DO try to time your visit out of the prime August holiday period
DO try to time your visit out of the prime August holiday period. If you can go in September you’ll find everything a lot quieter and accommodation easier to come by. My sources also indicate that the fishing is very probably better once the real heat of the summer begins to recede a little.
DO make sure that you have your licences in order. British anglers are sometimes regarded rather glumly on the Continent because, sadly, some of our number do tend to bend the rules a little bit.
DO, for the same reason, observe all and every regulation. Also, be particularly careful about night fishing whether in Austria or anywhere in Europe. Remember that it’s not allowed in many countries.
DO yourself a favour and really set out to enjoy the local foods and wines in this enchanting part of Europe. Of course, you can stick to your British staples if you like but you’ll be doing your stomach a grave injustice if you do. Get yourself a phrase book so you can work out what all the menus are trying to say to you and you’re in for a gastronomic treat.
DO try to speak to the local fishermen. If you don’t have any German yourself, you’ll find a good few of them speak passably good English and they’re the ones that can really point you in the right direction on what is a major watercourse. You’ll find they are very friendly and willing to help.
DO explore the valley itself. Apart from the big lakes like the Worther See, there are numerous smaller ponds and lagoons hidden away in the forest. Sometimes these are backwaters of the Drau and can hold some enormous fish. You might also come across some grass carp – I took them to about eight pounds on my visit.