Adventures of fly angler in Poland

This year I visited river Łupawa in Pomorze, northern region of Poland, close to Baltic sea. It's not that different from similar rivers in the area, but it got some international recognition after European fly fishing championship in 2016. It was my second visit. First was not very successful from fishing standpoint, but I beloved in this area. It's kind of magic place, and I was happy just to be there. Łupawa is rather small stream, surrounded by forests and marshlands. Forest rivers like this usually challenging for fly fishing. Overhanging branches, fallen trees, abundant logjams, difficult wading.  Fortunately, Łupawa on C&R section is quite easy for wading. Riverbed covered by sand, gravel or cobblestones. Depth in many places is shallow, around knee level, which allows to cross river or navigate around obstacles with ease. Popular fly fishing stretch starts from the bridge in Osiedle rybackie (Fishermen's village), a small settlement near fish farm. Below th...

Drzeżewo is another "no kill" part of Łupawa, starting from the hydropower dam near village Drzeżewo. It was also used on European fly fishing championship 2016, as Sector 4. According ot EFFC scorecards, there were numerous number of graylings. The river is more wide, and most of the streambed covered with grass. That grass looks like a perfect shelter for fish. So I decided to give it a try. I started from the bridge, and slowly walked downstream, casting small streamer to the sides. There were no takes, but many snags to the grass. Fortunately, grass is soft enough, so when you unsnag, you dont tear off your leader and fly each time. That green stuff looks very beautiful. Water was still brownish with knee-deep visibility, but that's enough for fish to see the fly. I slowly walked downstream, and found one promising place. Unfortunately, I didn't notice boulder under my feet due to poor visibility, and fell into the water. My vest and shirt ful...

Next day , I decided to check location called "Damno młyn" (old mill in Damno). There is a footbridge, which is the end of C&R part. I parked my car near private lodge, and walked to the river. All, what remained from the mill, probably these wooden piles in the water. Stretch above the footbridge is very challenging for fishing. There is a lot of fallen tree trunks and branches in the water. They provide excellent protection for trout, but also numerous chances for snags. I found nice side channel below fallen tree, and got immediately fish. A grayling! Not big one, but still grayling.  Then I got few more, and lost 3 flies. I slowly progressed upstream, trying to guide my nymphs alond the hidden channels between obstacles. In such places, you lose more flies than catch fish. But, it was rewarding. I cannot say this was fish of my dream. But, the whole Łupawa experience charmed me, so I was happy. Look at these places, simply beautiful....

During my August vacation, I've spent 3 days on the river Łupawa in Northern Poland. This river was the primary location of European fly fishing championship in September 2016. It has special "no kill" (C&R) part near city Damnica, which was my primary goal. Before visiting the river, I arranged housing and licenses from Jan Mędrkiewich. He sells the licenses for the "no kill" part, and also he offers excellent accomodation in his own home in Damnica. I booked a room for 3 days. There was no other people, so I was alone in 2-room apartment with 5 beds. There is also kitchen, gas stove, refrigerator, so guests can do self-cooking. Grocery store is very close to the house. I arrived late, so immediately fell asleep. On the next day, Jan offered me short observation tour of the river. We drove through the forest road to the old bridge across Łupawa, which is the end of fly-only C&R part. Below the bridge, spinning also allowed. There is a cabin n...