Slovakia: A Journey Back to My Roots

SLOVAKIA: A Journey Back to My Roots

I’m originally from Slovakia, though I’ve lived on the island of Gran Canaria since 2006. My twin passions are fly fishing and photography. Every summer, I return to my homeland to reconnect with the rivers where my fly fishing journey first began - places I now miss dearly while living on an island with no flowing rivers.

By MAREK SIDOR

Slovakia remains a hidden gem in the world of international fly fishing. Though not widely known outside Central Europe, it offers exceptional fishing - if you know where to look. In the summer of 2024, I reunited with my friend Peter, who had introduced me the year before to several magical rivers: the Revúca, the Hron, and the Belá. These rivers have now earned a special place in my heart, and I’ll always be grateful to him for guiding me there.

In earlier years, I focused mostly on the Váh River around Ružomberok and the Turiec River, where I first learned the craft of fly fishing. The Váh is perhaps Slovakia’s most well-known river among both local and visiting anglers - a medium-sized river with impressively sized fish. But for me, fishing has never been about size alone. I’m drawn to the pristine, crystal-clear waters of smaller mountain streams. That’s why, on this trip, I focused on the more intimate rivers: the Revúca, the Hron, and the Belá. It was, without a doubt, the right choice.

Magic on the Belá

For the first three days, Peter and I headed to the Belá River, a stream I had long heard about but never fished. Unlike many Slovak rivers that are regularly stocked with hatchery-raised fish, the Belá is more of a natural sanctuary. Instead of introducing adult fish, only eggs are released - allowing nature to take the reins. While the fish population is smaller and sizes more modest compared to other rivers, the beauty of the Belá makes it unforgettable. Surrounded by lush greenery, limestone formations, and flowing water so clear you can see every pebble, I felt truly privileged to cast my line in such a special place.

The most unforgettable moment came when Peter hooked a large rainbow trout below a set of rapids. Suddenly, I saw him with his rod bent nearly double, chasing the fish downstream through deeper water and across slippery rocks. I had to jump in and help - literally! At one point, I tossed a few stones into the water to steer the fish away from the rapids. It was a full-on team effort, and when we finally landed it, we were grinning and shouting like kids.To our amazement, the trout was not only big - it was a rainbow trout in a river where this species isn’t typically restocked. I rushed to grab my camera gear, and we snapped a few quick photos before gently releasing it back into the flow.

The only regret? We didn’t have a GoPro strapped to our chests to capture the whole wild scene. I’m pretty sure we could’ve gone viral!

River Riches of the Hron

On the third day, Peter and I were joined by one of my best friends –Remo - for a session on the Hron River. This medium-sized river is alive with grayling and has a healthy population of trout. The fisheries management here is clearly doing a great job. As soon as we stepped into the water, all three of us started catching fish - mostly medium-sized, but a few larger ones as well.

As usual, Peter caught the most, thanks to his deep knowledge of the river. But I wasn’t too focused on numbers. Just being in such a beautiful place with good friends was all I could ask for. Often, I find myself spending more time behind the camera than holding a rod.

That day ended early, as a fast-moving storm rolled in, turning the clear water murky and making the fish less active. Still, it had been a satisfying session - with plenty of fish and a camera full of memories.

Back to Revúca: Mountain Soul

The following days were spent exploring the Revúca River near Ružomberok, a stunning mountain stream that I first visited thanks to Peter. This river is one of my favorites - an ideal place to disconnect from the world and soak in pure nature. Like the Belá and Hron, Revúca holds plenty of grayling and wild brown trout.

One of the most enchanting moments came while fishing with my friend Palo. We had been out in the rain most of the day, and just as it stopped, a thin layer of mist formed above the river, hovering about a meter from the surface. I had never seen anything like it before. With the river shrouded in fog and surrounded by dense vegetation, it felt like something out of a dream. Perhaps I’m being too poetic - but to me, moments like this are gifts from life itself. Naturally, I grabbed my camera and set to work.

Familiar Waters, Fresh Eyes

To wrap up my trip, I revisited the Váh and Turiec rivers. These are larger, more urbanized rivers, but they still hold excellent fish - and for those seeking bigger catches, they are the go-to spots. I make it a point to fish them every time I’m back in Slovakia.

Closing Thoughts

Fly fishing in Slovakia may not yet be on the radar of the global angling community, but it should be. The combination of untouched nature, varied rivers, and the possibility of true solitude is a rare treasure in today’s world. For me, each visit back home isn’t just a fishing trip - it’s a return to something deeper. The rivers of Slovakia are where my passion began, and every cast feels like a conversation with the past. Whether you’re a seasoned fly fisher or just someone who loves wild places, Slovakia has something to offer. And who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll see you there - with a rod in one hand and a camera in the other.

Exploring Slovakia: A Hidden Gem for Nature and Culture

In addition to being a lesser-known fly fishing destination, Slovakia is an outstanding place to explore for travelers seeking a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventure. The country, located in the heart of Central Europe, offers a surprising variety of landscapes and experiences for its size.

High Tatras and Tatra National Park

The High Tatras are Slovakia’s most iconic mountain range, part of the larger Carpathians. These rugged peaks are popular for hiking, mountaineering, skiing, and wildlife watching. Visitors can explore glacial lakes like Štrbské Pleso, walk scenic alpine trails, or take a cable car up to Lomnický štít, one of the highest peaks. The surrounding Tatra National Park is a protected area known for its pristine forests, waterfalls, and diverse flora and fauna.

Banská Štiavnica

Located in central Slovakia, Banská Štiavnica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most picturesque towns. Once a major center for silver mining, it is now known for its historical charm, 16th-century architecture, and cultural landmarks. The area is surrounded by forested hills and artificial lakes known as tajchy, originally created for mining operations and now used for swimming and recreation.

Vlkolínec and the Liptov Region

Vlkolínec, also a UNESCO-listed site, is a well-preserved mountain village representing traditional Slovak rural architecture. It is located in the Liptov region, near the town of Ružomberok, an area rich in outdoor activities and natural beauty. The region is ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and visiting nearby rivers like the Revúca and Váh, which are popular among anglers.

Orava Region and Orava Castle

Northern Slovakia’s Orava region is home to one of the most impressive castles in Central Europe—Orava Castle. Perched high above the Orava River, the castle dates back to the 13th century and offers panoramic views, exhibitions, and historical reenactments. The region also features scenic villages, wooden architecture, and traditional cheese-making.

Bratislava and the Danube Region

Slovakia’s capital city, Bratislava, lies along the Danube River and borders both Austria and Hungary. It features a compact, walkable old town with a medieval castle, baroque palaces, and vibrant street life. The nearby Small Carpathians wine region offers opportunities for wine tasting and vineyard tours. Devín Castle, located just outside the city, sits dramatically above the confluence of the Danube and Morava Rivers and is a popular day trip destination.

A Well-Rounded Travel Destination

Whether visiting Slovakia for fly fishing or general tourism, travelers can expect a peaceful, scenic, and authentic experience. The country’s rivers and mountains offer ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, while its towns and villages preserve centuries of Central European history and culture.

With good infrastructure, relatively low costs, and friendly hospitality, Slovakia remains one of Europe’s hidden gems—ideal for those seeking a slower-paced, nature-focused alternative to more crowded tourist destinations.