Requirements for Fishing

Before you can start fishing on any body of water in Austria, it is necessary to obtain an official fishing licence. There are two types of licence: a short-term ‘guest licence’ for a few days or weeks and an ‘annual licence’. Depending on the planned duration of your fishing trip, you will need to apply for the appropriate licence.

In Austria, most public waters, such as the impressive lakes in Carinthia and Salzburg, the picturesque rivers of the foothills of the Alps and even the majestic Danube, require an official fishing licence issued specifically for the respective federal state. This fishing licence is the first step to exploring the country's beautiful fishing spots.

However, there are exceptions for waters that are used exclusively for fish farming or fishing, such as private ponds or trout ponds. Here it is up to the operator to decide whether or not to require an official fishing licence from the licence holder.

In Austria, the term ‘Fishing card’ generally refers to the official fishing licence for a specific federal state, while the term ‘licence’ describes the authorisation to fish in a specific body of water or section of water. After receiving the official fishing licence (in most federal states, a course or examination is required for this), you can acquire the corresponding licence for the desired body of water.

Licences are usually issued and issued by the operator of the respective body of water, often these are fishing clubs (the largest in Austria are VÖAFV, ÖFG and Spofi) or the Österreichischen Bundesforste, and digital licences are offered on  hejfish.com.

Now you are well informed and ready to start your fishing adventure in Austria. Get your fishing card, secure the right licence and enjoy fishing in the country's picturesque waters.

Camping and Fishing Right by the Water

The biggest advantage of camping and fishing is the opportunity to be right by the water. Many campsites offer special pitches for anglers that provide direct access to the water. This means you can fish from the comfort of your campsite without having to travel long distances. When choosing your campsite, make sure that it has a good infrastructure and meets your needs as an angler. With a PIA campervan, you are always flexible and can easily reach the best fishing spots.

Favourite Fishing Spots

I would now like to introduce you to some popular fishing spots in Austria and the neighbouring countries:

• Lake Neusiedl, Austria: This well-known fishing area is ideal for catching carp, pike and zander.
  Lake Constance: Lake Constance stretches across Austria, Germany and Switzerland and offers fantastic fishing opportunities.
  Lake Balaton, Hungary: Another great area for anglers, especially known for its zander population.
  Danube, Germany: The Danube is rich in different species of fish and offers many fishing opportunities.
  Reservoirs, Slovakia and Slovenia: These waters are ideal for anglers looking for variety and different species of fish.

Some of the Most Exclusive Carp Waters in Austria:

1. Wunderschuhersee (Styria)

Facility with three ponds with electricity at the fishing spot as well as shower and barbecue facilities. Camping site also for permanent campers.

Stock: carp up to 30 kg, catfish over 100 kg, pike up to 20 kg, sturgeon up to 90 kg
Licences: 3 days + 2 nights for 220 euros
Website: www.wundschuhersee.at

2. Secret Lakes (Styria)

A five-hectare pond for big carp and two smaller ones of 1.5 and 0.2 hectares for match fishing and predator fishing. They are located 50 kilometres south-east of Graz in the direction of Spielfeld. Shower facilities, WC and a separately bookable wooden hut are available.

Stock: carp, amur, sturgeon and tench
Licences: for the large carp pond: 24 hours 35 euros, weekend (3 days + 2 nights) 90 euros, 7 days 230 euros.
Website: www.secret-lakes.at

3. Trifthanslteich (Styria)

Two-hectare pond in the ‘Styrian Tuscany’, known for its capital carp and catfish. Over 30 carp and catfish over the 2 metre mark are at home here. A maximum of ten licences are issued every day. Tavern by the pond.

Stock: carp over 30 kg, catfish over 2 metres
Licences: 24 hours cost €55, annual ticket costs €365
Website: trifthanslteich.weebly.com

The Best Campsites for Fishing Holidays

Of course, a successful camping and fishing holiday also includes a suitable campsite. Here are some of the most beautiful campsites in Austria and the surrounding countries that are ideal for anglers.

Camping Seeterrassencamping Ried: This campsite on Lake Neusiedl in Austria not only offers direct access to the water, but also excellent facilities. Here you will find everything an angler's heart desires.

Camping Wirthshof: The Wirthshof campsite is located not far from Lake Constance and is a paradise for camping enthusiasts and anglers alike. Located directly on the lake, you can arrive here with your motorhome and fish directly from the pitch. The campsite also offers a variety of leisure activities and amenities such as sanitary facilities, restaurants and shopping facilities.

Camping Donaupark Tulln: Located on the banks of the Danube in Austria, Camping Donaupark Tulln offers anglers everything they need. With direct access to the river, you can try your luck at catching pike, pikeperch and other fish species here. The campsite has modern sanitary facilities, a playground and a supermarket.

 As you can see, there are numerous campsites that are ideal for anglers. Find out in advance about the campsites' offers and facilities to ensure that they meet your needs as an angler.

Camping and fishing are a perfect combination for all nature lovers and hobby anglers. By parking your motorhome right by the water or pitching your tent near a fishing lake, you can combine your passion for fishing with the comfort of camping. Find out in advance about the applicable fishing regulations, obtain the necessary permits and follow the fishing rules to protect the waters and their inhabitants.

If you want to fish during your camping trip, the PIA Camper is the perfect way to be flexible and have a great time on the water. Our vans are available at  13 different locations  in Austria. With their compact size and off-road capability, you can easily get to the best fishing spots, be it on a remote lake, a river bank or even on the coast.

The PIA Camper has special storage space options to transport your fishing gear in a safe and organised way, while also offering plenty of room to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you're travelling alone or with friends, the PIA Camper allows you to combine your camping trip with fishing and create unforgettable memories. Book your PIA Camper today and start your adventure in the beautiful waters of Austria!

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