European Native Trout Challenge
Cast a line, make a change

Emerald Paradise.

Laurens, the founder of Emerald Paradise and filmmaker behind the award-winning documentary “Emerald Paradise – Fly Fishing in the Soča Valley”, now offers personal guiding in Slovenia. His years of filming and exploring the rivers gave him unmatched knowledge of the Soča Valley and its tributaries.
As a guide, Laurens focuses on authentic fishing experiences. He avoids the busiest, most accessible stretches and instead takes clients to quieter waters where wild fish thrive and the scenery is breath taking. His goal is to create memorable days on the river, whether you are a beginner looking for your first trout or an experienced angler chasing big Marble Trout.

Waters & Clubs.

Laurens and his team guide across several fishing districts in the Soča Valley, each offering a different kind of experience:

  • ZZRS (Fisheries Research Institute waters) – These are generally the easiest waters to fish, making them a great choice for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed day on the river.
  • RD Tolmin – Laurens  home waters and where he spends most of his time. These rivers, including the Soča, Idrijca, Bača, and Tolminka, offer more challenging fishing conditions with a mix of technical pools and strong wild fish.
  • RD Idrija – Known for some of the toughest waters in Slovenia, the Idrijca and its tributaries demand precise presentation, patience, and skill. For experienced anglers seeking a true challenge, this is the ultimate test.

Specialties..

  • Sight fishing for Marble Trout, Grayling, and Rainbow Trout.
  • Fly Fishing (dry fly, nymphing)
  • Strong emphasis on catch-and-release and river conservation
  • Access to remote canyon stretches away from crowded beats.
emerald paradise, fly fishing in the Soča valley.
emerald paradise, fly fishing in the Soča valley.
client with a 101cm marble trout
client with a 101cm marble trout
dry fly box
dry fly box
four seasons timelaps
four seasons timelaps

Offers:

  • Quarter day guiding
  • Half day guiding.
  • Full day guiding.
  • Secret canyon guiding.

Extra's:

  • Emerald Paradise DVD/blue ray.
  • Nymph and dry-fly boxes.

Languages:

  • German.
  • English.