Fliegenfischen mit Herz (FFMH).

Fliegenfischen mit Herz (FFMH) is a private fishery manager based in Upper Austria, overseeing a selection of alpine rivers and mountain lakes within the Danube River basin. Unlike the club-based systems found in Slovenia, FFMH operates through leased fishing rights and exclusive access agreements. The organization manages a small number of carefully selected waters, focusing on quality over quantity. These include freestone rivers and remote alpine lakes, some of which are only accessible under specific conditions, such as guided access or accommodation-based permits. The overall approach emphasizes low fishing pressure, controlled access, and maintaining healthy fish populations in scenic alpine environments.

Regulations.

• Fly Fishing only
• Barbless hooks only
• One artificial fly may be used

Fishing season.

• Streams: 1 April – 30 September
• Mountain lakes: 1 June – 30 September

Waters Managed by FFMH.

FFMH manages a selection of waters in Tirol and Upper Austria, within the Danube River basin, offering a mix of stream and alpine lake fishing.

• Große Mühl – A well-known freestone river in Upper Austria, flowing through forested valleys and granite landscapes. It offers classic fly-fishing water with riffles, runs, and pools, holding Brown Trout and Grayling.
  Fishing on the Große Mühl is only available with a guide, ensuring controlled access and low fishing pressure.
• Steinberger Ache – A small alpine stream with fast currents, pocket water, and a technical fishing style. It holds Brown Trout and is part of ongoing restoration efforts focused on the Danube lineage. This stream represents an important example of active management aimed at preserving and re-establishing native genetic strains within the Danube basin.
• Reinkarsee – A high-alpine lake located at 2,194M. It is the only stillwater in the FFMH portfolio where a standard day license can be purchased. The lake holds Alpine char (Salvelinus umbla) and offers a unique stillwater experience in a remote mountain setting with minimal fishing pressure.
  
• Rosswildalm Lakes (Mittersee & Untersee) – Two alpine lakes located near the Rosswildalm mountain lodge. These waters are only accessible to guests staying at the lodge, making them exclusive and lightly fished.
  Both lakes are stocked with Brown Trout and Alpine char, providing a mixed stillwater fishery in a high-alpine environment.
  

Licenses.

Fishing permits for FFMH waters must be arranged in advance. Access is available through direct booking, guided trips, or accommodation-based permits, depending on the water.

Summary.

Fliegenfischen mit Herz represents a private fishery management model within Austria, focused on quality over quantity. Its waters combine guided river fishing, restoration-focused alpine streams, and exclusive high-mountain lakes. With controlled access, diverse environments, and an emphasis on native fish populations such as Danube-lineage Brown Trout and Alpine char, FFMH offers a distinct and carefully managed fishing experience within the Danube basin.