Fishing In Austria: A Popular Pastime Or Not?

Fishing is a popular leisure activity in Austria, with the country's emerald green lakes and rushing streams providing the perfect setting for anglers to cast their lines. The serene surroundings of Tirol's lakes and streams, coupled with the region's fresh air and spectacular landscape, make it a haven for fishing enthusiasts. The calm waters of the Unterland in East Tirol, for instance, are known for their large populations of pike, perch, carp and tench. Lake Traun in Ebensee is another popular fishing spot, renowned for its excellent water quality and abundance of pike. Fishing permits and licenses are required in Austria, with each federal state having its own regulations, and anglers may need to obtain approval from the owners of the specific body of water they wish to fish in.

Fishing permits and licences are required in Austria

Fishing is a popular pastime in Austria, with its rushing streams, calm lakes, fresh air and spectacular landscapes. However, fishing permits and licences are required in Austria, and these are regulated differently in each federal state. There are nine Austrian federal states, and each has its own rules in the so-called state fishing law. These differ greatly in terms of conditions, closed periods and dimensions.

The legal requirement for fishing in every federal state is the possession of an official fishing licence or fishing guest card. Fishing guest cards are valid for a maximum of four weeks from the date of issue and cost between €5 and €25. A weekly ticket may be required, as in Carinthia, or a flat-rate ticket, as in Upper Austria. A fishing guest card holder must always carry a valid official photo ID with them.

In addition to the official guest card, a licence (fishing permit) for the respective body of water is required. Here you can obtain daily, weekly, monthly, night fishing permits, etc. Fishing guest cards and licences can be obtained at the member establishments of ABENTEUER FISCHWASSER directly at the accommodation.

In Tirol, anglers keen on fishing in its waters require a permit (generally issued as a guest card or day card) from the owner of the lake or river, must be members of the Tirolean Fishing Association and must attend a course on correct fishing practice and technique. However, there is also an easier way. Many private fishing areas, for example, do not require anglers to have a licence at all.

For all public lakes, you need to obtain a tax card. There is a separate tax card for each state (9 federal states). Guests from other countries can obtain their licence by purchasing a guest tax card. These inexpensive guest tax cards can often be bought with the licence for the corresponding waters and are limited in time – no fishing test is necessary here. For local fishermen, however, an official fishing test is mandatory if they want to fish in public waters and obtain a corresponding tax card.

Fishing is a popular leisure activity in Austria

Fishing in Austria is regulated by each of the nine federal states' fishing laws, which vary in terms of conditions, closed periods, and dimensions. Obtaining a fishing license or permit is essential, and these are issued by the respective governments of each county or the owner of the lake or river. In some cases, anglers may need to rent fishing rights from the waterway owner. The minimum age to obtain a fishing license varies across the country, with Salzburg and Upper Austria setting it at 12 years, while Styria, Carinthia, Tyrol, Lower Austria, and Vienna require anglers to be at least 14 years old. Fishing guest cards are available for anglers from abroad and are typically valid for a maximum of four weeks, with costs ranging from €5 to €25.

Austria's pristine waters offer anglers of all skill levels and interests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in nature while pursuing their passion. The country's dedication to preserving its natural wonders ensures that fishing will remain a beloved pastime for locals and visitors alike.

There are many places to go fishing in Tirol

There are indeed many places to go fishing in Tirol, Austria. The region is a haven for fishing enthusiasts, with its rushing streams, calm lakes, fresh air, and spectacular landscape. Before you cast your line, however, there are a few things you should know.

First, fishing permits are regulated differently in each Austrian state, so be sure to check the specific requirements for Tirol. In general, you will need an official fishing license or a fishing guest card, which is valid for a maximum of four weeks and costs between €5 and €25. You will also need a license for the specific body of water you plan to fish in. These permits can usually be obtained from the owner of the lake or river and may be included with your accommodation if you stay at a fishing lodge.

Now, let's take a look at some of the top fishing spots in Tirol:

Leutasch: Wild River Landscape and Lake Ice Fishing

The 25-kilometer-long Leutascher Ache, a wild mountain river, offers fishing permits from May to September. If you want to fish directly from the river, you must complete an instructional course. However, the nearby Angelteich Weidachsee is open to anglers without a license and is home to trout and arctic char. In the winter, you can even try ice fishing on the frozen lake.

Hagertal: Fishing in a Protected Nature Reserve

The Hager-Angelpark near Kössen is a fishing area that doesn't require a permit. Here, you can fish for trout, carp, and sturgeon in a beautiful natural reserve. You are also welcome to cook and eat your catch directly on the shores of Hagersee Lake.

Kaiserwinkl: Fine Fishing and Rolling Foothills

Nestled between rolling foothills and offering stunning views of the Zahmer Kaiser Mountains, the four fishing lakes in Bichlach are perfect for anglers of all experience levels. The lakes are located in an area known for its rare plant and animal species, and no license is required to fish here.

Schwendt: Bountiful Waters in Stunning Surroundings

Located south of Kössen, Schwendt is home to a complex of lakes and ponds teeming with fish. The largest lake has arctic char, several species of trout, and a separate area for fly fishing. There are also two small family ponds where children can try their hand at fishing. No license is required at this fishing spot.

East Tirol: Flyfishing Paradise

East Tirol boasts ten flyfishing areas spread across five different valleys, from small mountain streams to a large alpine lake over 2,500 meters above sea level. Exclusivity is a key feature here, with only guests of local hotels allowed to fish, and only one guest per kilometer of the river. Drau grayling and Danube salmon are among the most common catches in this area.

With its rushing streams, calm lakes, and breathtaking scenery, Tirol offers a diverse range of fishing experiences that are sure to create lasting memories. So grab your gear, purchase the necessary permits, and get ready to cast your line in the beautiful region of Tirol, Austria!

Fishing laws vary across the nine Austrian federal states

Austria is a small but beautiful country in the heart of Europe, known for its skiing and fishing. The fishing laws vary across the nine Austrian federal states, each of which has its own rules in the so-called state fishing law. These laws differ greatly in terms of conditions, closed periods, and dimensions.

For example, the minimum age for fishing is 12 years in Salzburg and Upper Austria, 14 years in Styria, Carinthia, Tyrol, Lower Austria, and Vienna, and 18 years in Burgenland. In addition to age requirements, each state has its own set of regulations and permit requirements for fishing. In some states, a state license is required in addition to the fishing permit, and visitors may need to take a fishing exam to obtain an annual license.

Fishing permits are generally required for anglers in Tirol, and can be obtained as a guest card or day card from the owner of the lake or river. Anglers must also be members of the Tirolean Fishing Association and must attend a course on correct fishing practices and techniques. However, there are also private fishing areas that do not require a license at all.

The laws and regulations for fishing in Austria aim to protect the country's natural resources and ensure the sustainability of its fishing industry. The requirements for fishing permits and licenses vary from state to state, and it is important for anglers to be aware of the specific regulations in the area they plan to fish.

Trout, pike, carp, and catfish are among the fish found in Austrian waters

Trout are a common catch in Austrian lakes and streams. Anglers can try their luck at catching rainbow trout, river trout, brook trout, and even lake trout. The Pillersee, a lake in St Ulrich, is known as a "trout angler's paradise", with an unlimited number of trout to catch. Trout are also a popular target for fly fishermen, who can cast their lines in the calm waters of Tirol's Unterland or the emerald green lakes of Salzkammergut.

Pike are also prevalent in Austria, particularly in the calm waters of the Unterland in the east of the Tirol region. Lake Traun, a fisherman's paradise, is known for its wealth of pike, with 10 kg specimens landed on its shores.

Carp are another species that can be found in Austrian waters, especially in the east of the Tirol region. They can be found in the quiet Bochra-See lake near Stumm, as well as in the emerald green lakes of Salzkammergut, where they were once endangered but are now making a comeback.

Last but not least, catfish, specifically the Wels catfish, can be found in Austrian waters. While they may not be as abundant as the other species mentioned, they certainly add to the diversity of Austria's aquatic life.

With its rushing streams, calm lakes, and crystal-clear waters, Austria offers a variety of environments for anglers to test their skills and enjoy the natural beauty of the country.

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