Rioni River

The largest river in western Georgia, famous for its powerful currents and potential for large catfish in its lower reaches.

riverΒ· imereti Β· 230 km from Tbilisi

Score: Good 7+ Fair 4–6 Poor 0–3

About Rioni River

The Rioni is the main artery of western Georgia, flowing from the Caucasus mountains to the Black Sea. It changes character dramatically, from a fast-flowing mountain river to a wide, deep lowland river.

Fishing Tips

  • Heavy tackle is recommended when fishing for catfish in the lower and middle sections.
  • Strong currents require heavy weights for bottom fishing.
  • Be cautious of water level changes, especially in spring during snowmelt.

Access

Access varies greatly depending on the section. In Kutaisi, urban fishing is possible, while further downstream, a 4x4 vehicle might be needed to reach the best isolated spots.

Details

Difficulty
advanced
Access
public
Best Seasons
spring, summer, autumn
Road
gravel
Shore Fishing
Yes
Parking
Yes
Nearest Town
Kutaisi