The next day dawned with a perfect blue sky, but as we finished breakfast and went out, the clouds started rolling over and the northerly wind picked up. Now Sayuri the dry fly purist was there to have a tough time. Fish did rise occasionally but they were nowhere near as active as yesterday, resulting in many unsuccessful hook-ups too.

On the other hand, I cast a big black foam ant in #8 to the visible fish, and drifted big gold beaded nymph to a fishy looking pools, and managed catch 16fish again today. When there are not many insects hatching, I think it often more effective to size up the fly, rather than size down.

And again like last year, we enjoyed a tasty beef stew at the little rest house, Soellnalm. Nothing beats a warm, smoking plate after half a day's wading.

We couldn't catch any outstanding fish this time, but it sure was a great fishing with plenty of brookies around a foot. And due to the extremely clear low water, we could enjoy observing countless fish, especially in the afternoon when the activity is at the highest. Sightfishing surely demands a mastery of flyfishing's basics, and it was a good schooling experience of a sort.

Went back to the hut, bloomed the floor, cleaned the stove, and at 5p.m. right on time, the national park taxi picked us up. Until we come around next year again, Auf Wiedersehen!

- Next

Sayuri walked up the stream ahead of me, casting big terrestrial patterns to rising fish. She landed 24fish on the first day and was very pleased of course. Meanwhile I fished up slow, trying nymphs where dry failed, and counted 16. A very good day, and especially for Sayuri.

We grilled sausages on the wood oven. Sipping whiskey now and then, we enjoyed a charming night in the tiny little hut.

As we walked down to the 'waterfront', we found something funny. And sure enough, the water was low! Much much lower!!

We visited the river about the same timing in the preceding two years, but the water level now was lower by 1meter, or possibly more. Wading across was impossible at most places, but now easy everywhere. Anyhow, the water temp, at 5c, was quite normal. Well, let's see!

We started in a small run, near the bridge of Muehleck. I first tied #14 mayfly that worked quite well last year, and I didn't have to wait long before a 25cm plump brookie rose to it.

While the activity was low, it was more effective to fish the slower bends with big flies, but as the day progress, and as the temperature rose close to 10c, hungry fish all positioned themselves in the middle of the current, picking up small maflies and what not. A handsome 41cm greyling offered a good sport under bright afternoon sun.

The familiar national park taxi carried us up the hill, and to our relief, we found the high plateau free of snow. Not as many flowers as were last May, but the fresh grasses were basking in the warmth of the sun.

Like last year, we booked the tiny fisher Huette, to spend a night by the river. On the guestbook we saw notes left by 4 parties of guests who visited the little hut since our last. We spent a moment enjoying the book, recollecting what we did meanwhile somewhere else.

Opening of the third season for us fishing Austrian streams. Of all those alpine streams we came to know of and admire, Krimmlerache with its heavenly alpine backdrop have gained a special place in our hearts.

The arrival of the summer was somewhat delayed this year, with temperature hovering below 20degrees well into mid May. As we crossed over Thurn pass, we could see snowy peaks all over. But anyhow, we got blessed with a cloudless sunny spell. Encouraged by the warm sunshine, we marched up to the 1,700m high plateau, to fish the Krimmler.