Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Germany (Complete Guide)

Fishing in Germany provides anglers with unforgettable experiences. Knowing the best times and seasons to fish in the waters near Germany is crucial to having a successful fishing trip.

The best times to fish in Germany are typically during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and fish are active. However, fishing can still be enjoyed throughout the year depending on the target species and location.

Month	Germany Fishing Location
January	Lake Ammersee – Anglers can target Pike and Perch in the clear waters of Lake Ammersee during the winter months.
February	River Moselle (Mosel) – The Moselle River is known for its Trout and Grayling fishing opportunities, especially in the region near Trier.
March	Lake Schwerin – As the weather warms up, anglers can catch Zander and Pike in Lake Schwerin, known for its beautiful surroundings.
April	River Elbe – The Elbe River offers excellent fishing for Barbel and Carp during the spring season.
May	Lake Bodensee – In May, Lake Bodensee comes alive with opportunities to catch Lake Trout and Perch, surrounded by stunning landscapes.
June	Baltic Sea – Anglers can head to the Baltic Sea in June for exciting fishing for Cod, Flounder, and Sea Trout.
July	Lake Starnberg – July is the perfect time to fish for Pike, Zander, and Whitefish in the picturesque Lake Starnberg.
August	River Rhine (Rhein) – The Rhine River provides chances to catch Catfish and Barbel as the summer reaches its peak.
September	Lake Plauer See – Anglers can enjoy fishing for Pike and Walleye in Lake Plauer See during the mild September weather.
October	Lake Chiemsee – October brings the opportunity to catch Carp, Eel, and Pike in Lake Chiemsee, known for its diverse fish population.
November	River Oder – As temperatures drop, anglers can try their luck with Pike and Zander in the Oder River.
December	Lake Baldeney – The colder months offer good fishing for Roach and Bream in Lake Baldeney, creating a peaceful winter fishing experience.

This article will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Germany. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Creeks/Rivers to Fish in Germany

River Elbe, near Magdeburg: In the summer months of July and August, this region is popular for Zander (Pike-perch) and Catfish fishing.

Wiesent River, Franconian Switzerland: Famed for fly fishing, it’s best visited in June for Brown Trout.

River Moselle, around Koblenz: Carp fishing is the main attraction here, especially in the warmer months of May and June.

Saar River, Saarland: Go in September or October to fish for Perch and Pike, two species that thrive in this area.

River Spree, around Berlin: Visit in the months of June to August to get a good catch of the local species, Eel.

Nahe River, near Bad Kreuznach: The river is home to the Barbel, and the best months to fish are in the late summer and early fall, especially in September.

River Main, near Würzburg: Here, you can fish for Asp during the spring months of April and May.

Alster River, Hamburg: This river is well-known for its Roach population, with the fishing season peaking in June and July.

River Danube, near Ulm: Known for its abundant Bream, the best time to visit is during the warmer months of July and August.

River Rhine, near Düsseldorf: This river is a popular spot for fishing Sea Lamprey, particularly during the colder months of January and February.

Best Times: Lake Fishing in Germany

Lake Constance, near Konstanz: Visit in July for the best opportunity to fish for Pike, a species that thrives in this freshwater lake.

Lake Starnberg, Bavaria: The lake is known for its Perch, with the best months for fishing being August and September.

Lake Chiemsee, Bavaria: This lake is renowned for Carp fishing, especially in the warmer months of June and July.

Müritz Lake, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Here, you can find a good catch of Zander during the peak fishing months of May and June.

Lake Kummerow, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Known for its abundant Bream, the best time to fish is during the warmer months of June and July.

Lake Schwerin, near Schwerin: This lake is famous for its large populations of Eel, which can be best caught during the summer months of July and August.

Lake Ammersee, Bavaria: Try fishing for Tench in this lake during the peak summer months of June and July.

Lake Tegel, Berlin: Famed for its Pike-perch fishing, the lake offers best results in the cooler months of September and October.

Lake Havel, Brandenburg: The lake is home to a diverse array of species, but the Roach is a standout and best caught in April and May.

Lake Bodden, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: This brackish lake is well known for its Sea Trout, with the peak fishing season being in March and April.

Best Times: Saltwater Fishing in Germany

Rügen Island, Baltic Sea: Renowned for its Cod fishing, the best time to visit is in the colder months of February and March.

Sylt Island, North Sea: This spot is excellent for Sea Bass fishing, especially in August and September.

Fehmarn Island, Baltic Sea: A top spot for Flounder fishing, with the peak season in June and July.

Heligoland, North Sea: An excellent location for catching Halibut, particularly in the summer months of July and August.

Warnemünde, Baltic Sea: Known for its abundant Herring, the best time to fish is during the cooler months of March and April.

Kiel Bight, Baltic Sea: A popular spot for Turbot fishing, with the best time to fish being in the warmer months of May and June.

North Frisian Islands, North Sea: A fantastic spot for Plaice fishing, particularly in the summer months of July and August.

Stralsund, Baltic Sea: Renowned for its Pike-perch fishing, the peak season is during the spring months of April and May.

Borkum Island, North Sea: Famous for its Mackerel fishing, with the peak season being in the summer months of July and August.

Flensburg Fjord, Baltic Sea: This area is a great spot for Sea Trout, best fished during the colder months of October and November.

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Cod

Cod fishing in Germany is most productive during the winter months, from December to February. The best time of day to catch cod is usually early morning or late afternoon. Some of the best locations for cod fishing in Germany include the Baltic Sea, especially around the islands of Rügen and Usedom, as well as the North Sea coast near the island of Sylt.

Sea Bass

Sea bass fishing in Germany is most productive during the summer months, from June to September. The best time of day to fish for sea bass is early morning or late evening. Some of the best locations for sea bass fishing in Germany include the Baltic Sea, particularly around the islands of Rügen and Usedom, and the North Sea coast near the islands of Sylt and Fehmarn.

Flounder

Flounder fishing in Germany is best during the spring and autumn months, from April to June and September to November. The best time of day to fish for flounder is during the early morning or late afternoon. Some of the best locations for flounder fishing in Germany include the coastal areas of the North Sea, such as the Wadden Sea National Park, and the Baltic Sea, particularly around the islands of Fehmarn and Usedom.

Mackerel

Mackerel fishing in Germany is best during the summer months, from June to September. The best time of day to fish for mackerel is early morning or late evening. Some of the best locations for mackerel fishing in Germany include the North Sea coast, especially around the islands of Heligoland and Sylt, as well as the Baltic Sea coast, particularly around Rügen Island and the Fischland-Darß-Zingst Peninsula.

Halibut

Halibut fishing in Germany is typically best during the summer months, from June to August. The best time of day to fish for halibut is early morning or late evening. Some of the best locations for halibut fishing in Germany include the Baltic Sea, particularly around the island of Rügen, and the North Sea coast near the island of Heligoland.

Sea Trout

Sea trout fishing in Germany is best during the colder months of the year, typically from October to April. Early morning and late evening are the ideal times of day for sea trout fishing. Some of the best locations for sea trout fishing in Germany include the rivers Elbe, Weser, and Eider, as well as the Baltic Sea coast.

Brown Trout

Brown trout fishing in Germany is most productive during the spring and autumn months, particularly in April, May, September, and October. The best time to fish is early morning or evening when the trout are most active. Popular fishing locations for brown trout include the Rhine, Danube, Elbe rivers, as well as the Bavarian Alps and the Black Forest.

Northern Pike

Pike fishing in Germany is best during the spring and autumn seasons, particularly in the months of April to June and September to November. The ideal time of day for pike fishing is early morning or late afternoon. Some popular locations for pike fishing in Germany include the River Mecklenburgische Seenplatte, Lake Müritz, the River Elbe, and the Havel River.

Zander

Zander fishing in Germany is most productive during the cooler months of spring and autumn, from April to June and September to November. The best time of day to catch zander is usually early morning or late evening. Some of the top locations for zander fishing in Germany include the River Rhine, the River Elbe, Lake Constance, and the River Oder.

Wels Catfish

Wels catfish fishing in Germany is most successful during the warm months of spring and summer, from May to September. The best time of day to catch Wels catfish is usually during the evening or nighttime. Some of the top locations for Wels catfish fishing in Germany include the River Ebro, the River Rhine, Lake Tegel, and the River Elbe.

European Perch

European perch fishing in Germany is ideal during the spring and summer months, especially from April to September. Early morning and evening are the most productive times to catch perch. Some of the best locations for perch fishing in Germany include the River Rhine, Lake Constance, Lake Müritz, and the River Elbe.

Roach

Roach fishing in Germany is best during the spring and summer months, particularly from April to August. The early morning and late evening are the prime times to catch roach. Some of the top locations for roach fishing in Germany include the River Rhine, Lake Müritz, Lake Steinhude, and the River Elbe.

Tench

Tench fishing in Germany is best during the spring and summer months, especially from May to September. The early morning and late evening are the most favorable times to fish for tench. Some of the best locations for tench fishing in Germany include Lake Constance, Lake Chiemsee, Lake Starnberg, and the River Elbe.

Bream

Bream fishing in Germany is best during the spring and summer months, particularly from April to August. The early morning and late afternoon are the most productive times to fish for bream. Good locations for bream fishing in Germany include the Rhine River, the Danube River, Lake Muritz, and Lake Schwerin.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout fishing in Germany is excellent during the spring and autumn months, with April, May, September, and October being the best times to fish. Early morning or late afternoon are ideal times to catch rainbow trout. Some popular locations for rainbow trout fishing in Germany include the Bavarian Alps, the Black Forest, the Rhine River, and the Danube River.

Carp

Carp fishing in Germany is most productive during the warmer months of spring, summer, and early autumn. The best months for carp fishing are typically May, June, and September. Carp are most active during the early morning and late evening hours. Some popular locations for carp fishing in Germany include the Rhine River, Lake Constance, Lake Ammersee, and the Elbe River.

For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Finland, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Sweden, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Iceland, check out this guide.

Best Fishing in Germany on a Seasonal Basis

Winter

In winter, some of the best fishing locations in Germany include the Baltic Sea, Lake Constance, River Rhine, and Lake Müritz. Anglers can target fish species such as pike, perch, trout, and eel during this season.

Spring

Lake Ammersee: Anglers can target Pike, Perch, and Carp in Lake Ammersee during the spring season.
River Moselle (Mosel): The River Moselle offers opportunities to catch Trout, Grayling, and Barbel in the springtime.
Lake Steinhuder Meer: Fishing enthusiasts can find Pike, Zander, and Eel in Lake Steinhuder Meer during the spring months.
River Weser: The River Weser is known for its Salmon and Sea Trout fishing in the spring, attracting anglers looking for a challenge.

Summer

Lake Constance (Bodensee): Anglers can target Pike, Perch, and Lake Trout in Lake Constance during the summer season.
River Rhine (Rhein): The River Rhine offers opportunities to catch Catfish, Barbel, and Carp in the summer months.
Baltic Sea: Fishing in the Baltic Sea during the summer can yield catches like Cod, Herring, and Flounder.
Lake Chiemsee: Fishing enthusiasts can find Pike, Walleye, and Carp in Lake Chiemsee during the summer season.

Fall

Lake Constance (Bodensee): You can catch Pike, Perch, and Zander in Lake Constance during the fall months.
River Rhine: The River Rhine offers opportunities to catch Salmon, Trout, and Pike in the fall season.
Lake Müritz: Anglers can target Pike, Zander, and Perch in Lake Müritz during the autumn months.
River Elbe: The River Elbe is known for its Salmon and Sea Trout fishing in the fall, attracting anglers from around the country.