The Czech Republic is one of those countries where fishing is literally in the blood. Water is everywhere you look, from mountain streams and vast reservoirs to tranquil sand pits and ponds hidden among fields. It is this diversity that makes Czechia a true paradise for anglers of all styles. Whether you are a carp angler, a trolling angler, a fly fisherman, or just like to sit by the water with a feeder, you will find a fishing ground where you can really enjoy fishing.
In this article, we will look at the best fishing grounds in Czechia, both union and private. We will go through the places that fishermen praise the most, show you what kinds of fish you can catch here, what techniques work best, and also what to expect in terms of facilities and accessibility. You will learn where to go for carp, where to go for zander, where to find the cleanest trout waters, and which locations offer the chance for a truly trophy catch.
Czech carp fishing grounds
Carp fishing has a long tradition in our country. Perhaps that is why carp fishing grounds are among the most visited. In some places, a short feeder trip is enough, while in others, fishing becomes a multi-day expedition with a bivouac, a boat, and a good dose of patience. Carp fishing is simply about calm, perseverance, and that feeling of tension when every movement of the swinger can turn into the catch of a lifetime.
Orlík Dam – a giant full of surprises
The Orlík reservoir on the Vltava River is one of the largest fishing grounds in the Czech Republic and attracts anglers with its diverse terrain and abundance of fish. Fifteen-kilogram carp can be caught in the sandy bays and deep parts near the dam, as well as bream, tench, grass carp, pikeperch, pike, and catfish. The water is usually murky in summer, but it clears up in autumn and brings the best catches. Long-term baiting and fishing with boilies or pellets works best. And once you've experienced Orlík carp, you'll usually come back.
Lipno – the South Bohemian sea, where carp and predators thrive
The Lipno Dam is popular not only among vacationers but also among fishermen. The rugged bottom, shallows with water lilies, and plenty of natural food create an ideal environment for carp, pikeperch, and pike. You can fish here from the shore or from boats that can be rented at nearby campsites. Classic bottom fishing or method feeder fishing works great, as does trolling in the evening. Predators are reliably caught at sunset.
Novomlýnské reservoirs – a Moravian certainty under Pálava
The system of three reservoirs on the Dyje River is one of the most famous fishing grounds in Moravia. The warmer climate and abundant food here allow carp to grow to enormous sizes, commonly over 15 kg. Fishing is done from the extensive banks and from boats, preferably with rigs balanced further from the shore and with fruit or spicy boilies. In addition to carp, predators such as zander, catfish, and asp also thrive here.
Luhačovice Dam – fishing tranquility in a spa rhythm
Right in the heart of the spa, you will find a dam with clean water, good fish stocks, and excellent facilities. Carp around 70 cm are caught here, as well as pike, zander, and tench. Thanks to the boat rental and the possibility of fishing at night, it is ideal for weekend fishing. The pleasant environment, cleanliness, and tranquility make Luhačovice a great choice for families and advanced anglers alike.
Dešná – peace, trophy fish, and catch-and-release
The private Dešná reservoir on the border of the Vysočina and South Moravia regions is synonymous with high-quality catch and release fishing. The hard bottom, clean water, and carefully managed stock of carp over 10 kg guarantee excellent results. Fishing is done with barbless hooks and gentle equipment. Carp here respond to squid, liver, or fish boilies, and night fishing is often unforgettable.
Lake Katlov – a fishing paradise under the baton of Jakub Vágner
This private lake near Kutná Hora is one of the most famous carp destinations in Europe. There are only 17 spots on 25 hectares of water, so every angler has plenty of space and peace. Fishing is catch and release, and there are piers, cabins, and perfect service available. Carp weighing over 15 kg, sturgeon, and grass carp make Katlov a place where fishing dreams come true.
Trout fishing grounds in the Czech Republic
Trout waters have a completely different atmosphere. Instead of massive feeding and waiting for a bite, it's all about finesse, precision, and silence. Just a few steps into the current, one correct cast... and the fly lands on the surface exactly where the silver side of a trout glistens. The Czech Republic boasts several trout fishing areas that are on par with those in the Alps.
The Vltava River below Lipno – a legend among trout rivers
The section of the Vltava between the Lipno dam and Vyšší Brod is an icon of Czech fly fishing. The cold, oxygen-rich water here creates ideal conditions for brown trout, rainbow trout, and grayling. Fishing is mainly done with a fly – in the morning with a nymph, in the afternoon with a streamer, and in the evening with a dry fly. The local trout are strong, healthy, and beautifully colored, and fishing in this section is an unforgettable experience.
Otava – a Šumava classic with soul
The Otava River offers a wonderful combination of mountain streams and deep pools, where trout and grayling thrive. The upper sections near Rejštejn and Sušice attract lovers of dry flies and delicate fishing, while further downstream you can also succeed with nymphs or small wobblers. The natural riverbed, clear water, and beautiful surroundings make the Otava one of the most charming fishing spots in the country.
Ohře below Nechranice – rainbow trout from the depths
The Ohře River below the Nechranice Dam is one of the richest trout waters in northern Bohemia. The cold water from the depths of the reservoir provides excellent conditions for rainbow trout and grayling, which grow to extraordinary sizes here. Fly fishing and spinning have their charm here. Deep pools, slow currents, and powerful fish guarantee adrenaline with every catch.
Jizera – the crystal-clear beauty of the north
The Jizera is one of the cleanest rivers in Czechia and is a paradise for fly fishers and trollers. Trout and grayling live here in crystal clear water among rocks and boulders, where they react to a gently guided fly or small spinner. If you like authentic fishing in the wild without crowds, the Jizera offers exactly that. Expect peace, quiet, and fish that you have to earn.
The Dyje in Podyjí – fishing in the wilderness
The section of the Dyje between Znojmo and Vranov is exceptional. It flows directly through a national park. Clean water, a stone bottom, and a quiet wooded valley create conditions for trout, grayling, and the rare Danube roach. Fishing here is limited and strictly regulated, but the reward is fishing in almost untouched nature with the atmosphere of true wilderness.
Spinning fishing grounds in Czechia
Spinning is a discipline that combines fishing with active movement and tactics. Every cast is a story, every tug on the tip of the rod is a small explosion of tension. Czechia has several waters where you can come face to face with predators.
Slapy – a sure bet for zander
The Slapy Dam is legendary among trollers. Long bays, rocky shores, and deep transitions offer ideal conditions for zander, pike, and catfish. The best time to fish here is in the fall, when the water clears and the predators are active. Rubber lures at the bottom and wobblers around the tributaries are among the most successful weapons here.
Nechranice – an paradise for asp and an Eldorado for zander
The shallower waters of the Nechranice Dam attract schools of white fish and predators. Zander grow to impressive sizes here, and the evening attacks of asp on the surface are a real spectacle for anglers. The ideal approach is trolling from a boat or belly boat, where you can watch the fish hunting right in front of you.
Lower Elbe – a river challenge for experienced anglers
The wide flow of the Elbe with its deep pools and strong currents is home to real giants. Zander, asp, pike, and catfish will test the skills of any angler here. They are caught near bridges, weirs, and around pillars, where predators hide. The Lower Elbe is unforgiving, but when you succeed, it can bring catches that will go down in your personal records (and be shared on Fishsurfing).
Feeder and float fishing in Czech waters
Feeder and float fishing are among the most accessible and peaceful ways to fish. It's not about strength or casting distance, but about patience and sensitivity, which gradually improve with each day spent by the water. This is often where new anglers start, and many are happy to return to the feeder and float after years. The Czech Republic has dozens of places where you can enjoy this style of fishing to the fullest, from large dams to quiet river pools.
The Elbe in Polabí – a river paradise for feeder enthusiasts
The middle and lower Labe are among the most popular places for feeder and float fishing. The calm current, rugged bottom, and abundant population of bream, roach, parr, and carp guarantee constant action. A medium-weight feeder with a feeder around 40 grams and bait made of worms or corn is ideal. The Elbe is easily accessible and offers countless sections where both beginners and experienced anglers can catch fish.
Rozkoš – the East Bohemian sea full of life
The extensive reservoir near Česká Skalice attracts anglers all year round. Spring belongs to bream, summer to carp, and autumn to zander. Feeder and float fishing work great here, especially on the southern part of the dam with a shallower bottom. The water is rich in fish, and morning bites are among the most reliable. Thanks to its good facilities, Rozkoš is also ideal for weekend fishing with the family.
Oplatil Sandpit – crystal clear water for gentle fishing
This private fishing ground near Lázně Bohdaneč offers clean water, peace and quiet, and a natural environment. Carp, grass carp, tench, and smaller white fish bite reliably, but thanks to the crystal clear water, it is necessary to use finer leaders and smaller hooks. A method feeder with mini boilies or pellets works great. Oplatil is the ideal choice for those seeking peace, quiet, and stress-free fishing.
Morava near Litovel – fast-flowing water and barbel challenges
The Morava River in the Litovelské Pomoraví area is popular for sport feeder fishing. The flowing, clear water and rocky bottom attract barbel, chub, and dace. Fishing is done with a heavier feeder with meat or cheese bait. Every bite here is a battle that tests the angler's skill and strength. The Morava is ideal for those who enjoy active fishing in beautiful natural surroundings.
Czech rivers for fly fishing
Fly fishing is not just a way of fishing, it is a style. It combines technique, precision, and perception of the water. Every cast is carefully thought out, every cast is a challenge. In the Czech Republic, you will find both fast mountain streams and calm sections of rivers reminiscent of Nordic fjords.
Vltava 28 and 29 – the heart of Czech fly fishing
The section of the Vltava near Vyšší Brod is one of the most famous fly fishing waters in Europe. Crystal clear water, strong trout and grayling, strict rules and a catch-and-release policy make this location a fishing gem. Fishing is done with nymphs, wet and dry flies, and during the evening mayfly collection, every cast has its magical moment.
Jizera – mountain water for connoisseurs
The upper reaches of the Jizera attract experienced fly fishers for brown trout and grayling. The clean, fast water and rocky bottom require precision and delicate fly control. The reward is fishing in almost untouched nature, where you feel like you are hundreds of kilometers away from civilization.
Czech waters have their own charm
Whether you are going for carp on Orlík, trout on the Vltava, or feeder fishing on the Elbe, Czech waters have one thing in common: diversity and charm that never gets old. Each fishing ground has its own rhythm, its own customs, and its own surprises. Just choose your spot, give the water time, and enjoy the peace that fishing brings.
Don't forget to respect nature and follow the catch-and-release principle. Thanks to this, our rivers and reservoirs will remain full of life. And if you're looking for inspiration or new fishing grounds, check out the Fishsurfing app, where you'll find everything from maps to the experiences of other anglers. Good luck!
