European Native Trout Challenge
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Slovenian Native Slam.

The Slovenian Native Slam is a unique fishing challenge that invites anglers to catch four native salmonid species of Slovenia in their natural habitats. While the challenge excludes the Adriatic grayling, the logo celebrates all five native species, highlighting Slovenia’s rich trout diversity and heritage.
Participating in the Slam is about more than just fishing — it’s about exploring Slovenia’s beautiful rivers responsibly, enjoying the adventure, and supporting conservation efforts.
Slovenia’s rivers are divided into two main basins: the Adriatic basin, draining toward the Mediterranean, and the Danube basin, draining toward the Black Sea. Each basin hosts different native species, which adds to the diversity and challenge of the Slam.

The Native Species.

  • Marble Trout (Salmo marmoratus) – Found only in the Adriatic basin. Famous for its striking marbled pattern, it’s a prized catch in clear Alpine waters.
  • Adriatic Grayling (Thymallus aeliani) – Historically found in the Adriatic basin, but now no longer present as a pure species. It is excluded from the challenge, but represented in the logo to honour Slovenia’s native diversity.
  • Huchen / Danube Salmon (Hucho hucho) – Found in the Sava basin and its tributaries. Often called the “fish of 1000 casts” for its elusive nature. only fished for in winter.
  • Brown Trout (Salmo trutta, Danubian lineage) – Distributed across most Slovenian rivers in the Danube basin. Highly variable in form and colour depending on the river system.
  • European Grayling (Thymallus thymallus, Western Balkan & Southern Alps lineages) – Found in the Sava system (Western Balkan lineage) and Drava & Mura system (Southern Alps lineage). Known for its sail-like dorsal fin and shimmering silver body.
  • marble trout
  • brown trout
  • adriatic grayling
  • european grayling
  • huchen

Why Participate?

  • Adventure & Exploration: Discover Slovenia’s rivers, some of which are hidden gems known only to local anglers.
  • Skill Challenge: Test your fishing abilities by targeting multiple species in different habitats, including the elusive Huchen.
  • Conservation Impact: Every entry helps fund projects that protect native species and restore freshwater habitats.
  • Recognition: Earn a magnet and certificate showcasing your achievement, and join a community of like-minded anglers.
  • Unique Experience: Completing the Slam is a memorable accomplishment, a true “fisherman’s badge of honour” that celebrates Slovenia’s natural heritage.

How It Works.

  1.  Enter the challenge – €15 per participant.
  2. Catch & document – Fish responsibly and take care of the fish’s health when photographing.
  3. Submit your catches – Send an email with a Word document for each species, containing:

Required information:

  • A sharp picture of the fish (above water, fish’s health in mind).
  • The date the fish was caught.
  • The river where the fish was caught.

Optional information:

  • Fishing rod type (spinning rod, fly rod, etc.)
  • Type of fishing (streamer, nymphing, dry fly, spinner, jerk bait, etc.)
  • Bait type/name
  • Fish weight
  • Fish length

4. Receive your rewards – A magnet button featuring the challenge logo and a certificate recognizing your achievement.

 Rules.

  1. Participants must register before starting the challenge. Read the information and rules, enjoy the process, and help conserve and restore native populations.
  2. Know and follow all fishing rules and regulations for the rivers you intend to fish.
  3. Only fish caught after 1-9-2024 can be counted for this challenge.
  4. Fish must be caught in their native watershed.
  5. Fish must be caught barbless and according to catch-and-release principles.
  6. There is no time limit to complete the challenge.
  7. All photos submitted may be used by the European Native Trout Challenge for content.