Bešeňová Compensation Reservoir

A paradise for anglers and birdwatchers

While the nearby Liptovská Mara attracts swimmers and yachtsmen, Bešeňová is a quieter oasis with its own rules.

Fishing unique: The reservoir is declared a fishing ground with a "catch and release" regime (on trout water). It is literally a paradise for sport fishermen who come here for catches of trout and grayling.
Bird reserve: The peaceful shores of the reservoir provide an ideal refuge for waterfowl. If you are a fan of birdwatching, don't forget to pack binoculars. Especially during spring and autumn migrations, you can observe rare species here.

What fish are caught here?

Since salmonid fish were not artificially stocked in large numbers in the reservoir in the past, the original population came from the tributaries (e.g., Ľupčianka). Thanks to the abundant food and the catch and release regime, the fish thrive fantastically here.

The main catches include:

Brown trout and lake trout (its lacustrine form): These fish commonly reach an average length of about 50 cm here, but real trophy specimens exceeding 70 or even 80 cm are also caught.
Rainbow trout: A favorite catch of fly fishermen, it is a very fighting fish and occurs here in beautiful sizes.
Common carp: Although Bešeňová is a trout fishery, at full water level in the bays (e.g., sections above flooded old roads) carp also stay, which anglers like to catch for fun, especially during summer lunches.
Grayling: It occurs mainly around the mouths of tributaries and in the more current parts towards Liptovská Mara.

Fishing at Bešeňová is referred to as a "university", as larger, older fish are already extremely cautious and experienced (it is said that they "know all artificial flies by name").

What you need for fishing (Documents)

To legally fish at VVN Bešeňová, you must have the following documents with you during fishing:

State fishing license: It is mandatory for everyone (including foreigners or non-members). You can obtain it at any municipal or city office (environmental department, or registry office). It is sold with validity for a week, a month, 1 year, or 3 years (a 3-year one costs around €16.50).
SRZ membership card: If you are a member of the Slovak Fishing Union. (If you are not a member, you can also fish, but daily guest permits are significantly more expensive for non-members – approx. €20 to €35 compared to member prices).
Fishing permit for VVN Bešeňová: Either a simple guest permit, or a season-long permit for this specific fishing ground.
Record of attendance at the water and catches: Today it is already part of the standard permit. Before starting to fish, you are obliged to enter the date and the number of the fishing ground into it.

How and where to arrange a fishing permit (Povolenku)

Since the fishing ground is managed by the Council of SRZ, you can purchase the permit in several ways:

A) Purchase via SMS (Only for SRZ members)

Since April 2024, the SRZ Council has launched a fast and convenient purchase of one-day guest permits via SMS. It is valid on the day of fishing.

Procedure: Send an SMS to the number 8877.
SMS format: SRZ 360404 DDMMRRRR (For example, if you were born on May 15, 1988, you send: SRZ 360404 15051988). The number 360404 is the 6-digit code for the Bešeňová fishing ground.
Confirmation: You will receive an SMS with a 6-digit code, which you will physically write with a pen into your "Record of attendance at water and catches" (in the place where a paper stamp is otherwise stuck). The permit becomes valid 30 minutes after the SMS is delivered. The fee (approx. €13.50) will be deducted from your credit or added to your flat rate.

B) Physical purchase (For members and non-members / foreigners)

If you prefer a classic paper guest permit, or if you are not a member of SRZ, you can purchase the permit in person:

From the fishery manager of the territory: (Mr. Roman Gemzický), who often sells permits directly in the field (e.g., on the dam or by the bridge between Vlachy and Vlašky during the opening of the season) or by telephone agreement.
At fishing supply stores in the area: Liptovský Mikuláš (e.g., STARFISH, ESOX, RIVERLAND stores), which cooperate with the SRZ Council on the sale of permits.

C) Season-long permit

If you plan to visit Bešeňová more often, a season-long permit is worth it (the price for an adult SRZ member is around 60 - 70 €). You can purchase it in person from SRZ Council sellers, or nearby municipal organizations (e.g., MO SRZ Liptovský Hrádok) usually offer it in their e-shop or office for their members.

Important fishing rules at VVN Bešeňová

Since this is a specific trout fishery with a CHAP regime, don't forget the mandatory equipment and restrictions, otherwise you risk having your permit revoked by the fishery guard:

Trout season: Fishing is allowed only during the trout season (from April 16 to the end of the trout waters season).
Hooks and handling: In the "catch and release" regime, all caught fish must be gently returned to the water. It is necessary to use barbless hooks (or with the barb pinched down). Don't forget a landing net with a fine mesh and pliers for gentle hook removal.
Fishing from the bank: Fishing from boats, belly boats, and other vessels is strictly prohibited. You may fish exclusively from the bank or by wading.
Prohibited zone: Within a distance of 100 meters from the dam body (dam wall) of the upper Liptovská Mara reservoir, a year-round fishing ban applies (the section is usually marked with signs).
Parking: Be very careful with your cars. There is a strict ban on entry of motor vehicles onto all dam fortifications and into the flood zones of the reservoir. Park only in designated or paved areas in the villages (e.g., Bešeňová, Vlachy).

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