The Sajó and the Hernád: Fishing Hungary's Northern Rivers

Anyone who thinks Hungary only has slow lowland rivers has never stood ankle-deep on a gravel bar of the Hernád at dawn while chub smash into prey under a fallen tree. The Sajó and the Hernád are fast-flowing, gravel-bedded rivers in the north-east corner of the country, and they offer a completely different kind of fishing from the waters of the Great Plain. Here's what to expect and what to watch out for, so that these vulnerable rivers stay the way they are for a long time to come.

Two rivers from the north

Both rivers rise in Slovakia. The Sajó (Slaná in Slovak) starts in the Slovak Ore Mountains, is roughly 230 kilometres long, and a good half of it lies in Hungary. It flows south-east past Putnok, Kazincbarcika and the Miskolc area, then joins the Tisza near Tiszaújváros. The Hernád (Hornád in Slovak) rises on the eastern side of the Low Tatras, passes through Košice before entering Hungary, and along its Hungarian section – a little over a hundred kilometres – winds down the Hernád valley until it flows into the Sajó south-east of Miskolc.

The two rivers share a similar character: a gravel and sand bed, alternating fast and slower stretches, constantly shifting bars, undercut banks and fallen trees. The Hernád is especially natural, with many almost untouched meanders. Heavy industry along the Sajó was once a serious burden on the river; as industry declined, water quality improved a lot, but the river is still sensitive to pollution today.

What fish can you expect?

According to fish surveys on the lower Hernád, bleak, spirlin and chub are the most abundant, but barbel and nase are common too. Lowland species such as common bream are almost absent here. From an angler's point of view:

• Chub: the most characteristic fish of both rivers, under almost every fallen tree and undercut bank.
• Barbel: on fast, gravelly stretches, below the gravel bars.
• Nase and ide: on the faster stretches, mainly in spring and autumn.
• Asp, pike, zander, wels catfish: mostly on the lower, deeper, slower stretches towards the mouth of the Sajó.
• Perch: in the slower bends, next to snags.

Attention: protected species on the hook

On these two rivers it's especially important to recognise protected species. The Carpathian barbel is widespread in the Hernád and is protected – you can tell it from the common barbel by its smaller size and the dark speckling on its body and fins. Kessler's gudgeon and the streber also occur, and in the Sajó the zingel as well. All of them are protected.

1. If you're not sure of the species, release the fish.
2. Don't take it out of the water unnecessarily – unhook it in the water if possible.
3. Use barbless or crushed-barb hooks if local rules don't forbid it – careful release is much easier that way.
4. Before taking a photo, ask yourself whether it's worth the stress for the fish.

Methods for fast water

Chub fishing: the classic of both rivers. Trot a float down with the current, or fish a small crankbait, spoon or fly along fallen trees. Chub are wary: approach slowly and quietly, and stay hidden from the water as much as you can.

Barbel fishing: with a feeder – heavier depending on the strength of the current – and worm, maggot or cheese. Barbel dive into the stones, so you need a strong hook and a reliable hooklength. After the fight, release the fish holding it head-first into the current.

Lure fishing on the deeper stretches: for asp in fast inflows, for pike and zander in slower, deeper bends.

Fly fishing: the clear, gravelly stretches of the Hernád are excellent for fly fishing, especially for chub.

When to go?

The best times are late spring and early autumn, when the water is already – or still – warm enough but hasn't dropped too low. In summer, at low water, fish retreat into deeper holes and under shaded, tree-lined banks, and dawn and dusk bring the most bites. After a small flood has passed, in slightly coloured water, barbel and chub feed more boldly.

Safety and rules

The Sajó and the Hernád rise fast – after rain in the north the water can climb within hours, as the big flood of 2010 showed.

• Water level: before you set off, check the level on the upper section in Slovakia too.
• Wading: wading staff, non-slip soles, and never wade in high or coloured water.
• The border: the upper sections are in Slovakia; there you need a separate Slovak permit.
• Permits: carry a Hungarian state fishing licence and a local permit valid for your stretch. Check closed seasons and size limits in the managing club's current rules.
• Spawning grounds: in spring, don't trample the gravel bars – they're spawning sites.
• River traffic: in summer there are many canoeists and kayakers on the Hernád; be patient with them.
• Cleanliness: take line, hooks and packaging home with you.

Summary

The Sajó and the Hernád are among Hungary's most exciting "moving water" fisheries: fast water, gravel, chub and barbel, and predators on the slower stretches. In return they ask for attention – recognising protected species, releasing fish gently and respecting sudden floods. If you're planning to visit, it's worth browsing the river stretches in Borsod county in the site's map search.