There are numerous wonderful streams in the Black Forest and day permits can be aquired for several of them. Recently I had the chance to fish the “Gutach” within the city boundaries of Titisee-Neustadt.
I was a little sceptical and expected a very urban fishing experience, but was absolutely stoked by the cristal clear water and the mixed vegetation along the banks, which often hid away the city beyond.
Fishing wasn’t so easy after all, the overhanging brushes and trees made casting tricky sometimes, and wading on the slippery rocks of the black forest is something much different from what I am used to in the limestone region where I usually fish. Several times I almost filled my waders, and I must have looked rediculous, throwing my arms around frantically while trying to get back into balance… which failed sometimes, and only the soothing cold water kept me from crying out loud when my knees hit a rock.
But almost every cast proved that there are plenty of brown trout in this little stream, and every fish made up plentifully for the pain. The native browns of the black forest are quite wellknown for their strong colors: A typical fish has a deep golden belly, and the typical red dots are surrounded by a thick white collar which makes them pop up brightly. The cheeks show a distinctive greyish-blue spot and the black dots on the head contrast beautifully with the golden background. Truely wonderful fish!
Good to know that Germany still holds such waters, which are relatively intact, although they run directly through a city! The day was well worth it, and the Gutach really surprised me!