Marble Trout - Soca Trout Fishing Guide Slovenia
Marble Trout - A Queen of Slovenian Rivers
Slovenia Fly Fishing Guide Service offers professionally guided Marble trout – Soca trout tours in Slovenia.
Marble trout characteristics:
- Marble trout is an Endemic trout species of Slovenia.
- Largest trout species in Slovenia, trophy trout reaching lengths over 40 inches and more than 20 pounds in weight.
- Marbled pigmentation.
- Proportionally big head to total body length.
Marble trout aka Soca trout (Salmo marmoratus) native to Adriatic basin, can only be found in rivers flowing into Adriatics. Known for its marbled pattern is considered the pride and symbol of Slovenian fly fishing. Last two decades have seen the recovery of marmorata population, which was facing a near extinction due to release of Brown Trout into their habitat in 20th century resulting in crossbreeding. With the effort of Slovenian fishing enthusiasts, the “Marmorata” population has well recovered.
Marble Trout Anyone?
Marble trout (Salmo marmoratus; Cuvier 1817), endemic species, in Slovenia also known as Soca trout. The large head is one of the characteristics (taking around one fourth of the body length) which is predominant in the species, while huge variation in size and color between the habitat types exist.
In chalk streams the marble trout tend to grow stouter and may reach trophy dimensions, while in the upper reaches of Alpine rivers they grow smaller in size. In general, anglers distinguish between Idrijca sub-type marble trout, being yellowish to olive in coloration, with possibility of having an off red mark on body. While Soca sub-type is less pigmented, with almost grey marble pattern.
The big ones grow to 130 cm (51 inch) and weight up to 22 kg (55 lbs). Realistically all fish over 70 cm (26 inch) may be considered a very good catch. Its colouring and marbled pattern changes from river system to river system.
Enjoy the thrill of marble hunt
Season: start of April to end October.
Rivers: Soca and tributaries (Idrijca, Baca, Tolminka, Trebuscica), Rizana and Reka
Specifics of Marble trout fishing:
Solid sized marble trout up to 60 cm rely on insects diet and are therefore targeted with classic fly fishing techniques – long line sight nymphing, in faster waters with short line nymphing and high sticking and when the hatch is on also on a dry fly. The larger specimens are exhibiting predatory lifestyle and are targeted with larger or/and heavier streamers.
