Ybbs River, Austria
eThe Ybbs is a gin clear Austrian river which is home to large populations of brown trout, rainbow trout and grayling generally in sizes running 10 to 14 inches with good chances for fish in the 18+ inch range. It is a river with abundant hatches of diverse species of aquatic insects from perla maxima stone flies, to various caddis and ephemera. The fish rise freely to a well presented dry fly. In the most places the river averages 15 to 20 yards in width but in most spots is easily waded. With a plethora of great fly water, from turquoise watered pools, to fast shallow runs and riffles, it is a fly fisherman’s dream stream.
During the best dates of the season, between March and October, the hatches of caddis and ephemeras are prolific. We fish private water around Opponitz where days of 30 to 40 fish in the net are common and 100 fish days are possible if you hit the river at its best. Fishermen can also try their luck with the huge huchen that inhabit the river. For those looking for a bit of variety, we can also put togther packages that include various other excellent rivers within an hour’s drive of the Ybbs including the Erlauf, the Salza and the Steyr
Fishermen are lodged at one of various riverside hotels. Packages are personalized to include fishing permits, lodging and all meals if desired. Normally a member of our local partner’s staff will personally show the fishermen the beats to be fished, pointing out starting and end points as well as hot spots. Should you prefer we can also provide a good local guide. Additionally we can also arrange flight reservations and a rental vehicle.
phSingle hand 4 to 5 weight rods with floating lines.
Flies: Various caddis imitaitions in different tones of beige and brown on size 14 to 18 hooks, imitations of efemeras in beige, grey and olive as well as parachute adams in sizes 14 to 16. Midge and gnat imitations including griffith’s gnat in sizes 20 to 22.
Nymphs: Perla máxima nymph imitations in hook sizes 8 and 10, hare’s ears in sizes 14-18, miracle nymphs, brassies, pheasant tails and a variety of perdigon nymphs in sizes 12 to 22.
Guests may choose to fly into one of various airports including Vienna, Munich or Linz. Vienna Airport is about 170 km or two hours by road from the Ybbs. From Linz it is just 80 km or about an hour by road. The trip from Munich takes about 4 hours.
We would be happy to arrange for flights and a rental vehicle.
It went well and we returned home delighted… It is evident that the Ybbs is full of trout, especially rainbows. We also caught brown trout and grayling. We also saw enomous huchen!
Of course, we plan to return, especially now that we know the river better. That’s it, I am already thinking about repeating next year.
Location: We offer lodging at various hotels in the areas of St. Georgen am Reith and Opponitz, Austria.
Season: From 1 de April to 31 December
Best dates: Mid May to mid October
Nº of rods allowed: N/A
Fishing techniques permitted: Fly only with regular fly gear
Species available: Rainbow and brown trout, grayling and huchen