I also managed a beautifully colored fine fish. Yes, our reunion with Austrian streams were now complete.

Thus we rounded off our trip in Austria. It was short but eventful 10days, that freshened up our old memories and added many new ones.

The 3 rivers we visited all remained healthy as ever, which no doubt is a fruits of conservation effort by the local people and the visiting sports fishermen. It was comforting to know they will stay so in the years to come, to welcome us back one day again. Until then, with love, respect and gratitude, auf wiedersehen!

- Back

　

The town beat in the middle of Umhausen. Fishing was difficult due to the high water, but we just had to walk along it if only to see odd fish or two.

This place always produced chunky rainbows in the past. Though only a small one this time, old trick still worked out.

Next morning we drove down to Umhausen, to visit a Handcraft shop Hama found on his previous visit. They produce toys, clothes and housewares made of wool. Sayuri and little Misa both enjoyed it a lot.

Such a beautiful day. We felt like walking up like no end, had it not been for the delicious dinner waiting for us.

We drove up to Niederthai to fish the upper reach again. Sayuri managed to nail down a solid handsome brownie to conclude her Horlach revisit.

We fished up taking turns. As the sun comes high up, we could easily spot nice sized fish positioned in so many pools and glides.

Brownies formed by far the majority, most in the range of 35-40cm on this visit. A proof that the fishery is well managed with strict C&R at work.

No need of long leader and natural drift. Hitting pocket waters with big buoyant flies is the way to go.

Fish are not so plentiful but the good average size more than compensated it. Sayuri was pleased to catch a handsome Saibling, i.e. Brook trout.

The stream in the upper reach is quite narrow and steeply graded. Though the picture may suggest contrary, the current is fairy powerful not easy to wade across. Conveniently for us, there is a foot path along the left bank.

A fishing friend of ours, Hama, joined us from Brussels. Prost, to the sunny days in Niederthai!

Horlachbach, according to Peter, was running rather high. We were advised to fish up from the village.

It was comforting to see Falknerhof and its owner Peter doing just as well. We patted each other on the shoulder having survived their own 13years.

Apart from the quality of fishing, another attraction of Falkerhof is its amazing culinary treat. Their almost French gourmet always pleased us, and we were thoroughly entertained again on this visit. Place the pointer on the pic for one fine example.

To conclude our revisit we drove up the valley of Oetz, to the alpine village of Niederthai. The fast running water of Horlachbach is a home of solid strong brown trout. We just could not go home without rekindling our friendship!