Fishing in the Harz

in englisch

Fishing in the Harz – nature, peace, and adventure

Clear mountain lakes, calm rivers, and fish‑rich reservoirs make the Harz a varied destination for anglers. Whether trout, pike, or catfish – the different waters offer ideal conditions for leisure and sport fishing.

To fish in the Harz, you need both a nationwide fishing licence and a fishing permit. Closed seasons and minimum sizes are regulated in the federal states of Lower Saxony, Saxony‑Anhalt, and Thuringia. You can find up‑to‑date information from the German Anglers’ Federation at www.dafv.de. As regional regulations may change, it’s recommended to check with the local authorities or tourist information centres.

Fishing permits and issuing offices:
Guest fishing permits are available from the reservoir management offices, tourist information centres, fishing shops, or accommodation close to the water. The IG Harzgewässer provides a comprehensive fishing permit for around 40 ponds of the Upper Harz Water Management System.
Information:

Kurbetriebsgesellschaft Die Oberharzer, Tel. +49 5328 80220
IG Harzgewässer, Tel. +49 5323 715830

Fly fishing on the wild Bode:
Fly fishing in the wild Bode in the eastern Harz offers a special experience. With guidance from FLUSSWILD, beginners and advanced anglers can fish for hours with expert guides on one of Germany’s most natural low mountain rivers. When learning by doing, technique, observation, and of course catching brown trout are the main focus.

Informationszentrum Talsperre Wendefurth — Elbe Medien Produktion GmbH, Archiv TSB | CC-BY

Fishing in the Bode reservoir system

The Bodetal dam system on the Harz plateau in Saxony-Anhalt consists of six reservoirs, including the Rappbode Reservoir, the Hassel, Wendefurth, Mandelholz, and the transfer dam. Together, they cover around 498 hectares of water surface. Most of these waters are managed by the Bodetal Reservoirs Fishing Lease Association (Fischereipachtgemeinschaft Bodetalsperren e. V.); the Wendefurth Reservoir is an exception as it is privately managed.
The system is considered a top spot for predatory fish and salmonids. In some reservoirs, such as the Hassel Reservoir, carp are also fished. The Rappbode Reservoir is one of the best-known angling areas and, with depths between 10 and 50 metres, offers ideal conditions for pike, perch, and trout. Large catches are regularly achieved here.
In the Wendefurth Reservoir, boat fishing is allowed – the only one in the system – offering an exciting opportunity for YOU as an angler to catch trophy pike. The Königshütte transfer dam also has good stocks of trout, pike, perch, and carp, but can only be reached on foot. The Mandelholz retention basin is one of the best trout waters in the system; large rainbow trout have also been caught here.

Innerste Talsperre (c) S. Wiedekind (2).JPG — S. Wiedekind | CC0

Fishing in the Harz dams

The reservoirs in the Harz Mountains offer a wide range of fishing opportunities surrounded by impressive nature. After its renovation, the Innerste Reservoir near Langelsheim has been restocked with pike, perch, carp, tench, and trout; however, fishing is only allowed from the shore. The Zillierbach Reservoir near Wernigerode lies in an idyllic nature reserve and supplies drinking water to the region. At the Oder Reservoir near Bad Lauterberg, anglers will find a typical dam lake with trout, pike, zander, carp, and eels. The Oker Reservoir, the largest in the western Harz, offers particularly good conditions for day and seasonal anglers from April to October. Here, you’re allowed to fish with one rod – even from a rowing boat – for perch, pike, and trout amid an impressive mountain setting.

Neustadt-Gondelteich-VerenaMüller.jpg — Verena Müller | CC0

Fishing at ponds and lakes in the Harz Mountains

On the northern edge of the Harz Mountains, about twelve kilometres from Wernigerode, lies the traditional Veckenstedt fish farm – a perfect place for you as an angler and fish lover. Under the motto “Fresh fish from the Harz”, Bernd Alisch and Diethard Trick run the approximately 40-hectare facility, whose roots go back to the 15th century.
The three quietly located ponds offer you a wide view of the Brocken massif and ideal conditions for fishing. The waters are home to rainbow and salmon trout, pikeperch, char, pike, carp, tench, perch, eel, catfish and sturgeon. In addition to fishing, you can enjoy homemade fish specialities from their own breeding, drinks and fishing accessories in a family atmosphere.

Fisch beim Tauchen — © Tauchsportzentrum Nordhausen

Trout ponds in the Harz region

On the northern edge of the Harz Mountains, just 12 km from Wernigerode, you’ll find the traditional Veckenstedt fish farm – a paradise for anglers and fish lovers. Under the motto “Fresh fish from the Harz”, Bernd Alisch and Diethard Trick run the approximately 40-hectare site, whose origins date back to the 15th century. The three idyllic ponds not only offer stunning views of the Brocken massif, but also excellent fishing conditions and an impressive variety of species. Rainbow and salmon trout, pike-perch, char, pike, carp, tench, perch, eel, catfish and even sturgeon thrive here. Besides the fishing experience, visitors can enjoy homemade fish specialities from their own breeding, refreshing drinks and everything needed for a successful day’s fishing – all served in a relaxed, family atmosphere.

Familie hat Spaß beim Wandern um die Buntenbocker Teiche. — HTV. M. Gloger | CC-BY-SA

Upper Harz Ponds

The Upper Harz ponds, part of the UNESCO-protected cultural monument Upper Harz Water Management System, form one of the most impressive hydraulic engineering networks in Europe. Between 1536 and 1866, miners created over 120 ponds, 500 km of ditches, and 30 km of underground watercourses to harness hydropower for mining. Today, all facilities are protected monuments and are managed by the Harzwasserwerke and the Lower Saxony Forestry Administration. Fishing rights belong to the Harz Waters Association e. V., which enables anglers to access around 40 selected waters with the “Upper Harz Ponds Fishing Permit”. The permit – available as a one-day or three-day ticket – allows fishing at a pre-selected pond, from the bank and only during daytime. At the Oker Dam, fishing from a fixed-hull boat is also permitted.
The waters are divided into salmonid and mixed waters, offering you varied conditions for trout, pike and carp fishing. The fishing season usually runs from May to October. You can get fishing permits at the tourist information offices in the Upper Harz, including in Altenau, Clausthal-Zellerfeld, Torfhaus and Wildemann.

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