About the Lake Bled
Fishing on Lake Bled is one of the most memorable experiences for every angler. We can surely say that in the last couple of years, the lake has become one of the most famous lakes in the carp fishing world, and with specimens of over 30 kg swimming in it and getting bigger each year, this lake still has enormous potential.
Lake Bled is situated in the north-west part of Slovenia in the Gorenjska region. Surrounded by the Alps it is hidden in a Bled valley. It is 2 km in length and 1.5 km in width, with the famous island in the middle. It narrows towards the centre of Bled where all the hotels are and it’s wider on the other side. The depth varies up to 31 meters and goes down steeply from the bank.
Fish in Lake Bled
Carp in Lake Bled are some of the biggest in Slovenia. Once you have a take it will scarcely be under 10 kg, even a 15 kg mark is usually breached. As for the 20 kg fish, there are plenty as well and if you want to try and catch yourself a Slovenian 20+ fish, this is the place you should visit. The cream on the cake is fish over 30 kg, which is growing fast despite the relatively cold glacial lake.
During the season there are a few fish that could exceed the weight of 30 kg, but come autumn when the fish start feeding, even the upper 20 kg fish reach the 30 kg mark so you have plenty of chances to bag yourself a real leviathan. The official record is 32.5 kg, but divers report to have seen much bigger fish swimming in the clear waters of the Lake Bled.
As for the shape and size, the most distinct are mirror carp, which are darker than elsewhere and tend to have the shape of a ball, with short bodies with big bellies. But if you prefer the common carp, they are in the lake as well, powerful and long, with big fins. As a bonus, you can also catch a linear carp of over 20 kg and some scaly mirrors, which are real gems of Lake Bled.
Seasons
Carp fishing on Lake Bled is allowed from 1.4. until 31.12. There is no night fishing, so you have strict regulations when you are allowed to fish during the carp fishing season. You can start one hour before sunrise and your fishing session must end at 11 p.m., in some parts of the lake (Bled Island for example) you have to finish by 10 p.m.
Also, you have some fish reserves along the lake which open on 15.6 and stay open throughout the season, so you must choose your spot wisely.
Best time for fishing
As for when is the best time to go fishing, there are several factors you must take into account.
Weather
Spring months can be unpredictable, temperatures could be low and rain hammering down, but at the same time, it can be a great forecast with lots of sun and just the right temperatures around 20 degrees. Summer is hot, but as long as you are in the shade, this won’t bother you.
In Autumn, the weather usually stays nice until the middle of October, then the temperatures begin to drop.
Winter is also a special time, it’s cold but if you are dressed well enough it’s no problem. Snow is rare in recent years, so don’t put your hopes up for a snowy carp picture.
Tourists
In recent years, Bled has been very busy with tourists, so if you are the type of angler who likes peace, We can take you to the quiet spots, nevertheless, there are some very good fishing locations in the heart of tourist attractions, especially in the center, so you have to take tourist into account when planning a relaxing fishing trip.
Spring is OK, there are some visitors especially on nice days and on the weekends, but it is not too much and you can fish places directly in the center of the lake, if you don’t mind a couple of people saying hi and ask a few questions.
In summer, the lake is really crowded with people, so if you are a guy that likes quiet, you will wait until autumn months or you can arrange with our guide to take you to places that are not easily accessible, but are therefore more peaceful.
Come autumn, tourists slowly disappear and only the brave ones stay so you don’t have any problems except maybe on sunny weekend days.
In winter, when the best hours for fishing come in the late afternoon and in the evening, there is only you on the lake with your two rods, waiting which one would go first.
Carp season wise
Spring is a good time for a 3-day carp fishing Bled option. Fish are awakening from the winter and are hungry, they have to be ready for spawning. Nights are long and you have a lot of time for fishing in the best hours of the day when it’s dark.
In summer the carp are active as well, the only thing is that bite time is shorter, but you still have enough darkness in the morning and in the evening to kick a couple more bites.
Autumn is in our opinion prime time for fishing, since carp are again feeding massively, days are colder so you have a chance to catch a fish during the day as well, and come evening, the sun sets fast, so you have plenty of time for quality fishing.
In the winter you have all the time you want because fish can bite at all times.
Fishing permits
Fishing permits can be purchased through the website of a Fishing Club Bled you can only buy a daily permit. There is a limitation though, because only 1 license per day can be sold. That’s why we strongly advise you that you book your trip very early, possibly even before the year you want to fish.
The majority of tickets are sold by March for the end of the year, in April you must be very lucky to get any free ticket. In previous years it was possible to fish for carp on 1 rod for predators, but such a thing is no longer possible, once the tickets are sold, they are gone.
On a fishing permit, you can fish for carp, the lake hasn’t yet got a catch and release policy, 1 carp is allowed to be taken up to 7 kg, but we strongly advise you not to kill any fish on the shores of the lake.
The price of the daily carp fishing permit is 57 €.
Rules
There are strict rules for fishing on Lake Bled since it’s such an important location with many people around, and In order for anglers and tourists to coexist, one must obey the rules. Here is a list of rules for carp fishing from the Fishing Club Bled.
- The license owner must accept the behavior appropriate to all visitors of the Slovenian national park. Behavior that is not ethical, humane, and ecological towards other fishermen, park visitors, fish, and the environment is not allowed.
- The place where fishermen are fishing must contain as little fishing equipment as possible. The fishing spot must be tidy and clean through and at the end of fishing.
- Fishing equipment for Carp fishing in Lake Bled requires also: a soft net at least 90 cm long, an unhooking mat, and antiseptic.
- Only nylon lines are allowed.
- Usage of open flame and all kinds of heaters for preparing hot food or beverages is not allowed.
- Camping outside a legal camp is forbidden in Slovenia. Tents and umbrellas are not allowed.
- The usage of a bed chair for sleeping is not allowed. Only a chair for sitting is allowed.
- Usage of all kinds of markers which mark the feeding place is not allowed.
- Fishing is allowed in an area of a maximum of 100 m from the coast.
- Usage of a maximum of 5 kg of bait which can contain up to 1 kg of animal source share per fishing day is allowed. Usage of all kinds of remote-controlled shuttles for transporting and inputting nutrients and other substances that pollute water and lake bottoms is not allowed. Usage of any kind of boat is not allowed!
- The license owner must allow an authorized person ( guard ) of a fishing club to: check the fishing license, identity document, fishing equipment, and bait.
- In the event of non-compliance with the rules, fishing gear is seized!
What do you need to bring with you?
That is completely up to you. If you want, you can rent all the equipment on our website and just take your clothes and underwear In case you want to bring everything with you, then it’s okay too.
You need standard gear, but have to be careful that you don’t bring a cooker with you since it’s not allowed; also you won’t need a brolly, in case of rain however, you are allowed to have an umbrella. You will also need antiseptic, your landing net must be wider than 90 cm and it’s mandatory to have a big unhooking mat.
How to get to the lake?
Lake Bled is only half an hour’s drive from Ljubljana, if you are flying from somewhere, the airport is even closer. If you go by car, don’t forget to buy a vignette. At the lake itself, you have plenty of parking spots, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to park your car.
Of course, we have an option to pick you up from the airport or Ljubljana and drive you to your accommodation. For additional info send an inquiry or call the Fishing Guides Slovenia team.
Tips
We can’t tell you everything, since we will be out of business very soon and you won’t need our guides However, let us give you a taste:
The most common mistake many anglers make is they leave too early. It’s very important that you are on the lake as soon as possible, way before the first light, and that you stay until 11 p.m. since the bite time is usually when the sun goes down.
