In this insightful interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Saša Jeremić, a distinguished guide at Misty Fly Outdoors and a three-time National Fly Fishing Champion of Bosnia. Born in Banja Luka along the scenic river Vrbas, Saša’s passion for fishing has been a lifelong journey that has seen him mastering various techniques and exploring some of the finest fly fishing destinations in Europe. His expertise, competitive spirit, and love for sharing the beauty of Bosnia’s waterways make him a remarkable figure in the fly fishing community
Tell us more about yourself.
I am Saša Jeremić, born in Banja Luka, on the beautiful river Vrbas. I have had a passion for fishing since I was a kid. Like many fishermen from my city, I am fortunate that just an hour’s drive from my home, there are numerous rivers considered top fly fishing destinations in the country—and I can also say, in Europe.
What is your favorite technique?
I enjoy all fishing techniques; however, I am most passionate about sight fishing for big fish. I also really like dry fly fishing, as well as streamers and euro nymphing. As a competitor, I like to practice and utilize all the techniques that can help me catch fish in different conditions.
What is your biggest achievement in the competition scene?
My biggest achievement is being a 3-time Bosnian National Champion and finishing in the top 10 individuals at the World Fly Fishing Championship 2025 in the Czech Republic.
Do you have a favorite river?
I appreciate all the rivers in Bosnia. However, the River Pliva is my favorite. The landscapes, clarity of the water, and the calmness of the valley are outstanding. Fishing for those monster golden graylings from the depths of the Pliva is incredibly challenging, which I enjoy the most. Every river has something special. If I want to go dry fly fishing, Ribnik is probably the top destination for that. Meanwhile, the River Sana is a fantastic all-around river where I can fish euro nymphing, dry fly fishing, dry droppers, or even streamers. I must also mention the Rivers Una and Unac, which are among the most beautiful in our country, with amazing surroundings. I love to visit them and sight fish for big rainbow trout, which have been living in those rivers for a long time.
What is your personal best fish?
I haven’t measured many fish, but for me, any grayling that is 50 cm or longer is a real trophy. We are lucky to have rivers where I can confidently say we have plenty of them. However, catching them is not easy, and whenever I succeed, I consider it a significant accomplishment. The same goes for brown trout, especially when I target them on dries. I have caught fish up to 70 cm, which I would consider a trophy for Bosnian conditions.
Why did you start guiding?
I started guiding because I received many requests from people I met on the rivers while fishing. The pure joy I feel when helping someone catch their personal best fish or even their first fish motivated me to take guiding to a higher level. I enjoy sharing my knowledge of Bosnia’s rivers and helping others experience what fishing in Bosnia is all about. Meeting new people and hearing their experiences from their local rivers is also what I love about this job, as it feels like a new adventure for me.
What is your main focus when guiding a client?
My main focus when guiding is to create great memories for the client. I believe it isn’t just about fishing; it’s about making memorable experiences. I like to listen to the clients’ needs and wishes and do my best to help them achieve those goals. Not all clients are the same; some enjoy catching a lot of fish, while others prefer relaxing with a beer by the river or chasing a specific big fish on dry flies. Therefore, I try to understand each client and help them take home wonderful memories from Bosnia.
What do you think sets Bosnia apart as a fly fishing destination compared to other countries?
I think what sets Bosnia apart is probably the number of completely wild fish, as well as the clarity of the rivers. It is what most of our clients tell us when they first see the rivers.
I fished in USA,Czech Republic,France,Slovakia,and some countries in Balkan region , and I think Bosnia is different from everywhere I fished so far.
What types of flies do you find to be the most effective in Bosnia?
I think there is no single most effective fly since fly fishing in Bosnia requires constant adjustments based on conditions, the hatch at the moment, etc. However, I have some personal favorites, which are mostly our local patterns that have been found and originated from our rivers, like the “Plivka” nymph, which originated on the River Pliva.
What is your ideal day of fishing?
Any day I spend on the river is ideal for me, whether it is fishing, guiding, or even having a barbecue next to the river. But if I have to really pick, it would be a cloudy autumn day on the River Pliva with active graylings.
For the end, could you give some advice to novice fly fishermen?
Absolutely! My advice would be to be patient and persistent. Fly fishing is as much about the journey as it is about the catch. Take the time to learn your waters, understand the insects, and practice your casting. Don’t get discouraged by the learning curve; every great angler started as a novice. Engage with local communities, ask questions, and soak in as much knowledge as you can.
