Hi,
I am moving to Au near Wadenswil in a metter of weeks and would like to know if anyone can give me some advice on fishing in the Lake of Zurich?

Do I need a permit? WHere can I get it? Also, where is the nearest dealer selling sit on top kayacks or canadian canoes?

Thank you in advance!

Paul

Have a look here (only German), or search the forums for previous discussions.

Seems like you don't need a licence is fishing from the shore (some requirements - one rod, size of hook etc) Otherwise you need a licence and to get the licence you have to pass an exam and buy a yearly permit.

I looked for fishing from a boat and was Fr230 per year, plus exam etc so decided to stick to buying the fish in the supermarket.

Also, and very important, is natural bait (except minnows) or artificial flies of size 8 or less. No lures, treble hooks, etc. Also if you use a sit on top or canoe, it has to be registered, and needs to be a minumum length in order to be registered. I think the Zurichsee has a bit more leeway than the Griefensee or the Pfäffikersee, and the rules change often. I for instance have a float tube, but if I want to use it, I have to go some specific lakes where its allowed. I also fished from a sit on top in California and I miss it quite a bit.

I would also suggest that before you go spend money on a license, do a little research, see where you want to fish and what you want to catch, because each body of water requires a seperate license for the most part.

Thanks guys.....seems what I heard about regulations in Switzerland is true! What sort of exam do you need to take? I'm not sure I could identify a halibut at 50ft...

? I thought a canoe does not need to be registered ? Why not go inflatable, then you're for sure excempt from registration.

Inflatable canoe and fishing hooks....hmmmm...hope you can swim too!

I don't know if/where canoes have to be registered, but I imagine it depends on what you're doing with the canoe. If you're paddling around a kayak or canoe or inflatable, you're probably fine in most lakes. If you fish from one, however, you're subject to some different rules, one of which is that the boat must registered. (Again, in most, but not all, lakes)

These two are a good start:

Fishing Licences, taking a test?!
Carp Fishing