The day started cold and unnerving, but turned out to be a warm and rewarding day.

On top of numerous brown/brook trout, both of us caught a greyling, both 40cm. We admired their graceful colours to our heart's content.

The first one was Saibling, a brooktrout, of 30cm clad in a beautiful autumn attire.

Once they got turned on, fishing was nice and easy. Delicate sight fishing with midge is superb fun in its own way!

As we sat down to have sandwiches, the warm sunshine finally broke through the clearing mist. The sun began shining through the water cheerfully down to the riverbed. It was then we noticed something. I thought it was a rise. . . another one, . . and there again!!

Squinting the eyes, we saw some tiny insects drifting on the surface. We cast the smallest fly we had, #18, at the holding silhouette. It slowly loomed up to the surface, and after a moment of hesitation, took it. Bingo!!

Condition was indeed severe. On the very bottom of the river, which has now much less water, we could see silhouette of fish here and there, but none showed slightest interest in the surface action, even in nymph presented right in front.

The good first half of the day quietly passed without a bite. Without a clue, we decided to call it a lunch time.

The morning chill at such altitude should not be underestimated (We did). The water was as cold as 7degree Celsius, and the cold mist covering the valley wasn't particularly encouraging.

Enough whining! This time, we were to fish the lower stretch - from Holzlaneralm up to Muehleck, where we started last time.

As this part (Upper Krimmler Ache) lies with in a national park, public cars are not allowed to a drive in. Instead, a special 'national park taxi' can be easily arranged in a village of Krimml, which costs 17euro return per person. You could walk, or bike up the hill (though you must be really determined!) if you want to enjoy the magnificent view of the famous waterfall 'Krimmlerfall' on the way.

In stretches where the flow is gentle, small flies in size #14-16 worked best for us. Banks are easy to walk, with plenty of space for back casts. A 8.6ft, 3/4 wt rod will do nicely.

In occasional runs and rapids, bigger flies in #8-10 triggered best reactions. Also, you could cast weighted nymph up the stream and let it drift with the current. The water being so clear, you can detect bites by sight. Great game!

The 1st visit - May '02

Saibling (Brook) & Bachforelle (Brown) along with occasional Aesche (Greyling) are the main targets in this alpine river. Fish population are dense and they are all very active to take on any decent surface attractions. The biggest we caught was rather modest at 32cm, but we sure have seen a few handsome shadows over 40cms to spice up our day!

Born in the snow capped Alpine peaks, the river and the view over it are simply divine. It's not the sheer scale like some rivers in Americas, nor is it the exquisite serenity of streams in Japan. What this rivers exudes is an air of aloofness that only the grand Alpine setting can offer.

The bright shining peaks in the backdrop are Dreiherrn spitze, 3499m. Here you can enjoy supreme trouting on the roof of Europe.

Except in the height of summer, when the snowmelt drains out silt, the water is gin clear with dashing shadows of fish everywhere.

The upper reach of the river flows in the domain of Krimmler national park. The altitude being so high (1600-1700m), big fish are rather rare. That said, there are records above 50cm so be prepared!