Mati River Albania: Trout Fishing Day Trip from Tirana

Summary

Trout fishing on Mati River with local lunch & old bridge stop

You’ll leave Tirana behind for a day of trout fishing on Albania’s Mati River—with rods ready and a local guide showing you how it’s done. Walk along green banks near Vasha Bridge, share stories over lunch made from your own catch, and return with hands smelling of river and woodsmoke.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the air changed—crisp and a little earthy—as we left Tirana behind. Our guide, Arben, drove us north for about an hour until the city noise faded into those quiet green hills. The Mati River showed up suddenly—clear water sliding under this old stone bridge (Vasha Bridge, Arben said, built in the 1700s). He told us stories about traders crossing it long ago; I tried to imagine their footsteps echoing where we stood. There was a kind of hush by the riverbank except for water moving over rocks and someone’s radio drifting from a nearby house.

I’d never fished for trout before. Arben handed me a rod and grinned when I fumbled with the line—he showed me how to cast so it landed just right in the current. The river felt cold when I dipped my hand in (colder than I expected), and there was this smell of wet stones and grass. We walked maybe three kilometers along the bank, sometimes silent, sometimes laughing at my attempts not to tangle everything up. At one point, a local kid waved at us from across the water—he had a bucket full already, which made me feel both hopeful and slightly competitive.

Lunch happened at this little place nearby—nothing fancy but real food. They cooked up some of our catch with bread and something tangy that Arben called “salcë kosi.” I’m not sure if it’s supposed to taste like that or if I just ate too much bread with it, but honestly? It worked. By then my hands smelled like fish and smoke from the kitchen. On the drive back to Tirana, I watched the light change over the fields and kept thinking about that first cast—the way time slowed down by that river. Still can’t quite shake it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Fishing trout at Mati River

• Leave hotel for Mati River
• Visit Vasha Bridge
• Get fishing equipment
• Receive fishing instructions
• Fish for trout for 4 hours
• Have lunch with caught fish
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How far is Mati River from Tirana?

The Mati River is about one hour’s drive north of Tirana.

Is fishing equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, all necessary fishing equipment is included.

Do I need experience to join this trout fishing trip?

No experience is needed—the guide will help beginners with instructions.

What kind of fish can I catch in Mati River?

You’ll be fishing mainly for trout in the Mati River.

Is lunch included during this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at a local restaurant using some of your catch plus traditional dishes.

How much walking is involved during fishing?

You’ll walk about 3 kilometers along the riverbank while fishing.

Are transfers from my hotel in Tirana included?

Yes, transport by private air-conditioned vehicle with pickup is included.

Can people with mobility issues join this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to walking distance.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Tirana, all fishing gear provided by your guide, four hours of guided trout fishing along three kilometers of the Mati River bank, a stop at Vasha Bridge for photos and stories, plus a riverside lunch featuring your own catch before heading back in private transport.