The green heart of Austria as a fisherman’s Eldorado.
Styria is considered the green heart in the south-east of Austria. Almost 90 percent of the federal state are green areas, which are crossed by Alpine ridges. Overall, Styria offers a wonderful variety of landscapes: from the high alpine glacier to the Mediterranean wine region, plus good mountain air, a mild climate and a large selection of fishing waters. On a fishing holiday in Styria, fishermen can unwind and cast their line in ponds, lakes, clear streams and clean rivers. The rich fish stock allows fishing for grayling, char, brown and rainbow trout as well as huchen.
And what further distinguishes a fishing holiday in Styria is the proverbial Styrian cosiness and the delicious cuisine. Styria is considered a true land of culinary delights and, in addition to the well-known pumpkin seed oil, it especially attracts visitors with delicious wines – which, by the way, can be excellently combined with freshly prepared fish.
Our member companies in Styria
Gasthof Pension Apartments “Zur Gams” *** S
Fishing area: A total of seven waters are available: 32 km of flowing waters and three ponds totaling twelve hectares.
Fish stock: Brown trout, char, rainbow trout, grayling, pike, bullhead, burbot and huchen (occasionally), carp, zander, catfish and grass carp.
Fishing area: Putterersee (13-hectare moorland lake), Gullingbach (mountain stream) and Hofer-Lohe (old arm of the Enns, for carp specialists).
Fish stock: Pike, zander, catfish, eel, perch, tench, wild carp (Putterersee), brown and rainbow trout, grayling (Gullingbach)
Fishing area:Untertalbach (flowing directly past the house, approx. 7 km long fly fishing stretch meandering through a high moor landscape), Riesachsee (17 ha in size, at 1,330 m above sea level, as well as 2 smaller mountain lakes located at about 2,000 m – only Arctic char are found there)
Fish stock: Brook trout and brown trout (Untertalbach), brown and rainbow trout, brook and lake char (Riesachsee)
Important Information for Anglers in Styria
Permits and Documents
To be allowed to fish in Styria, you need the following documents:
Fishing Card: This is issued by the responsible district administrative authority and serves as proof of professional qualification. A prerequisite for obtaining it is the successful completion of a fishing exam. The fishing card is valid for the entire federal state of Styria.
- Guest Fishing Card: For people without a fishing card, such as tourists, a guest fishing card can be issued. This allows fishing for a limited period and is issued by the district administrative authority.
- Permit (License): In addition to the fishing card or guest fishing card, a permit from the respective fishing rights holder is required, specifying the specific fishing area and the period of permission.
Minors
Children up to the age of 14 may fish without a fishing card, but only in the company and under the supervision of an authorized angler.
Closed Seasons and Minimum Sizes
To protect fish stocks, specific closed seasons and minimum sizes apply in Styria, which must be strictly observed. Some examples:
- Brown Trout: Closed season from September 16 to March 15; Minimum size: 23 cm.
- Rainbow Trout: Closed season from January 1 to March 15; Minimum size: 23 cm.
- Grayling: Closed season from February 15 to June 15; Minimum size: 32 cm.
- Pike: Closed season from January 1 to May 15; Minimum size: 40 cm.
- Huchen: Closed season from March 1 to June 30; Minimum size: 85 cm.
Please note that these values may vary depending on the body of water. Therefore, always inform yourself about the specific regulations of the respective fishing association
Rights and Obligations
- Carrying documents: While fishing, anglers must always carry their fishing license and fishing permit and present them to the fishing supervisory authorities upon request.
- Ethical Fishing: Fishing must be practiced ethically. Prohibited methods include the use of snares, fish spearing, the use of explosives, poisons or anesthetic substances, as well as live vertebrates as bait.
Prohibitions and Penalties
Violations: Fishing without the required authorization, disregarding closed seasons or minimum sizes, as well as unethical fishing practices are considered administrative offenses and can be punished with fines.
Current Fishing Law
The Styrian Fisheries Act 2000 forms the legal basis for the practice of fishing in Styria. It regulates, among other things, the rights to fishing waters, proper management, and the protection of fish stocks.
For further details and the complete legal regulations, please consult the current Styrian Fisheries Act and the corresponding implementing regulations. Inform yourself before your fishing adventure to experience a sustainable and unforgettable fishing holiday.
Holy salvation!
