Every day is different, every day is unique

When Christian Haffter climbs into his wooden boat and slowly rows out of the bay on the still mirror-like surface of the water in the early morning light, his memories go with him: «As a young boy I wanted to be a professional fisherman on Lake Sils. I received my first fishing rod as a gift when I was eleven years old. It was a simple bamboo rod with no reel, just like the local fishermen's rods at the time.»

Food for farmers and bishops

A lot has changed since Christian Haffter’s childhood: The waters of the former trout lake now contain many different species of game fish. And what was once a place where professional fishermen came to work, is now a paradise for sporting anglers. Even back in the early Middle Ages, word got around that the water of Lake Sils – the largest of the lakes in the Engadin region – was profitable for fishing. Thus the commercial fishing industry flourished for hundreds of years, originally providing farmers and bishops with delicious trout.

Species-rich fishing grounds

«Today our stock of fish comprises many species,» explains Christian Haffter, who is one of the longest-serving members of the Lake Sils Fishing Association «Societed da pas-cheders». «We’ve got lake trout and brown trout as well as char, grayling, rudd, roach minnow and tench. Here, the most frequently caught fish are Arctic char and Canadian char, or namaycush. Every now and again there’s a big catch: Once a namaycush weighing 13.9 kg ended up in the net. And another time, a 15.6 kg lake trout was caught.»

Experience and relaxation included

After three wonderful, relaxing hours, Christian Haffter rows back in the direction of his family home, «Bartuns», the only house that sits directly on the shore of Lake Sils. Today’s catch consisted of a brown trout and a sizeable namaycush: «Those who come here to fish are richly rewarded, whether they catch anything or not. For me, the experience is more than just about catching fish. And it’s always unique.»

A good catch for beginners and ambitious

• Anglers at 2,618 m above sea level
  Early in the morning, head off to «Lej Sgrischus» and catch fish at this small mountain lake. The ideal starting point is Furtschellas.
• Catch the sunset
  An unforgettable experience: hire a boat, row out into the lake and cast your line at dusk; sunset included.
• Culinary delights from the lake
  Restaurant Murtaröl in Plaun da Lej is an El Dorado for fish lovers and anglers. Antonio Walhter, the host, knows everything there is to know about fishing on Lake Sils. You can also enjoy my favourite dish here: Sils ake trout with sage.
• Literature about Lake Sils
  Christian Haffter's book answers all questions about fishing in Lake Sils. You can rent it at Sils Tourist Information or in our Biblioteca Engiadinaisa