Fishing

For hundreds of years, the Drava River served as the main artery for the town of Osijek, supplying the necessary tools for maintaining a city: water, food and trade. Today, the river remains an integral part of the city in those areas, but is also a source of recreation and relaxation for the citizens of the region. One of the popular pastimes practiced on the banks of the Drava is fishing. A variety of fish populates the waters of the river, including both pike and carp. The portion of the Drava near Bilje was the site of a World Fishing Competition event in the summer of 2006.
Kopački Rit, the natural gem of the surrounding area, also offers fishing opportunities. A large part of the park has been turned into a nature reserve, but there are areas that are under less strict supervision and the fish are fair game (provided you have the proper licenses and permits!). There are over 40 species of fish swimming the waters of Kopački Rit, including pike, tench, bream, carp, catfish, pike-perch and perch. Information about fishing and hunting is available at the Kopački Rit tourist office or online at www.kopacki-rit.com.