At the traditional annual meeting of Varaždin County with representatives of local angling and beekeeping associations, a major piece of news was confirmed for our region and the wider sport fishing community: Ivanec will host the World Championship in sport fishing from 1 to 6 June 2026.

On this occasion, County Prefect Anđelko Stričak presented the Varaždin County Sport Fishing Association with a co-financing agreement supporting two high-profile international events: the 18th World Championship in float fishing for Veterans and the 27th World Championship in float fishing for Anglers with Disabilities.

Competitions at Barutana Lake and Omladinsko Jezero

The championship will take place at Barutana Lake and Omladinsko Jezero, waters managed by ŠRD Ivanec. These locations are recognized for their rich biodiversity and strong fish stock, and they offer excellent conditions for different competitive techniques—further confirming their value as an important sporting and tourism asset.

Around 30 National Teams Expected

According to the president of the Varaždin County Sport Fishing Association, Draženko Jakopović, the event is expected to welcome around 30 teams from roughly 30 countries. This brings a significant organizational challenge, but also a huge promotional opportunity for sport fishing, Ivanec, and Varaždin County as a whole.

Preparations: Peg Improvements and Stock Management

As part of the preparations, several activities are planned, including:

• improving and arranging competition pegs/paths over approximately 1,000 meters

• stock management and restocking, with species mentioned such as grass carp (amur), common carp, and pike-perch (zander), aimed at maintaining a healthy fish stock and ensuring top conditions for competitors—while also supporting the long-term balance of the ecosystem.

A Big Opportunity for the Club and the Community

An event of this level is more than sport—it’s a clear sign that our waters and local infrastructure meet high international standards, and it’s a chance to showcase the natural beauty and hospitality of our area. Hosting a world championship also highlights Croatia’s strong tradition and results in these categories, giving even more weight to Ivanec’s role as host.

Call for Members and Volunteers

In the months ahead, a lot of work will go into organization—everything from terrain preparation to logistics and welcoming international guests. We invite our members, friends of the club, and anyone willing to help to get involved in the preparations (work actions, support with peg maintenance, and event-day logistics). This is a rare moment for our community—let’s make sure Ivanec and our waters leave the best possible impression.