Fishing in Germany
Including Biggesee, Chiemsee Lake, and Elbe River. On the map.
The vibe
Angling here is a deeply ingrained cultural tradition that treats the water with immense respect and meticulous care. You will find that the best action happens during the early morning hours of the spring and autumn months. The vibe is very orderly and formal, with strict expectations for how you handle your catch and respect the surrounding environment.
state fishing licence
Biggesee, Sauerland
North Rhine-Westphalia
Thomas Depenbusch / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Biggesee is a premier reservoir for trophy-sized pike and perch, favored for its clear water and structured bottom. It is a popular destination for anglers looking for a challenging freshwater experience in the heart of Germany.
Access. Shore access is available at designated points, but boat fishing is the most effective method. Rental boats are available at several docks around the reservoir.
Notes. Permits are easily obtained online or at local kiosks; night fishing is permitted in specific zones.
Chiemsee Lake, Bavaria
Bavaria
Bayerische Vermessungsverwaltung – www.geodaten.bayern.de / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Known as the 'Bavarian Sea', this large alpine lake is famous for its massive pike, lake trout, and whitefish. It offers a diverse angling experience ranging from shallow reed belts to deep open water.
Access. Boat rentals are available at Prien and Gstadt, which are essential for reaching the best fishing grounds. Local guides operate out of the main harbors.
Notes. Visitors must purchase a permit from local tourism offices or authorized tackle shops; strict catch limits apply to salmonids.
Elbe River, Hamburg
Hamburg
Foto Fitti / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The tidal Elbe in Hamburg offers a unique urban fishing experience, with strong populations of zander, perch, and asp. It is a favorite spot for street-fishing enthusiasts.
Access. Accessible from public harbor piers, canals, and riverbanks throughout the city.
Notes. Permits are easily obtained; be aware of shipping traffic and tidal currents.
Fehmarn Island Coast
Schleswig-Holstein
Beckstet / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Fehmarn is a top destination for surf casting along the Baltic Sea, famous for its sea trout, cod, and flatfish. The island's diverse coastline offers varied terrain for shore anglers.
Access. Easy shore access from beaches and piers; boat charters for cod fishing are available from Burgstaaken harbor.
Notes. Requires a state fishing license and a Baltic Sea fishing tax stamp (Küstenfischereiabgabe).
Isar River, Bavaria
Bavaria
Bayerische Vermessungsverwaltung – www.geodaten.bayern.de / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
The Isar offers pristine alpine fly fishing for brown trout, rainbow trout, and grayling in crystal-clear waters. It is a quintessential Bavarian angling experience set against a dramatic mountain backdrop.
Access. Accessible by foot from various points along the riverbanks; local fly fishing guides are available in Lenggries and Bad Tölz.
Notes. Requires a state fishing license (Fischereischein) and a specific day permit (Erlaubnisschein) for the respective river section.
Kiel Fjord
Schleswig-Holstein
Siegbert Brey / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Kiel Fjord is a renowned destination for sea trout fishing, particularly during the spring and autumn runs. The varied coastline offers both sandy stretches and rocky points ideal for wading.
Access. Accessible primarily via shore wading; local tackle shops in Kiel provide gear and up-to-date information on migratory patterns.
Notes. A coastal fishing license (Küstenfischereischein) is required for all anglers in the Baltic Sea region.
Lake Constance (Bodensee)
Baden-Württemberg
Patrick Nouhailler's… / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
As one of Central Europe's largest lakes, Lake Constance provides excellent opportunities for targeting whitefish (Felchen), perch, and pike. The vast expanse allows for both shore-based angling and boat fishing.
Access. Boat rentals are available in towns like Lindau, Friedrichshafen, and Konstanz; shore access is plentiful along public promenades.
Notes. Fishing permits are required; international regulations apply as the lake borders Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
Mecklenburg Lake District
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Joachim50 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
This vast network of interconnected lakes, including Lake Müritz, is a paradise for freshwater anglers targeting pike, zander, and perch. The calm, scenic waters are perfect for boat-based fishing trips.
Access. Numerous marinas and boat rental services operate in Waren and Röbel; many lakes are accessible from public piers.
Notes. A valid state fishing license and local water-specific permits are mandatory.
Middle Rhine Valley
Rhineland-Palatinate
David Perez / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
The Middle Rhine offers a dynamic river fishing experience, targeting species like zander, barbel, and eel. The strong current and rocky groynes create excellent habitats for predatory fish.
Access. Fishing is permitted from the banks along the groynes; access is easy via the many towns lining the river banks.
Notes. The Rhine requires a specific permit for the stretch being fished; check local regulations as the river passes through multiple federal states.
Mosel River, Cochem
Rhineland-Palatinate
Anders Johnson / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
The Mosel River offers a picturesque setting for targeting zander, pike, and large carp. The slow-moving current and deep pools near Cochem are highly regarded by local and visiting anglers.
Access. Shore fishing is accessible from public banks; local fishing shops in Cochem provide day permits and advice on current hotspots.
Notes. A state fishing license (Fischereischein) and a specific water permit (Erlaubnisschein) are required for all visitors.
Peene River Valley
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Botaurus / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Often called the 'Amazon of the North', the Peene is one of the last pristine lowland rivers in Germany, teeming with pike, perch, and zander. The river's slow, winding nature makes it a premier destination for boat-based lure fishing.
Access. Boat charters and guided fishing tours are available in Anklam and Demmin. Rental boats are the preferred way to navigate the river's extensive reed banks.
Notes. A valid fishing license and a regional permit are mandatory; the area is a protected nature reserve, so anglers must follow strict environmental guidelines.
Rügen Island Coastal Waters
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Lapplaender / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0 de)
Rügen is world-renowned for its world-class Baltic Sea pike fishing, where large specimens hunt in the shallow, brackish coastal lagoons (Bodden). It is a premier destination for spin and fly anglers seeking trophy-sized fish.
Access. Charter boats are the primary mode of access for the best spots; local guides are highly recommended for navigating the shallow waters.
Notes. Requires a regional fishing license and a specific 'Touristenfischereischein' for non-residents.
Wiesent River, Franconia
Bavaria
Markus Reinhardt / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Wiesent is a legendary chalk stream in the Franconian Switzerland region, highly regarded for its excellent brown trout and grayling fly fishing. The limestone-filtered water creates an ideal habitat for wild trout.
Access. Fly fishing is strictly regulated and usually requires booking a beat through local hotels or fishing clubs.
Notes. Strict catch-and-release policies are often enforced; permits are limited and should be booked well in advance.