
October	Zrmanja River is the go-to spot for diverse freshwater species.
November	The deep sea off Dubrovnik is home to elusive swordfish.
December	Kupa River offers excellent pike-perch fishing, despite winter’s chill.

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Croatia. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in Croatia

Gacka River, Upper Course (April-June): The clear, spring-fed waters are prime for large brown trout.

Kupa River, Confluence with Čabranka (July-September): The cool summer waters teem with grayling.

Una River, Strbacki Buk Waterfall (April-June): The cascades attract strong rainbow trout.

Mrežnica River, Duga Resa Section (May-July): Fast currents here provide excellent conditions for chub.

Korana River, Slunj Area (June-August): The numerous small falls and pools hold a good population of trout.

Krka River, Roski Slap (September-November): Known for diverse species like chub and barbel, peaking in autumn.

Zrmanja River, Muskovci (April-June): The cascading river sections are home to feisty trout.

Dobra River, Novigrad (May-July): The clear, cold waters host abundant grayling.

Cetina River, Upper Section (June-August): The upstream area is a haven for brown and rainbow trout.

Plitvice Lakes, Lower Lakes (June-August): The pristine, clear lakes are perfect for brown trout.

Rjecina River, Rijeka Area (April-June): Known for its clear, fast-flowing waters, teeming with grayling.

Neretva River, Upper Course (June-September): A great destination for large rainbow and brown trout.

Sava River, Zagreb Section (June-August): This urban river section is known for its diverse species including chub.

Mirna River, Buzet Section (March-May): The fast-flowing waters in spring attract numerous trout.

Drava River, Donji Miholjac (July-September): The calm summer waters are great for pike.

Bednja River, Varazdin County (May-July): This small river is known for its plentiful trout.

Krapina River, Krapina Area (April-June): The clear spring waters attract a good population of trout.

Orljava River, Pozega Valley (June-August): The slow-flowing waters are a haven for chub and barbel.

Ombla River, Dubrovnik Area (September-November): A short river that boasts a healthy population of sea trout in autumn.

Kamačnik River, Vrbovsko (April-June): The protected canyon section of the river is ideal for brown trout.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Croatia

These Croatia-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Sparus Boats Split Charters	Split, Croatia
EFISHent Fishing & Tours – Vrsar	Vrsar, Croatia
Maritimo Boat Fishing	Dubrovnik, Croatia
Valfinity Sea Adventures	Pirovac, Croatia
Sparus Boats	Split, Croatia
Tunana Fishing Charter	Medulin, Croatia
Fishing Adventure by CUP of SEA	Kaštel Kambelovac, Croatia
Nefali Fishing	Ražanac, Croatia
DRboats – Fishing	Umag, Croatia
Honesto Maena Fishing Charters	Zadar, Croatia
Dubrovnik Fishing Charter	Dubrovnik, Croatia
Cres Sport & Fishing	Porozina, Croatia

Best Times: Lakes to Fish in Croatia

Plitvice Lakes, Lower Lakes (June-August): Crystal-clear lakes with plentiful brown trout.

Vransko Lake, Northeast Shore (April-June): Brackish waters yield diverse fish species like seabass and mullet.

Lake Bajer, Fuzine (May-July): This man-made lake is a haven for pike and perch.

Lake Sabljaci, Ogulin (June-August): The clear waters are perfect for fly fishing for trout.

Lake Trakošćan, Trakošćan Castle (April-June): The picturesque lake is home to a healthy population of carp.

Lake Prokljan, Skradin Bridge Area (May-September): The brackish waters attract sea bass and mullet.

Lake Buško, Livno Area (May-July): A great destination for large carp and catfish.

Lake Kozjak, Plitvice Lakes National Park (June-August): The largest lake in Plitvice teems with brown trout.

Lake Peruća, Sinj (April-June): This large artificial lake is known for its carp and zander.

Lokvarsko Lake, Lokve (June-August): The deep lake offers excellent trout fishing opportunities.

Lake Butoniga, Buzet Area (May-July): The clear, cool waters host a good population of chub and barbel.

Lake Baćinska, Ploče (June-September): The interconnected lakes hold a variety of saltwater species.

Lake Dubrava, Beretinec (March-May): The man-made reservoir teems with carp, perfect for spring fly fishing.

Lake Zmajevo Oko, Rogoznica (May-September): The saline lake is home to various marine species.

Lake Mir, Dugi Otok (June-August): This saltwater lake provides a unique fly fishing experience with numerous marine species.

Lake Visovac, Krka River Valley (June-September): The pristine lake in the National Park is perfect for carp and chub.

Lake Čiče, Velika Gorica (March-May): The shallow lake is known for its plentiful carp.

Jarun Lake, Zagreb (April-June): This urban lake is a haven for diverse freshwater species like carp and pike.

Lake Lapovac, Našice (May-July): The calm waters are a great spot for carp.

Lake Kopačevac, Kopačevo (June-August): A natural lake with a healthy population of carp and pike.

Best Times: Saltwater Fishing in Croatia

Ston Channel, Mali Ston (July-September): This protected inlet is renowned for seabass and gilt-head bream.

Vis Island, Komiza Bay (May-July): Known for its productive bluefin tuna fishing.

Brijuni Archipelago, Veli Brijun (April-June): The national park’s waters are teeming with diverse species including seabass.

Istria Peninsula, Rovinj (June-August): Renowned for spearfishing opportunities targeting cuttlefish and octopus.

Kornati Islands, Telascica Bay (July-September): A hotspot for game fish such as amberjack and tuna.

Dubrovnik, Lokrum Island (May-September): The surrounding waters are home to dentex and grouper.

Tar-Vabriga, Santa Marina Bay (June-August): Known for its productive seabass fishing.

Cres Island, Valun Bay (July-September): A great location for diverse gamefish including mackerel and john dory.

Zadar, Ugljan Island (May-July): The island’s coast is renowned for squid fishing.

Split, Ciovo Island (June-August): The waters around the island teem with delicious cuttlefish.

Pula, Verudela Beach (May-July): Known for its productive fishing, especially for seabream and seabass.

Krk Island, Baska (June-August): The waters around the island are a hotspot for amberjack and dentex.

Pag Island, Pag Bay (July-September): The bay is a great spot for catching squid and octopus.

Trogir, Čiovo Island (June-August): The surrounding waters are known for bluefin tuna and swordfish.

Brac Island, Bol (May-July): Known for its productive fishing for dentex and john dory.

Kvarner Bay, Cres Island (April-June): This bay is renowned for spearfishing opportunities targeting seabass.

Hvar Island, Pakleni Islands (July-September): The archipelago is known for its bluefin tuna and amberjack.

Makarska Riviera, Tucepi (May-July): The beaches are famous for night fishing, especially for squid.

SS Lina Wreck, Cres Island (June-August): The wreck is a hotspot for diverse species like grouper and amberjack.

Murter Island, Kornati Archipelago (April-June): The reef ecosystems are rich with diverse fish species, including grouper and seabass.

I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Bluefin Tuna

In Croatia, the best time to catch bluefin tuna is during the warmer months, from May to July. Tuna usually feed during the day, so morning and afternoon are the best times to go fishing. Some great places to fish for bluefin tuna in Croatia are the waters around Vis Island, Trogir, Hvar Island, and the Kornati Islands.

Seabass

In Croatia, the best time to fish for seabass is from April to June and September to November. Seabass like to feed early in the morning and late in the evening when the sun is not too bright. Some of Croatia’s best places to fish for seabass are the Ston Channel, the waters around the Brijuni Archipelago, the Istria Peninsula near Rovinj, and Vransko Lake.

Gilthead Seabream

In Croatia, the best time to catch gilthead seabream is in the warmer months, particularly from May to September. These fish are most active during the day, so morning and afternoon are ideal times to go fishing. Some great spots for catching gilthead seabream in Croatia include the Ston Channel, Brijuni Archipelago, the waters around Pula, and the Tar-Vabriga area.

Dentex

In Croatia, the best time to fish for dentex is during the summer months, from June to August. These fish usually feed during the day, so morning and afternoon are the best times to catch them. Some of the best places to fish for dentex in Croatia are around the waters of Dubrovnik, Brac Island, Hvar Island, and Trogir.

Mackerel

In Croatia, you can catch mackerel during the warm season, mainly between June and August. Early morning or late evening are the best times because mackerel like to eat when the sun is not so bright. Some top places to fish for mackerel in Croatia are Cres Island, Vis Island, Pag Bay, and the Istria Peninsula.

Amberjack

In Croatia, the best time to catch amberjack is summer and early fall, especially from July to September. They usually feed most actively during the day, so morning and afternoon are great times to try. The best places to fish for amberjack in Croatia are around the waters of the Kornati Islands, Krk Island, Hvar Island, and near Rovinj on the Istria Peninsula.

Swordfish

Croatia’s best time to fish for swordfish is during the warmer months, especially from June to November. Late afternoon and night are best because swordfish feed when it’s dark. Some of the best places to catch swordfish in Croatia are around the waters of Dubrovnik, Hvar Island, Trogir, and Brac Island.

Trout

In Croatia, you can catch trout during cooler months, from April to June, but they’re also active throughout the year. Early morning and late evening are usually the best times to catch trout because they feed when it’s cool. Some great places for trout fishing in Croatia include the Gacka River, Korana River, Plitvice Lakes, and Lake Lokvarsko.

Pike

In Croatia, the best time to go fishing for pike is in the cooler months, from October to April, but they can be caught all year round. Early morning and late afternoon are usually the best times to catch pike because they feed more when it’s not too hot. Some top places to go pike fishing in Croatia include the Drava River, Lake Bajer, and the Kupa and Jarun Lakes.

Carp

In Croatia, the best time to fish for carp is during the warmer months of the year, from May to September. Early morning and late evening are often the best times of day, as carp tend to feed more actively during these cooler periods. Some of the best places in Croatia to fish for carp include Lake Trakošćan, Lake Peruća, Lake Buško, and Lake Dubrava.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Greece, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Portugal, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Morocco, check out this guide.

Best Fishing in Croatia on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

Drava River: Winter is a great time to fish for pike in the Drava River. Pike are more active in the colder months, especially from December to February.
Lake Dubrava: In Lake Dubrava, you can find plenty of carp even during the winter.
Vransko Lake: Winter fishing at Vransko Lake can lead to a nice catch of seabass.
Zadar: The coastal city of Zadar offers an excellent opportunity to catch bluefin tuna in the winter.

Spring

Gacka River: The Gacka River is an excellent place to catch trout in the spring, especially from April to June.
Lake Peruća: If you’re looking for carp, springtime at Lake Peruća is ideal.
Dubrovnik: The waters around Dubrovnik are great for fishing swordfish in spring, especially between April and June.
Rovinj: If you’re interested in catching seabass, head to the waters near Rovinj on the Istria Peninsula.

Summer

Plitvice Lakes: The clear waters of Plitvice Lakes are home to a large trout population. During the summer, especially between June and August, it’s a great time to fish for these fish.
Brac Island: If you head to Brac Island in the summer, you can try catching dentex.
Istria Peninsula: The waters off the Istria Peninsula are great for catching seabass in the summer.
Kornati Islands: For those who love a challenge, the Kornati Islands are a top spot for catching amberjack in the summer.

Fall

Drava River: In the fall, especially in October and November, you can find lots of pike in the Drava River.
Lake Trakošćan: If you’re interested in catching carp, head to Lake Trakošćan in the fall.
Vis Island: The waters around Vis Island are known for bluefin tuna, and fall is a great time to catch them.
Hvar Island: In the fall, you can catch lots of amberjack around Hvar Island.