Gacka River Springs

The Gacka rises in the Lika karst from three main springs - Tonkovic, Majerovo and Klanac - runs about thirty kilometres across the polje, and then sinks underground again at Svica, which makes it one of the larger sinking rivers in Europe. The water is cold, constant in temperature and rich in nutrients, and the brown trout in it grow large and fast enough that the river has an international reputation among fly fishermen, fished under permit. Old watermills stand at the springs, several of them restored. Part of the flow has been diverted for hydroelectric use since the 1960s, which reduced the river below its historical volume.

What you actually see

• Three main springs - Tonkovic, Majerovo and Klanac.
• A river that sinks again - underground at Svica after about thirty kilometres.
• Trout that grow fast - the reason the fly fishing reputation exists.
• Restored watermills - standing at the spring heads.

When to go

April to October; the fishing season sets its own dates. Half a day.

Honest expectations

Fishing is by permit, priced and regulated, not casual. Hydro diversion has taken volume out of the river. The springs are scattered across the polje and need a car. Facilities are limited to a few restaurants.

Nearby

Otocac is next door; Plitvice is east and Senj is over Velebit.