Best Fishing Spots in Bohemia

Bohemia is generously watered. The Vltava drains most of the region before joining the Elbe at Melnik, and dozens of tributaries feed both rivers along the way. Add to this the thousands of ponds scattered across South Bohemia and the large reservoirs built in the 20th century, and you have an almost overwhelming choice of fishing locations.

This guide covers the spots I know personally and can recommend with confidence. I have not included every fishable water in Bohemia, which would be impossible, but rather focused on locations that offer a good combination of accessibility, fish populations, and the kind of setting that makes a day on the water genuinely enjoyable.

Prague and Surroundings

Fishing within Prague is more productive than most people expect. The Vltava through the city holds good populations of carp, bream, pike, and perch. The stretch around Veslařský ostrov in Podolí is particularly accessible and regularly fished. You will often see anglers lined up along the bank on summer evenings, and the fish are there to justify the effort.

The Vltava backwaters north of Prague, particularly around Kralupy nad Vltavou and Melnik, are worth exploring. Where the Vltava and Elbe meet at Melnik, the confluence creates deep pools that hold large carp and catfish. This area requires a permit for the Central Bohemian fishing district.

Lipno Reservoir

Lipno is the largest reservoir in Czech Republic, covering around 4,870 hectares in South Bohemia near the Austrian border. It was created in the 1950s by damming the upper Vltava and has developed into one of the country's most popular fishing destinations.

The main species at Lipno are pike, perch, and pike-perch (zander), with carp present but less dominant than in lowland waters. The reservoir is large enough that finding fish requires some local knowledge or a willingness to explore. The northern sections near Frymburk tend to be more productive for pike, while the southern end near the dam holds more perch.

Boat fishing is permitted on Lipno with a valid permit, and renting a small boat from one of the marinas around the reservoir is straightforward. This opens up areas that bank anglers cannot reach and is worth the extra cost for a full day session.

The Elbe in Central Bohemia

The Elbe (Labe in Czech) flows east across Bohemia before crossing into Germany. The middle section, between Kolin and Usti nad Labem, offers excellent mixed fishing with carp, bream, barbel, and chub. The river here is slower and wider than the Vltava, with more accessible banks and less pressure from Prague-based anglers.

Kolin itself has a good stretch of river with several established fishing spots. The weir below the town creates a productive pool that holds fish year-round. Access is straightforward and the area is well-maintained by the local fishing club.

South Bohemian Ponds

The Trebon basin in South Bohemia contains the largest concentration of managed fish ponds in Central Europe. These ponds, many dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, were created primarily for carp production and continue to be managed for that purpose today.

Some of the larger ponds are open to licensed anglers, including the famous Rozmberk pond, which at 489 hectares is the largest in Czech Republic. Fishing here requires a specific permit from the Trebon fishing management authority. The carp in these ponds are typically large and well-conditioned, but they are also experienced and can be difficult to catch.

The smaller ponds around Trebon and Jindrichuv Hradec are often more productive for visiting anglers. Local tackle shops in both towns can advise on which ponds are currently open and what permits are required.

Mountain Streams of the Sumava

For trout and grayling fishing, the Sumava mountains in Southwest Bohemia offer some of the cleanest and most beautiful water in the country. The Otava, Vydra, and their tributaries run through protected landscape areas with strict fishing regulations designed to maintain wild fish populations.

Fly fishing is the traditional method here, and the rivers are managed with this in mind. Catch and release is mandatory on many sections, and the regulations are enforced seriously. Permits for Sumava trout streams are limited and should be booked in advance, particularly for the most popular sections.

The Bohemian Forest setting makes these rivers worth visiting regardless of fishing success. The scenery is exceptional, particularly in autumn when the beech forests turn gold and the water runs clear and cold.

Practical Advice for Visiting Anglers

A few things that would have saved me time when I started fishing Czech waters:

1. Buy a Czech fishing map (rybarsky atlas) before your first trip. These are available in tackle shops and show all managed waters, permit requirements, and access points.
2. Learn a few basic Czech fishing terms. Most fishing club offices and tackle shops outside Prague have limited English, and knowing words like povoleni (permit), kapr (carp), and steka (pike) goes a long way.
3. Respect the no-fishing zones (hájené useby) marked on maps and signs. These are taken seriously and violations result in significant fines.
4. Check the minimum size limits for each water. They vary by district and species, and the rules are different from what you may be used to at home.