Spring in the Danube Delta at Holbina: birds and fishing
Spring is one of the best times for the Danube Delta. In April and May the migrating birds pass through, and the number of species you can see rises considerably. At Holbina you can combine early-morning birdwatching by boat or kayak with pike fishing on the private lake, which stays open even during the closed season on natural waters.
The bird migration: April and May
The Danube Delta is Europe's largest wetland and a UNESCO biosphere reserve, home to more than 300 bird species. In spring you can see pelicans, egrets, herons, cormorants, spoonbills and many species of wild ducks and geese.
The first hours of the morning and sunset are the most active times: birds are feeding and the water is calm.
By boat or by kayak
On the private lake and the quiet channels around the resort there is none of the traffic of the public channels, so birds can be seen up close. From the boat, the engine is switched off in good spots and the boat drifts quietly.
The resort has 25 boats and 10 kayaks. For even less noise, a kayak takes you into narrow channels a motorboat cannot reach. Local guides are optional and know the places and times when birds are most active.
Pike fishing in spring
On the Delta's natural waters, spring is the closed season: for pike, in 2026, from 1 February to 7 June, and the general closure ran from 9 April to 7 June. On Holbina's private lake you can fish during this period as an overnight guest, catch and release.
Only artificial lures are allowed, with at most one treble hook per lure and at most 3 anglers per boat. In spring, handle every fish carefully and release it quickly.
Pike fishing during the closed season · Pike before spawning
What to bring
Good binoculars, clothes in muted colours and, for photos, a long zoom lens. For fishing, you bring your own tackle; early mornings on the water are still cool, so pack an extra layer.
A spring day at Holbina
A birdwatching outing early in the morning, a fishing session in the afternoon and dinner at the restaurant in the evening. You reach the resort by boat from Dunavățul de Jos in about 45 minutes; the transfer time is agreed with the team.