Bavaria’s Gorgeous Rivers To Catch A Healthy Trout

Germany offers some great fishing for those who want some wonderful outdoor experiences when visiting. Bavaria is particularly enjoyable, with many rivers, streams and lakes that contain healthy populations of trout and other fish.

With more than 400 spots where you can cast a line in Germany, you’ll find a place in Bavaria that will fulfill your fishing dreams. You can look in the Fliegenfischen, a German fly-fishing magazine, and scour the pages to find the fishing spot best for you. They also produce a pamphlet with map so you can narrow down your choices.

If you like mountain scenery, you’ll find two rivers in the town of Berchtesgaden. Downtown there’s a small store called Schirm-Dink where you can get your fishing permit. Take time out while there to tour the salt mine and go see Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest.

Closer to Ramsau, you can get in some lake fishing at the Hintersee Lake. The deep, clear waters are filled with brown, rainbow and other trout. On the west side of the lake, at Hotel Gamsbock, you can find daily or weekly permits. Wade the shallows or rent a boat and get out mid-lake to see what you’ll catch.

Pull out your dry flies and get ready for a day of fishing in Bavaria on the Wiesent River. This marvelous place is located in central Bavaria, and perhaps you’ll catch it at a point where the river is running high. These spring-fed waters offer big trout.

Next to the Austrian border, many anglers love to fish the Deutsche. This free-running river and its tributary streams offer great catches. Getting out in nature can’t be beat, especially in such a lovely area.

Both novices and experienced fishermen enjoy the Weiße Traun, near the village of Siegsdorf, with long stretches and gentle beaches. Access is simple, and the normal water levels allow for great wading.

Always check the weather before embarking on your adventure. Mornings can be misty and gray with fog. But as the sun peeks through and rises, it will burn off the clouds and the day will become pleasant and warm in spring and summer.

Don’t be put off by the rules and regulations on fishing in Germany. Sure, there are some things you must understand before fishing the lakes, rivers and streams. But this happens anywhere, in any country.

In Germany, you won’t find any actual public fishing spots. Someone owns all accesses to streams, rivers, lakes and ponds. So in addition to getting a German license, you must pay to fish in various areas. You’ll find permits available in most hotels and other accommodations, general stores and of course, fishing shops. You can get daily, weekly or monthly permits depending on the time you want to spend out there in nature.

Trout season opens at the start of May and goes through October. Some areas are open all year, but you can find this out once you determine where you are going in Bavaria to fish. That would be the first step — working out where exactly you are heading in Germany’s Bavaria.

Truly, there’s nothing better than fishing those beautiful mountain streams of Bavaria, and it’s worth a little bit of extra trouble to get access. You’ll find some of the best opportunities to have some superb fishing in Germany are right here, as well as incredible scenery as a backdrop.

—Marcus