Fish Lakes are a group of two lakes, Upper and Lower, located in the Fish Lake Circus of Middle Rila. They are also called Rila Fish Lakes. To the west, far below Kyoravitsa Peak, there is a third, never-drying small pond, and in the northwestern part of the circus, along the slope of the Kyoravitsa Ridge, there are about 15 scattered ponds and swamps. Most of them dry up in the summer. The two large lakes drain into the Rilska River, which is called Kriva Reka at its confluence with the Marinkovitsa River.
The most convenient starting point during the summer season is Kirilova Polyana. The area is located in the valley of the Manastirska River, about 7 km northeast of the Rila Monastery. It is possible, if you prefer, to start on foot directly from the monastery. There is a marked trail that will save you some walking on the asphalt road, and in about 1 hour and 20 minutes, you will be at Kirilova Polyana. From there, you should continue along the dirt road, following the course of the river. In about another 1 hour and 30 minutes (2 hours at a slower pace), it will take you to the building at Tiha Rila. From here, there are two options for reaching Ribni Ezera.
The more gentle, but less interesting, option is to continue up the river. The steeper option passes by the largest highland lake in Bulgaria, Smradlivoto, then emerges on the eastern slope of the Kyoravitsa Ridge and descends gently towards the lakes. To start on it, you should turn right just before the Tiha Rila building and cross the meadow. The trail, which is not clearly visible at first, becomes easily visible once you enter the forest and start climbing. The marking is white-yellow-white.
