European Native Trout Challenge
Cast a line, make a change

Austrian Natives Challenge.

The Austrian Natives Challenge invites anglers to explore the diversity of Austria’s native salmonid species by catching them in their natural habitats. From high-alpine headwaters to large river systems, Austria hosts a remarkable range of trout, char, and grayling shaped by different river basins and glacial histories. This challenge encourages responsible fishing, learning about native lineages, and experiencing Austria’s rivers while actively supporting conservation efforts. While most Austrian waters drain into the Danube basin, smaller regions in the west and north belong to the Rhine and Elbe basins. These connections introduce additional native lineages and increase the biological diversity anglers can encounter within a single country.

The Native Species.

Required for the challenge.

  • Brown Trout (Salmo trutta, Danubian and Atlantic lineage)
    Distributed across most Austrian rivers in the Danube (Danubian lineage), Rhine and Elbe Basin (Atlantic lineage). Highly variable in form and colour depending on the river system.
  • European Grayling (Thymallus thymallus, Northern Alps, Southern Alps and Central European mixed lineage)
    Found in the Inn and other Danube tributaries upstream of Budapest (Northern Alps lineage), Drava and Mur systems(Southern Alps lineage) and Rhine and Elbe basins (Central European mixed lineage) Known for its sail-like dorsal fin and shimmering silver body.
  • Alpine Char (Salvelinus umbla)
    Native to cold alpine lakes and deep reservoirs, particularly in western and central Austria. This species thrives in clear, oxygen-rich waters and represents Austria’s glacial freshwater heritage.

Optional.

  • Danube Salmon (Hucho hucho)
    Present in selected rivers of the Danube basin. A legendary apex predator often referred to as the “fish of 1000 casts.” Typically targeted during winter months and known for its demanding fishing style. Due to its seasonal nature and the technical demands of targeting it responsibly, Huchen is optional for completing the Austrian Native Challenge.

Excluded.

  • Deepwater Char (Salvelinus profundus)
    A highly specialized deep-lake species native to lake Constance with extremely limited populations.
    This species is not part of the challenge, due to its vulnerability and the conservation risks associated with targeting it.
  • brown trout
  • european grayling
  • huchen
  • Alpine char
  • Deepwater char

Why Participate?

  • Adventure & Exploration: Discover Austrian rivers, some of which are hidden gems known only to local anglers.
  • Skill Challenge: Test your fishing abilities by targeting multiple species in different habitats, including the elusive Huchen.
  • Conservation Impact: Every entry helps fund projects that protect native species and restore freshwater habitats.
  • Recognition: Earn a magnet and certificate showcasing your achievement, and join a community of like-minded anglers.
  • Unique Experience: Completing the Challenge is a memorable accomplishment, a true “fisherman’s badge of honour” that celebrates Slovenia’s natural heritage.

How It Works.

  1.  Enter the challenge – €15 per participant.
  2. Catch & document – Fish responsibly and take care of the fish’s health when photographing.
  3. Submit your catches – Send an email with a Word document for each species, containing:

Required information:

  • A sharp picture of the fish (above water, fish’s health in mind).
  • The date the fish was caught.
  • The river where the fish was caught.

Optional information:

  • Fishing rod type (spinning rod, fly rod, etc.)
  • Type of fishing (streamer, nymphing, dry fly, spinner, jerk bait, etc.)
  • Bait type/name
  • Fish weight
  • Fish length

4. Receive your rewards – A magnet button featuring the challenge logo and a certificate recognizing your achievement.

 Rules.

  1. Participants must register before starting the challenge. Read the information and rules, enjoy the process, and help conserve and restore native populations.
  2. Know and follow all fishing rules and regulations for the rivers you intend to fish.
  3. Only fish caught after 1-1-2026 can be counted for this challenge.
  4. Fish must be caught in their native watershed.
  5. Fish must be caught barbless and according to catch-and-release principles.
  6. There is no time limit to complete the challenge.
  7. All photos submitted may be used by the European Native Trout Challenge for content.