© Kopsch Production
...Fishing is the only philosophy that satisfies one.
Peter Bamm

Anyone who sees the kingfisher whizzing past the fishing rods like an arrow, who hears the stag roaring in autumn and who smells the distinctive smell of the forest is in the midst of a nature experience. All that's missing is the fish? In the Oder-Spree Lake District we are in the best hands in this regard: the chances of an extraordinary catch are particularly good here. 

There are several reasons for this. First of all, nature conservation is integrated into all forms of land use throughout Brandenburg. An area of ​​more than 230.000 hectares in size has been designated as a nature reserve in Brandenburg. This leads to restrictions on fishing in many places and many an angler will look longingly to the other bank where he is not allowed to cast his fishing rod for nature conservation reasons - on the one hand. On the other hand, the intact fish stocks in the Lake District with their natural age pyramids are precisely thanks to such protection and retreat zones.

Using and protecting nature

When relaxation becomes exciting

© Seenland Oder-Spree / Florian Läufer

Let's take a look at ourselves - aren't we anglers also looking for quiet zones? Slowing down fits in with the spirit of the times and can be experienced very well in the Oder-Spree Lake District. Vibrant Berlin is only a stone's throw away on the western edge of the water-rich region and yet we feel like we are in another world when the float dances gently on the surface of the water. If the swimmer goes diving, relaxation becomes exciting in no time! A fish has taken the bait and slides into the landing net after an exciting fight.

Peter Hail!

Peace and relaxation - this is where we come full circle to nature conservation. In the Oder-Spree Lake District, anglers enjoy a small privilege: where the path for motorized vehicles ends in designated protected areas, we are allowed to go a long way further. We are talking about forest driving permits that can be applied for. This is often the only way to get to the waters. You could say that in the Lake District, we anglers are guaranteed seclusion.

Great freedom with a small boat

© Seenland Oder-Spree / Florian Läufer

To explore the entirety of the waters of the Oder-Spree Lake District, a small fishing boat is the answer. We leave inaccessible banks, busy fishing spots and other hustle and bustle behind us with just a few strokes of the oar. We do have to use muscle power to move the boat in almost all waters, because boat motors are only allowed here and there, but this is ultimately the most primitive form of transport. A small depth sounder has long since become an affordable companion and allows you to look beneath the water's surface. 

This means we are well placed to cater for pike, zander, perch and many other species of fish. You won't have to wait long for a successful catch.

But there are two hearts beating in my chest. That of the photographer and that of the angler. And so when I looked through the viewfinder I always kept an eye out for fishing waters. Where the shutter rattled during the day, I hoped for a bent rod in the evening (or on a short vacation). I was never disappointed.
Florian Laufer

What do you need?

First of all: If you want to go fishing, you need a Approval - no exceptions are tolerated. Nevertheless, the hurdles in Brandenburg are low for those who want to take their first steps with a fishing rod. 

Coarse fish may already at an older age from 8 years and without first passing the nationwide fishing exam The only fishing opportunities for carp, tench, etc. are purchase of a fishing license of the respective water body and the fishing tax stamp opposite. 

Pike, zander, perch and others predators However, they are reserved for anglers who have a Proof of expertise in the form of a fishing license after passing the sport fishing exam feature. 

Whether with or without an exam: A fishing license for the respective water is required in any case. This can be obtained, for example, from the relevant fishing companies, fishing clubs and associations, fishing shops, tourist information offices or from the leaseholder. As a rule, you can choose between different durations, from daily to weekly to annual passes. 
The cost of the fishing license varies depending on the water and the duration. In addition, every angler must be in possession of a fishing tax stamp which has an annual validity (calendar year). When you buy the first stamp, you receive a personalized proof card into which the fishing tax stamp is glued. 
The fee is 8 euros for children and young people aged 18 - 2,50 years and 12,00 euros for adults. Available from the local fishing authorities, fishing associations, fishing clubs and fishing shops.

Good to know:

Under www.angelkarten.com You can easily order the delivery of the fishing tax stamp by post or on your smartphone.

If you do not have a fishing license, you must carry an identification document with you. Please note that fishing without the required documents is illegal and can be punished by the authorities with severe penalties. Fishing without a fishing license is a criminal offense.

Additional important rules:

The legal closed seasons and minimum sizes must be observed. In addition, special regulations can be issued for certain waters, which are indicated on the respective fishing license. Fishing is permitted with a maximum of two hand rods, which must be constantly supervised. A distance of at least 50 meters must be maintained from fishing gear used by commercial fishermen. 

Further essential regulations for angling are contained in the Fisheries Act for the State of Brandenburg and in the Fisheries Regulations of the State of Brandenburg. 

Further information can be found at the fisheries authorities below: www.service.brandenburg.de 

A small fish on the table is better than a big fish in the stream.
Lithuanian proverb

techniques & equipment

Learn the right techniques and which equipment you should use so that your fishing trip to the Oder-Spree Lake District is guaranteed to be a complete success!

The Fish Encyclopedia

The most important fish species in the Oder-Spree Lake District

Coarse fish

predators

fishing waters

in Oder-Spree and Märkisch Oderland

Lettinsee Altfriedland (fishing lake)

Altfriedland

© Seenland Oder-Spree eV/Florian Läufer

Stiller Treppelsee (fishing waters)

Bremsdorf

© ScottyScout, license: TMB photo archive

Wupatzsee (fishing lake)

recognizer

© Ziesig, License: Seenland Oder-Spree

Werlsee (Angelsee)

Grünheide (Mark)

© ScottyScout, license: TMB photo archive

Möllensee (fishing lake)

Kagel

© Seenland Oder-Spree/Ellen Rußig

Großer Stienitzsee (Angelsee)

Hennickendorf

© Municipality of Rüdersdorf near Berlin