“LAKE CERKNICA IS


POPULATED BY RARE BIRDS, REPTILES AND FISH.”


The sun breaks through the clouds and a fish pulls my dry fly below the surface. Even though we missed the trophy pike, hooking a small rudd proves that anglers can come to a totally unique lake, match the local for- age and catch fish. That’s the best feeling in fishing.


Located on a high plateau, the surrounding for- est has one of the longest sustained temperate cli- mates in Europe and hosts bears, wolves and lynx. During the wet season, the lake attracts over 250 species of birds. This green frog jumped from lily pad to lily pad then landed on my board for a pic- ture. When the water is low, the lake teams with life. In a cave at the edge of the lake thousands of frogs hibernate during the winter. There are so many frogs that locals used to collect them with shovels to eat during lean times.


“I KEEP MY EYES ON


THE WATER FOR SIGNS OF FISH.”


As a biologist, it is hard for me to focus on fishing in an area with such unique biology. With the sun shin- ing and the forest glowing green, I keep my eye on the water for signs of fish. Lake Cerknica’s unique geology and biology helped it qualify for protected status from the European Union, safeguarding it from human development.


32…KAYAK ANGLER


Fog covers the water, making it difficult to spot fish below the surface. Water lilies cling to the paddle making it tough to inch along. Lake Cerknica doesn’t give up her treasures willingly. Plants and animals have adapted to the lake’s unique water cycle. These lilies are heterophily, which means they can grow in water or on dry land. The best way to explore the vegetation-choked water is by paddle craft. The paddleboard allows me to stand up and see breaks in the plants and spot fish hiding below.


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