A fishing area of enormous diversity in the smallest of spaces

From the large alpine lakes of Lake Thun and Brienzersee to high alpine spring streams and rushing mountain rivers to hidden mountain lakes, everything can be found in the Haslital. Every fisherman's heart beats faster here!

While the alpine lakes are primarily home to native lake trout and whitefish, but also harbour beautiful stocks of pike and perch, the cold and oxygen-rich high mountain lakes are mainly home to Canadian Arctic char (Namaycush). Many high mountain lakes have excellent stocks of brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout, as well as the occasional native Arctic char. The beauty of the watercourses makes the hearts of fly fishermen beat faster. The crystal-clear water makes for first-class dry fishing by sight! The pools are home to naturally grown brown trout, colourful brook trout and, at deeper levels, the occasional grayling.


The fishing law of the canton of Bern recognises three different fishing rights
1. THE FREE FISHING LICENCE:
With a single fishing rod and a simple fishing line (no treble hooks), you may fish on Lakes Brienz and Thunersee from the shore without a licence. It is essential to observe the Swiss Animal Protection Act, which prohibits the use of barbed hooks! All other waters require a licence!

2. THE CANTONAL PATENT
Holders of a cantonal licence (daily or weekly permit) are authorised to fish in the waters listed in the licence. In the Haslital, these are the following mountain lakes and watercourses: Engstlensee, Gelmersee, Mattenalpsee, Räterichsbodensee, Brienzersee, Aare*, Reichenbach*, Urbach**. These waters may only be fished on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

3. PRIVATELY LEASED WATERS
To protect these near-natural mountain streams from overfishing, a limited number of day passes are available from the Reichenbach Lodge in Meiringen (reichenbachlodge@bluewin.ch). Early reservation of the relevant licences for privately leased waters is therefore recommended.

POINTS OF SALE FOR CANTONAL FISHING LICENCES
- Grimseltor Tourist Centre, tel. +41 33 982 26 60
- Reichenbach Lodge, tel. +41 33 971 22 59
- Hotel Engstlenalp, tel. +41 33 975 13 61
- Brienz Tourism, tel. +41 33 952 80 88

FISHING EQUIPMENT
Bühler Toys/Household
Bahnhofstrasse 13,
3860 Meiringen

Patent issue, fishing equipment, guiding & courses:
Reichenbach Lodge
Reichenbachsäge,
3860 Meiringen
Tel. +41 33 971 22 59,
info@reichenbachlodge.ch