Slovenian Native Slam – Hosted Fly Fishing Trip.

A European Native Trout Challenge experience.

This hosted fly fishing trip is designed as a field expression of the European Native Trout Challenge (ENTC): a small‑group, conservation‑focused journey built around learning, access, and respect for native trout and their rivers. This is not a commercial lodge trip and it is not designed to maximise profit. Costs are calculated with a small safety margin only. Any surplus generated by this trip will be transferred directly to the ENTC account and used exclusively for native trout protection, conservation initiatives, and educational work.

Trip concept.

The trip is inspired by the Slovenian Native Slam and focuses on Slovenia’s native salmonid species. Huchen (Danube salmon) is not targeted, as its fishing season takes place in winter and falls outside the timing of this trip.
It combines fishing in two distinct regions:

• The Soča River Basin (Adriatic drainage)
• The Danube River Basin around Ljubljana

Rather than aiming to formally complete the slam, the trip is designed to explore the ecological and cultural contrast between these basins while focusing on the following native species:

• Marble trout (Salmo marmoratus)
• Brown trout (Salmo trutta)
• European grayling (Thymallus thymallus)

Participants experience two very different hydrological, ecological, and management systems, guided by local experts and supported by a host throughout the week.
The emphasis is on:

• Native trout and grayling populations
• Ethical and low‑impact fly fishing
• Understanding local fisheries management systems
• Conservation context and long‑term river health, not fish counts

Dates & duration.

• Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
• Effective fishing days: 6
• Season: Mid‑April to mid‑May (exact dates confirmed per edition)

Early season was chosen for:

• Excellent fishing conditions
• Lower angling pressure
• Reduced tourism impact
• Better learning and access opportunities

Group size

• Minimum: 6 anglers
• Target: 8 anglers
• Maximum: 8 anglers (9 only in exceptional cases, e.g. a pair joining together)

This trip is intentionally kept small to preserve:

• Water quality and fish welfare
• Learning quality
• Group cohesion