The second highlight of our fishing vacation in 2023 was fly fishing in the Untertalbach stream in the Schladming-Dachstein region of Styria. We had the luck of the draw, as the only rainy day of the week was perfect for changing hotels. After about thirty minutes from the Putterersee, we landed in Rohrmoos with our next hosts, the Meißnitzer family. The 4th generation of the family has been running the ABENTEUER FISCHWASSER member business Gasthof Tetter since 1910. Like the Landhotel-Gut Puttererseehof and the Gasthof Zur Gams in Donnersbach, the specialized fishing accommodation makes a contribution to the
Ennstal fishing voucher
and is fully geared towards fly-fishing guests.
Nina, the daughter and owner, greeted us warmly and took us straight to two very beautiful apartments. She then handed us our fishing licenses and gave us some valuable information about the waters. She is a fly fisherwoman herself, but hardly practices this hobby anymore due to time constraints.
The fly route starts just below the inn and stretches for 6 km in the direction of the famous Riesach waterfalls. The Meißnitzer family has leased the stream from the municipality since 1981. The Riesachsee is even owned by the company.
Access to the stream is possible in many places. However, due to the very long distance, it is advisable to drive to these places by car. Anglers receive a driving and parking permit for the duration of their stay.
Crystal clear mountain torrent
The Untertalbach got its name from the beautiful valley through which it flows. It is surrounded by mountains in the middle of the Toteisboden nature reserve, which also includes a large raised bog landscape. The stream offers the fly fisherman a meandering stretch where fast and calm water alternate. The fishing water is natural and due to flooding there is also a lot of dead wood that has been washed in. At the time of our fishing attempt, the water level was very low and you didn’t necessarily need waders. Waist-high rubber boots are all you need. You can also fish very well from the bank and don’t necessarily have to wade in the water.
Fish in all sizes
The stream is home to naturally grown brown trout and char of all sizes. The occasional rainbow trout can also be found. The fish are well nourished with caddis flies and their larvae and are very strong. In the Catch & Release section, fishing with fly and nymph on a soft hook is permitted from May 19 to September 30. There is very little angling pressure, as fly fishing is mainly reserved for hotel guests. Only a few additional day tickets will be issued. During our stay we did not meet a single fishing colleague.
On very quiet soles
Due to the very low water level and the crystal-clear water, fishing was anything but easy. A regular guest told us over dinner that he had already been fishing here in June and had been able to catch numerous 50-foot red snapper when the water was high. He recommended that we use very fine leaders – preferably a size 12. The big fish are extremely cautious because they have probably already been caught several times. It really was a case of “stalking fishing”. Every care had to be taken not to scare away the beautiful char and brown trout. You could recreate this on sight. Unfortunately, they very often turned away from the bait because they recognized the danger.
We used dry flies and nymphs as bait. At first we only caught the inhabitants of the nursery, as the young fish were more careless and literally snatched the bait away from the “old” ones. I was then the first to manage to get a “large” one into the landing net. A beautiful rainbow trout simply couldn’t resist my dry fly. My son Gregor then managed another highlight when he lured a 45 bafo out of the undergrowth. Thank goodness it didn’t get caught in the branches and then offered a “picture book motif” in this unique natural setting.
Fly fishing school, fishing store and drying room
Gasthof Tetter offers fly fishing courses 6 to 8 times a year in cooperation with Hans Ljubic from Graz. In addition to beginner courses, perfection courses are also offered. Many guests who have taken a fly fishing course come back again and again to spend their vacation here with their family. The proportion of regular guests is extraordinarily high and shows how comfortable vacationers feel here. In addition to the possibility of training, there is also a small anglers’ store in the inn and, of course, the possibility of hanging up wet fishing gear in the drying room.
Fishing vacation in a hiking paradise
As a guest at Gasthaus Tetter, you receive the Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard free of charge, a guest card with which you can use numerous services such as buses and cable cars free of charge. The area is also a great hiking paradise. In addition to the “Wild Waters” water adventure trail, we were also able to encounter some “wild” animals. In the evening, we heard the deer roaring in the nearby woods and Father Meißnitzer proudly showed us a picture of a huge stag that his thermal imaging camera had just taken at dinner.
Culinary highlights
The fact that so many regular guests come back again and again is certainly not only due to the tranquillity and the beautiful nature of this region, but also to the inn’s excellent cuisine. We were treated to culinary delights with homemade specialties. The ingredients used are mainly fish and game as well as beef from our own organic farm. All other products are also sourced as regionally as possible. I would define the dishes as home cooking of the star category in 4 courses. We also have particularly fond memories of the “Rein” with tasty ham and eggs served for breakfast.
Strength lies in tranquillity!
Fly fishing in the Untertalbach is quickly and simply explained: you are free of thoughts, slow down, calm down and can concentrate fully on nature and the water. The Meißnitzer family’s motto is: “If you come once, you’ll keep coming back.” We can only confirm this since the visit and getting to know each other and are already looking forward to seeing you again!
Further information and great offers for fishing vacations: Gasthof Tetter
Text & Photos: Michael Plakolb
