Text and photos: Michael Plakolb
The next and also last test water – after the Gail and the Grünsee – of our fishing vacation in the
Beer Hotel Loncium
in Carinthia was the Zollnersee. The day license is very favorable here and costs only € 35. In addition, the removal of three massive fish and fishing with a spinning rod are allowed! The Zollnersee, also a mountain lake of the Carnic Alps, lies at a proud 1,780 m above sea level and is about 1 hectare in size. Nature has written a picture book of the earth’s history in the Gail Valley, dating back almost 500 million years!
About 800 m west of the lake is the Zollnerseehütte, managed by the Austrian Alpine Club, where we parked our vehicle.
After about a 20-minute walk, we arrived at the lake. The shore of the lake is very boggy and therefore it is recommended to wear at least knee-high boots while fishing. In almost all places, the shore is also lined with aquatic plants. You have to overcome about 2 – 3 meters with the string to get into the open water.
Dry fly top
Even as we were setting up our fly rods, we noticed numerous fish rising to the surface for food. Gregor, our fly fishing pro, was the first to place his fly. Hardly had this touched the surface, a powerful surge followed and the first trout attacked the bait. Unfortunately, she did not take this one properly. This spectacle was now repeated almost with each of his ejections.
After about 10 throws, one finally hung on the tape. In fact, Gregor was able to net the first rainbow trout of the day.
The fish was well fed and measured about 40 cm.
After that, it was blow after blow. We certainly caught well over 15 of this species of fish. All were very fat and the strongest fish had a length of 46 cm.
This lake is ideal for fly fishing beginners. But as an alternative, be sure to pack a spinning rod and some Mepps spinners. All but one fish were gently put back. The one trout my sons wanted to have tastily prepared by the hotel’s chef.
Masses of blue danios
We were amazed at the number of trout in this very high mountain lake. Normally, one suspects only small fish at an altitude of 1,800 meters. I was able to quickly provide the solution to the riddle. I tied a mini nymph to the 14 leader and on the first cast I had one of the causers on the hook. It was a so called blue ribbon danio. This species of fish hardly grows longer than 3 – 5 cm and is actually a pest, as it multiplies en masse in the waters. However, it is a great food source in predator waters. Another day of fishing thus came to an end with very satisfied anglers and smiling faces. Arriving at the hotel in the evening, the hotel crew was amazed at the beautiful catch and the cook immediately grabbed the fish to prepare it for dinner.
