The Soca valley offers every angler the fantastic challenge of catching the marble trout, which is the biggest trout species in the region, growing to over 1.2 metres (4 feet) and more than 20 kg (45 lbs). The rivers run by the Angling Club of Tolmin are very diverse. There are two bigger rivers, the Soca and Idrijca, and several smaller rivers like the Baca, Tolminka, Trebuscica, Kneza, Koritnica, Bela and Nadiza. Several of these rivers contain only wild fish, offering a pristine fishing experience. The marble trout is the most famous species in the Soca and its tributaries and found practically nowhere else. Other attractive species are graylings, hybrids (a result of interbreeding between the brown and marble trout), rainbows and two big cyprinid species, the Adriatic chub and the Italian barbel.

The Angling Club of Tolmin is an association of fly fishermen founded in 1947, which has been taking care of the local fishing waters ever since. The waters themselves are incredibly diverse for such a small region, which also means that the angling experience can be incredibly varied. The Soca is famous for its vivid color, a result of the limestone over which it flows, and ranges from gorges to wide open gravel beaches and finally the artificial lake at the southern end of the range. The other rivers and streams offer yet more choice, from tiny streams cascading from pool to pool, to larger, free-flowing streams perfect for a day’s relaxed fishing. The scope and variation means that with a bit of care nearly every angler can find something to suit their taste. With many towns, villages and restaurants nearby the hungry or thirsty angler will also easily find a place to rest and relax wherever he or she is fishing.

Going after the larger marble trout, which are native to the region and nearly extinct in all other Adriatic rivers (they have been preserved only here thanks to an intensive and thorough repopulation project, which the Angling Club has been carrying on for the last 20 years), is indeed a challenge, since they are notoriously shy and reclusive fish that feed mostly in the very early morning and just around sunset. Even with local guides, catching one of these fish is a test of every angler’s skill and luck.

The Vila Noblesa lodge sits on a green knoll about a kilometer away from the old village of Most na Soci, which has been settled for at least 3000 years (the valley’s prehistory is covered in the local Tolmin Museum). The Vila has four detached cottages with two bedrooms and room for 4-5 guests in each cottage. All the usual amenities are available (bathroom, kitchenette, satellite TV, parking space, a small veranda above a gurgling brook), but possibly the greatest attraction is the food, drink and company at the main lodge.

Branko Gašparin, besides hunting and fishing, also prepares many specialties himself, from dried and smoked meats, venison, fish, his own wines and more. Vegetarians will lose out (though they won’t go hungry), since not trying all the delicacies he comes up with is almost a sin. From wild boar to local crayfish and honeyed smoked marble trout and home-made salamis and sausages, it’s very likely that most anglers might want to plan a short weight-loss regimen after their stay. The selection of wines and schnapps, some made by Branko himself, will also keep most anglers from sitting behind a steering wheel.

Half-board, with a buffet breakfast and gourmet dinner is the norm and picnic lunches are also available for during the day.

As far as alcohol goes, wine and schnapps have a long local tradition and there are very many varieties available. Do not be necessarily put off by a low price tag, due relatively low taxes a good bottle of wine can easily be had for under 10 euros, and schnapps only a little more. Brda (literally “the hillocks”), one of the local wine-growing regions is only a thirty minutes’ drive away and offers a fine selection of wine, food and history for the visitor.

This destination would definitely receive an A in family rating, as there are many other things to do and see besides fishing. The whole valley offers a lot of natural and historic tourist sights (http://www.dolina-soce.si). The valley was the scene of one of the most incredible battlefields of World War One, which was the basis for Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms. Many of the mountain trenches and bunkers are accessible to the recreational hiker and the Kobarid museum is well worth a visit from the history buff. The mountains and hills also offer many opportunities for hiking and cycling, from extreme to recreational. Waterfalls, riverside beaches, rafting, kayaking, canoeing, paragliding and more round out the leisure activities for non-fishermen. For those who tire of the local sights, tourist destinations abound nearby, with everything from Venice to Ljubljana, the Adriatic sea to Klagenfurt, easily accessible by car. In Slovenia the lakes Bled and Bohinj are quite popular destinations (and easily reached by train or car), as well as the large karst caves of Postojna and Skocjan.

Slovenia as a whole is a very green country, with nearly 70% forest cover. The Soca valley is a narrow alpine valley cut over the millennia by the Soca and formed by glaciers in the last ice age. As such the valley itself is stunning, surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Julian Alps (and most of those covered in well-marked and maintained hiking trails). Slovenia is also well known for its wildlife. Especially deer, chamois, wild hare, fox and wild boar are very common and can be seen in the wild very easily. Apart from these, the last decades have seen the return of big predators such as the lynx, wolf and bear. These animals rarely come into contact with humans and most of the more popular hiking trails are completely safe. In the summer months basking snakes can be encountered in the wild quite easily, so it’s a good idea to watch one’s step. About 200 species of birds also nest in Slovenia and others are transitory to the region. Eagles and other birds of prey can be seen in the Soca valley, while eastern Slovenia also has nesting populations of storks.

The Soca valley is located in a mixed weather zone, with Mediterranean and Alpine influences. The average temperature in April is about 15°C (60F), though snow in April is not an unusual sight. May, June and July are usually the nicest and hottest months with temperatures rising as high as 35°C (95F). August is usually a bit colder with more rain, which continues into September and October. Rain is generally common throughout the year and the region has some of the highest rainfall in Slovenia, with over 2500mm (100 inches) of precipitation per year. During the summer months thunderstorms can occur quite suddenly in the afternoons, so it sometimes pays to keep an umbrella handy.

The bugs are generally tolerable, however in recent years an introduced species of tiger mosquito has been making its way up from the coast and they can be a real pest. Gadflies are also quite common by the larger rivers. Ticks are a particular problem, since they are carriers of tick-borne encephalitis and lyme disease. A good bug repellant is advised and checking for ticks after a fishing trip is a good idea.

Generally the region is very safe and politically stable and the crime rate is low. The Soca valley is, however, a seismically active region and earthquakes do happen.

Slovenia is generally a non-tipping country. Leaving small change is a common enough practice, though. A larger tip is treated as a compliment for very good service.

The Soca valley offers many opportunities for active vacations besides fishing. Its location offers good access to many natural and historic sites outside the region. Ljubljana, the nation’s capital, is just a 100km away and is a must visit in the spring and summer months. Ljubljana is a based on the roman city Emona and had a rich and vibrant history which can be experienced on every step. Alpine lakes of Bled and Bohinj are quite popular destinations and easily reached by train or car. The karst caves of Postojna, which is one of the biggest touristic cave systems in Europe, and Skocjan, which is a part of UNESCO world heritage sites, are very interesting for every visitor. Goriska Brda is a region 30km from the Soca valley and is well known for its cuisine and its local wines, which can easily compete with Italian and French wines.

The best souvenirs of the region would be the local products. The Soca valley is well known for its cheese, which is produced on mountain pastures, and local brandies, which are made from local fruit and herbs. Apart from these the Soca valley offers a wide variety of local handicraft products, which can be found in all the TIC. 30 km from the Soca valley lies the town of Idrija, which is world famous for its lace products.

The incomparable Branko Gasparin in all his magnificence!

There are few fly fishing lodges on the planet where you will meet a host with such passion for the sporting lifestyle, and life itself. A renowned restauranteur for two decades of his life, Branko Gasparin brings his considerable art de cuisine to the table at Vila Noblesa along with similar exceptional skills at wine making, fly tying, taxidermy, fishing, hunting, gardening, wild foods gathering, etc, - all bestowed in multiple languages with an irrepressible humor. Under the friendly and attentive care of Branko and his wife Vlasta you will feel instantly at home genuinely part of the family. Frankly, you may never want to leave.

More information on fishing in the Soca valley and booking is available by emailing us at rdt.val@siol.net. You can also view our webpage http://www.ribiska-druzina-tolmin.si/ or call +386 5381 17 10