Lake Fertő: fishing in a kingdom of reeds

Fertő (Lake Neusiedl) is not a lake you just drop by for a quick session. It is a sea of reeds, shallow murky water, birdsong and strict nature protection, and fishing is only permitted in small, designated parts of it. Those who come here anyway do so not for huge catches but for the unique atmosphere and for fishing with respect.

A special lake on the border

Fertő is one of the largest endorheic lakes in Central Europe, with a total area of about 315 square kilometres. Roughly a quarter of it, some 75 square kilometres, lies in Hungary; the rest belongs to Austria, where it is known as Neusiedler See.

A few characteristics that shape the fishing:

• Extremely shallow: the average depth is about one metre, and even the deepest parts barely exceed one and a half metres.
• Vast reed beds: most of the Hungarian side is covered by reeds, and open water is found only in smaller bays and channels.
• Alkaline, turbid water: the wind easily stirs up the fine sediment, so the water is rarely clear.
• Changing water level: in dry years the level can drop considerably, which affects both access and fish behaviour.

It is part of Fertő-Hanság National Park, and the Fertő/Neusiedlersee Cultural Landscape has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001.

Who manages the fishing, and where can you fish?

On the Hungarian part of Fertő, fishing is managed by the Fertő-Hanság National Park Directorate. Only a small part of the Hungarian lake surface, a few hundred hectares, is open to fishing, mainly around Fertőrákos Bay and a few designated smaller bays and channels.

What matters in practice:

• From the bank, only on designated stretches, typically the paved edge of the harbour.
• From a boat you can reach a larger area, but combustion-engine craft are not allowed on the lake; rowing boats can be used.
• The area ticket does not entitle you to enter strictly protected areas.
• Tents and camping are not allowed at the fishing spots.

The national park directorate also manages a short section of the nearby Hanság main canal as fishing water, where you fish from undeveloped, reed-lined swims.

On the Austrian side different laws and different permits apply, and the Hungarian ticket is not valid there.

Which fish live in Fertő?

The fish community is adapted to the shallow, alkaline water:

• Bream species: the most common catch, on float and feeder alike.
• Carp: a fish of reed margins and bays, and good specimens are not rare.
• Pike: the classic predator of the reed edge, great for lure fishing in shallow water.
• Zander: the murky water suits it, and it is most active at dusk.
• Wels catfish and tench: less common, but present.
• Prussian carp: an invasive species that, under the rules, may not be released.

In recent years several stricter measures have come into force to protect the fish stock, for example mandatory release of certain species and limits on groundbaiting. Always check the current Fertő fishing rules.

Methods among the reeds

Float and feeder

The basis of bream and carp fishing. Thanks to the shallow water, lighter rigs are enough; work the strip in front of the reeds.

Lure fishing

For pike and zander, shallow-running crankbaits, smaller soft baits and spoons work best. Always expect snags, so carry spare traces and never leave line in the reeds.

Groundbait

In shallow water large amounts of groundbait damage water quality, so on Fertő feed especially sparingly and follow the local rules on baiting.

When to go?

In spring the shallow water warms quickly and bream and carp start moving early, but this is also spawning time, so several species may be protected. In summer dawn and evening are best; during the day heat and mosquitoes test the angler. Many consider autumn the most beautiful season: the reeds change colour, pike and zander are more active and the water is less murky. In winter fishing may be limited by weather and ice, and the rules may also ban night fishing from boats in the winter period. On windy days the shallow water quickly becomes choppy and even murkier, so pick a more sheltered bay.

Nature protection and angling ethics

Fertő is first and foremost a nature reserve, and the angler is a guest. That means a few simple but important rules:

1. Don't cut reeds and don't create new swims.
2. Keep away from nesting sites and don't disturb the birds.
3. Handle fish gently, with wet hands and on a mat.
4. Take all rubbish, line offcuts and packaging home.
5. If you notice a nature protection problem, report it to the national park staff.

Summary

Fertő is not the easiest fishing water, but it offers a truly special experience: a sea of reeds, rich birdlife and tranquillity. If you follow the national park's rules, fish only at designated places and treat nature with respect, you can catch fine bream, carp and pike. The map search also gives a quick overview of other fishing waters around Fertő and in Győr-Moson-Sopron county.