Pelagićevo Lake
Description
Lake Pelagićevo, also known as the Diplomatic Lake, is an artificial lake in the north of the municipality of Pelagićevo in Bosanska Posavina, formed in the 1960s by gravel excavation for the construction of the main road. It covers about 33 hectares, is up to four meters deep, and stretches roughly 700 meters long and 600 meters wide. The lake is fed exclusively by underground springs. In the middle of the lake there is an islet – a peninsula – connected to the shore by an embankment with a footpath.
It got the name Diplomatic Lake during the SFRY era, when high-ranking political officials from then Yugoslavia visited it for fishing. The lake is home to exceptionally large carp: in February 2026, a world-record leather carp weighing 36.4 kg was caught there. Since 2005, an international Carp Cup has been held on the lake every year, attracting competitors from across Europe.
The Diplomatic Lake and its record
Lake Pelagićevo is not a typical excursion lake — it is a serious fishing destination with a reputation that reaches beyond the borders of BiH. It has carried the diplomatic nickname since the days when high-ranking Yugoslav officials came here, and today it is famous for something different: in February 2026, angler Srečko Karadžić pulled a leather carp weighing 36.4 kilograms from its waters, which was recorded as a world record for this species.
The lake is not for beginners — the operators emphasize that this is water for experienced anglers who value the challenge and the quality of the catch, not the number of fish.
Facilities and competitions
The lake is equipped with everything needed for a multi-day stay: nine fishing spots (swims), each with electricity, WiFi coverage, a shower and toilet, plus access by car or camper. Part of the infrastructure is located on the central islet – a peninsula connected to the shore by an embankment.
Since 2005, an international Carp Cup has been held every year in Pelagićevo, bringing together competitors from England, Germany, Italy, France and countries in the region, making this lake one of the Balkans' most recognizable fishing destinations.
