Fly Fishing in Greece

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Wild trout and fly-fishing in Greece E-mail
Written by Apostolis Lachanas   
Friday, 29 April 2011 19:15

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It is well known that Greece holds a high place amongst the countries with the richest history. Greek mythology, the Olympic Games and ancient monuments of cultural heritage have made Greece well known in many parts of the world. However, what is her contribution in the history of fly-fishing





 

Fly-fishing in Greece

The first written reference to fly-fishing in Greece was made by the Greek-Roman Claudius Aelianus in his book “De Animalium Natura”, written in the 2nd century A.D. His scripts refer to the river Astraeus in Macedonia, then part of the Roman empire, located between the cities of Veroia and Thessalonica. The local inhabitants were using an artificial fly for their river fishing. Unbelievable as it may sound, this was the beginning of fly-fishing.

Fly-fishing is a sport/hobby which is well known globally, perhaps the most advanced in terms of equipment and techniques used. It is probably the most popular way of fishing for trout with the most dedicated fans. However, what is the status fly-fishing in our country?
Fly-fishing is not well known in Greece and most Greeks are totally unaware of its existence. Perhaps it is because of numerous wars and many years of occupation that people did not have the luxury to practise a sport that is considered to be a privilege of the gentry and certainly requires time. Poverty and need resulted in fishing for the table, using any available means that produced quick results. A similar idea to “poaching” in the UK.
Fly-fishing featured in Greece during the last decade and has been gradually increasing its supporters. In 2011 there are about 25 known fly-fishermen in the whole of Greece, but there seems to be interest by young fishermen.

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Trout fishing in Greece

There are several Greek rivers inhabited by wild trout, but there are equally a lot of anglers who target them. The majority of anglers use spinning methods. Lack of appropriate education with regards to trout fishing is a huge issue.

I have met a number of fishermen on various rivers who tend to keep tiny, sardine like, trout for the table. There is no awareness of catch-and-release and lack of knowledge of the importance of a healthy ecosystem, both in lakes and rivers. Many anglers totally ignore the legislation that prohibits the sale of wild trout and sell wild trout to local restaurants and tavernas.

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Appropriate legislation prohibiting buying or selling of wild trout is in place. There are also limits with regards to size and number of fish that can be kept for the table. Anglers can keep up to 3 fish of at least 22cm length which is the minimum size. Unfortunately, there are no efficient bailiffing controls in place, allowing unscrupulous individuals to catch and kill numerous fish, literally committing fish genocide.


There are others who use all imaginable means to fill-up their freezers with wild trout. Illegal netting, bleach, electro-fishing, dynamite and everything imaginable is used in the process, wiping out all live organisms in the rivers. Who will actually control them before it is too late?
The population of wild brown trout (trutta fario) has been dramatically decreased and in many rivers is nearly extinct. It is a shame to boast so many beautiful rivers in our country that can end-up lifeless because of the immaturity of the few who do not understand the destructive results of their actions. 

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Another serious issue often discussed within the fishing fraternity is the attitude of a few locals that treat the rivers as their own property, causing damage to vehicles of visiting anglers. It may sound as an exaggeration, but it is unfortunately the bitter reality.


Greediness

The problems do not stop here. In the name of “green energy” and “ecology” numerous mountain-rivers and streams are in danger of total destruction as small hydroelectric dams are creeping everywhere. Contractors are taking advantage of subsidies, without properly examining the impacts of these concrete barriers on the river ecosystem. The small hydroelectric dams are altering the beauty of the Greek natural landscape and act as a blockage to trout spawning, causing gradual depletion of fish population numbers. In some rivers wild trout populations have been wiped out. 

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Rubbish, fly tipping, untreated sewage water, factory pollutants, pesticides, illegal extraction of gravel etc. Are all contributing to the ecological degradation of Greek rivers. There are many who treat these rivers like dumping grounds, totally unaware of the destructing impact of their actions.
 

The organisation and management of inland waters in Greece is next to zero, projecting an image of an underdeveloped country in the eyes of the rest of the world. I hope and wish that there is a wake-up call, so that we can pay attention to our rivers to avoid a situation which is irreversible.

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However, we (fly-fishers) will carry on updating the Greek fishermen and the general public about these dangers, trying to transmit the whole ethos and philosophy of fly-fishing and the need to protect nature.
Our purpose is not to teach Greek fishermen a different way of catching fish to fill their stomachs, but to promote a different hobby which is based on respect towards the  environment.
  

Those of you who are aligned with our views are welcome. Those of you who do not agree are doubly welcome, so that we can open a line of communication which can only bring us closer. We are facing a critical situation and there is no time for pointless conflict. Let us get together to take the future of our rivers in our hands.

 
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