Fishing in Tyrol

Mountain rivers and alpine wild waters ensure the richness of fish here, of which anglers take a small piece home at the end of the day. Naturally, flowing waters are home to entirely different inhabitants than standing waters. In the case of the Tyrolean wild rivers, these are primarily representatives of the Salmonids, including various species of trout and the popular char, as well as graylings and the rarer hucho.

The largest proportion of fishing waters in Tyrol is assigned to the categories of the trout region and the grayling region. Trout prefer the upper reaches of a flowing water with a strong current – and therefore, a high oxygen content. The coarse substrate is usually made of rock, gravel, and gravel. As for the temperature, you should wear warmer socks here, as the trout prefer waters with no more than 10 degrees Celsius. The grayling region, as the name suggests, is characterized by a wide occurrence of grayling. In addition, the characteristic can be described with a still strong, but somewhat slower flow rate than in the realm of the trout. On rocky substrates and gravel beds, the water temperature in these regions reaches up to 15 degrees.

The vegetation-rich barbel region with frequent reed belts also determines isolated areas in Tyrol – especially downstream in the area around Kufstein. Here, the current is only weak at 15 degrees water temperature. In addition to the barbel, roach and rudd also frolic above the sand and gravel bed. Standing waters are definitely in the minority here, although they are also often found in the lower regions of Tyrol. Here, leisurely anglers can find fish such as carp, Arctic char, perch, and bream, as well as pikeperch and the agile pike.

To fish in Tyrol, you need to provide proof of professional competence (fishing examination or confirmation of instruction) and of course a fishing permit (day permit or annual permit) for the area you are in. Please note: there is no body of water in Tyrol where you can fish without permission. Membership in the Tyrolean Fishing Association is also mandatory. You can obtain the payment slips not only from the association itself, but also from the leaseholders and managers of the waters.

At the fishing pond sites, you can often choose between ponds for beginners and those for advanced anglers. Some fishing pond operators even offer to clean and prepare the caught fish.

To preserve the fish population, you must absolutely observe the fishing times and the minimum size requirements for caught fish. Each area operator has their own additional regulations. Therefore, be sure to ask before casting your bait.

Further information, a fishing guide, and a list of fishing ponds in Tyrol can be found on the website of the Tyrolean Fishing Association.