Fly Fishing on the River Ybbs, Austria
Wild Trout and Grayling in Crystal-Clear Waters
Enjoy a unique fishing experience on the River Ybbs, an exclusive destination in Austria where wild trout and grayling thrive in crystal-clear waters. Experience unforgettable fly fishing alongside expert guides in one of Europe’s most beautiful fishing destinations.
TFC Staff Guides
4 guided fishing days (8 hours per day)
The Jewel of the River Ybbs
With this destination, we want to introduce you to a different side of Austria from the one many Spanish anglers already know.
Instead of travelling to the stocked rivers of southern Austria, near the Italian border, we’ve chosen a river that flows into the Danube, where brown trout, rainbow trout and grayling are naturally born and raised in its waters.
Located in Lower Austria, in the north-east of the country, the River Ybbs also gives its name to the town of Ybbs an der Donau. It rises at the Zellerrain Pass near Mariazell, changing names along its course — from the Weiße Ois, to the Ois, before becoming the Ybbs as it approaches the Danube.
Stretching for 130 kilometres, the River Ybbs flows north through the beautiful Ybbstal Valley.
Fishing in the Heart of Austria
The Jewel of the River Ybbs
Immerse yourself in an unforgettable fly fishing experience on one of Austria’s most iconic rivers. Renowned for its crystal-clear waters and rich biodiversity, the Ybbs provides the perfect setting for fly fishing. From wild trout to trophy grayling, every cast becomes an adventure surrounded by spectacular mountains and unspoilt nature.
Fishing Methods and Techniques
on the River Ybbs
Only fly fishing is permitted on the River Ybbs, making it the ideal destination for dedicated fly anglers. The main techniques include dry-fly fishing, nymph fishing and streamers. Dry-fly fishing is particularly productive thanks to the prolific caddis and mayfly hatches throughout the season. Nymphs and streamers are also highly effective, especially when targeting larger fish.
Recommended Equipment
For Fishing on the River Ybbs
Preparing properly is essential to make the most of your fishing experience on the River Ybbs. Below you’ll find everything you need to bring for a successful trip.
Recommended equipment for this destination
- Flies
- Streamers
- Artificial nymphs
- 10 ft or 10.6 ft nymph rods with #3 and #4 lines.
- 9 ft dry-fly rods with #4 and #5 lines.
- 9 ft streamer rods with #7 lines.
- Dry fly fishing: Black and grey caddis patterns, large stoneflies, grasshoppers for fast currents, ants, olive mayflies, Hare’s Ear patterns and Red Baron patterns for sight fishing or fish feeding on the surface.
- Nymphs: Culirrojo Perdigons, Coca-Cola Perdigons, Pipicaddis and hair nymphs.
Essential Fishing Accessories for the River Ybbs
Don’t forget to bring polarised sunglasses to reduce glare on the water, along with technical clothing suitable for Austria’s changeable weather, including a good waterproof jacket. Sunscreen is also recommended on sunny days. It’s a good idea to bring spare essentials such as nippers, floatant, reading glasses and any other accessories you wouldn’t want to be without.
Recommended Experience Level
This destination is best suited to intermediate and advanced anglers. Fishing on the River Ybbs can be technically demanding due to its wild fish and river conditions, so previous fly fishing experience is highly recommended.
Wild Trout and Grayling in Crystal-Clear Waters
Fishing on the River Ybbs
Fishing on the River Ybbs is a dream for fly anglers. The river is home to wild brown trout, rainbow trout and European grayling, all naturally born in its pristine waters. Surface feeding takes place throughout the day, making this an exceptional destination for dry-fly fishing. Exclusive private beats ensure a peaceful fishing experience away from crowded waters.
Brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are among the most sought-after species for fly anglers on the River Ybbs. The native brown trout is renowned for its elusive behaviour and golden colouring with red spots, while the introduced rainbow trout has adapted perfectly to the river and offers powerful fights and spectacular jumps.
Both species are naturally born and thrive in the cold, well-oxygenated waters of the Ybbs, providing unforgettable moments with every cast.
The European grayling (Thymallus thymallus) is one of the jewels of the River Ybbs. Recognisable by its distinctive sail-like dorsal fin and iridescent colours, this salmonid is a prized catch for fly anglers. It inhabits gentle currents over gravel beds, feeding on aquatic insects. Catching one requires delicate presentations and precise technique, making every encounter an unforgettable experience.
Why Fish for Trout and Grayling on the River Ybbs?
The River Ybbs is renowned for its hard-fighting brown trout, rainbow trout and abundant grayling. The combination of these species, together with their wild nature and the exclusivity of the private beats, makes fishing on the Ybbs a truly exceptional experience.
Techniques for Catching Trout and Grayling
Fishing the River Ybbs requires accurate medium-distance casts and precise fly presentation, as sight fishing is common throughout the season. Depending on the time of year, fish remain active from early morning until the last light of the day. Small ant patterns with a natural drift are highly effective for grayling, while brown trout respond exceptionally well to dry flies during insect hatches. In the deeper runs, a well-presented streamer can often produce the largest fish of the day.
Accommodation in Austria
Comfort on the Banks of the River Ybbs
Accommodation in Opponitz is an essential part of this experience, providing the perfect place to relax after each day on the river. Located right on the banks of the River Ybbs, you’ll be surrounded by nature just a few steps from the water.
CATEGORY
Accommodation Amenities and Services
You’ll stay in a comfortable single room in a 3-star hotel equipped with free Wi-Fi, refrigerator, television and private bathroom. Laundry facilities and additional services are also available. Best of all, the accommodation is located just 10 metres from the river, providing quick access to the fishing beats.
Local Cuisine and Dining Experience
Austria offers an outstanding culinary experience, and this destination is no exception. The hotel is home to one of the region’s finest chefs, who will discuss the evening menus with guests upon arrival. Breakfast, picnic lunches and dinner are all included, featuring locally sourced ingredients and traditional Austrian dishes such as schnitzel and hearty stews, accompanied by local wines.
Trip Itinerary in Austria
This trip has been carefully designed to help you make the most of every day on the River Ybbs, with a well-planned itinerary that allows you to enjoy each fishing session to the fullest.
1 | Day 1: Arrival in Opponitz and Welcome Dinner
Your trip begins with your arrival in Opponitz, where you’ll check in to your hotel before enjoying a welcome dinner. During the day, your equipment will be checked and your fishing licences for the exclusive beats will be issued.
- Ground transfer from the airport to the hotel (included).
- Check-in at the rural hotel.
- Welcome dinner at the hotel restaurant.
2 | Days 2, 3, 4 and 5: Guided Fishing Days
During your fishing days, you’ll explore the exclusive beats of the River Ybbs. Each day you’ll be accompanied by experienced local guides, who will help you make the most of every opportunity while sharing their knowledge of the river and its techniques.
- Full breakfast.
- Fishing licence handover and equipment check.
- Transfer to the fishing areas with your guide.
- Guided fishing throughout each day.
- Picnic lunch by the river.
- Transfer back to the hotel.
- Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
3 | Day 6: Departure
On your final day, it’s time to say goodbye to the River Ybbs. After one last fishing session, you’ll enjoy breakfast before transferring to the airport for your flight home.
- Full breakfast.
- Ground transfer from the hotel to the airport.
Trip Details and Booking
Here you’ll find everything you need to know about what’s included and what’s not included in this unique fly fishing trip on the River Ybbs.
What’s Included?
- 5 nights’ accommodation at a 3-star hotel in Opponitz.
- 4 guided fishing days (8 hours per day).
- Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner (including one alcoholic drink).
- Exclusive private fishing beat permits.
- Fishing licences.
- Airport transfers.
- Travel and cancellation insurance.
What’s Not Included?
- Personal fishing equipment, accessories and flies.
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses.
- Destination-specific fly set.
- Tips.
At Fly Fishing Experiences, we have everything in place for you to enjoy fishing in a variety of destinations, both in Spain and abroad.
We organise your trip around your preferred dates. Simply let us know when you’d like to travel and how many people will be joining you, and we’ll take care of everything so you can focus on the fishing.
Use our enquiry form to request all the information you need for your personalised trip.
NOTE: Every trip begins well before the day you depart. We hold pre-trip technical briefings covering the equipment, flies and fishing techniques we’ll be using. We also organise fly-tying sessions to prepare the flies for your trip, as well as a casting session to practise and refine the casting techniques you’ll use at your destination.
We think of every detail to help make your fishing trip a success.
Expert Guides
Your Best Ally for Fishing Austria’s Rivers
Chano Flycreek | CEO, Fly Fishing Experiences
Qualified Fishing Instructor
Our team of guides consists of experts on the River Ybbs. They’ll accompany you throughout your trip, sharing their knowledge and helping you refine your technique. All of our guides speak Spanish and have extensive experience on this river, ensuring a personalised and successful fishing experience.
For this destination, your guide will be Chano, one of the foremost experts on Austria’s rivers. After spending more than ten years guiding on these Danube tributaries for around 40 days each season, he has developed an exceptional knowledge of their waters and trout. Before the trip, Chano will share practical fishing tips to help you prepare, and he’ll guide you throughout the entire experience.
PRE-ARRANGED PACKAGE
- AUSTRIA 2026 -
CURRENTLY AVAILABLE 2026 PACKAGES
We organise tailor-made trips around your preferred dates, but you can also join one of our pre-arranged groups for four anglers. Contact us through our enquiry form to request your place and receive more information.
- 31 May – 6 June — Full
- 6 June – 13 June — Full
- 5 June – 10 June — Full
- 10 June – 15 June — Full
- 15 June – 20 June — Full
- 22 June – 27 June — Full
- 27 June – 2 July — Full
- 4 July – 9 July — 4 places available
- 9 July – 14 July — 4 places available
- 2 September – 7 September — Full
- 7 September – 12 September — 4 places available
- 2 October – 7 October — 4 places available
- 7 October – 12 October — Full
Book Your Experience Now
Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this exclusive experience on the River Ybbs. Contact us today and secure your place on this unique fly fishing adventure. Book your trip now and get ready for an unforgettable experience.