Fishing in Tirol

Fishing permits are awarded for the period between May and September for the 25-kilometre-long Leutascher Ache, a wild mountain river including a section leading through a beautiful gorge. Anglers wishing to fish straight from the river itself must have completed an instructional course, but the nearby Angelteich Weidachsee is open to anglers without a license and has large populations of trout, arctic char, etc. A highlight in winter is ice fishing on the frozen lake, which is open to all anglers with a license.

The Hager-Angelpark near Kössen is a fishing area where anglers do not require a permit and can look forward to waters teeming with trout, carp and sturgeon in the beautiful natural surroundings of a protected nature reserve. Anglers are also welcome to cook and eat their catch directly on the shores of Hagersee lake.

Nestling between rolling foothills and providing fine views of the Zahmer Kaiser Mountains, the four fishing lakes in Bichlach offer everyone from total beginners to experienced anglers a memorable experience. The lakes are located in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the heart of the Kaiserwinkl region which is home to many rare plant and animal species. Frogs and toads use the lakes to lay their eggs. No license is required to fish here.

Located to the south of Kössen, the village of Schwendt is home to a complex of lakes and ponds teeming with fish. The largest lake has major populations of artic char and several species of trout as well as a separate area for fly fishing. Right next to it there are two small family ponds where children and their parents can try their luck. Visitors do not need a license to fish here.

The ten flyfishing areas in East Tirol are spread across five different valleys and range from small mountain streams to a large alpine lake at over 2,500 metres above sea level. Exclusivity is the name of the game here. Only guests staying in one of the local hotels – and no more than one guest per kilometre of river – are allowed to fish. Drau grayling and Danube salmone are among the most common fish species native to the waters of East Tirol.

At the Nassereith Angelteich fishing pond in the Gurgltal Valley it is possible to fish without a license. Rainbow trout, salmon and arctic char are among the species most commonly found here. Fishermen and fisherwomen can either gut their catch themselves or – for a small fee – have an expert do it for them. There is even a restaurant next door, the Seebua, where the chefs will be happy to cook your freshly caught fish for you. Fishing equipment can be hired on site.

The quiet Bochra-See lake near Stumm is home to large populations of char, rainbow trout and carp. There is no need for a fishing license here. Equipment can also be hired on site. Many hotels in the region offer fishing permits for nearby reservoirs and streams in the pretty side valleys branching off the Zillertal Valley – for example the Schlegeisspeicher, Stillupgrund and Durlaßbodenstausee.