Fishing festival in Forchheim: Lease extension ensures water protection!

Fishing festival in Forchheim: Lease extension ensures water protection!

The fishing festival of the Forchheim-Obermässing fishing association on June 15, 2025 was a complete success. With numerous visitors, the club not only celebrated the festive atmosphere, but also the lease extension for the Schlosserweiher near Ohausen with the city of Freystadt. Club chairman Rudi Krehan emphasized the central role of these waters for the club's activities and emphasized that the lease extension offers planning security for the future. The support of the city of Freystadt is seen as a valuable appreciation for the work of the fishermen and is particularly pleasing to the committed members.

For more than 45 years, the association has made a significant contribution to the preservation of the waters and the home region. The fishing festival is an important cornerstone that not only promotes community, but also helps to finance projects to reintroduce endangered fish species. The proceeds from the festival support, among other things, species aid programs for the reintroduction of Rutte and Barbe in the Schwarzach club waters.

Culinary and community

The guests enjoyed a rich culinary offering based on fish. From plug fish to grilled specialties and fish rolls to bratwurst rolls for children, there was something for every taste. A book flea market was also held to benefit DKMS, which not only strengthens the local community but also contributes to a good cause.

Especially in 2025, the focus will be on the European eel, which was chosen as “Fish of the Year” by the German Angling Association, the BfN and the VDST. This delicate fish suffers from disruption to its habitat and is a sign of the challenges facing local waters. The rutte, which will receive the “Fish of the Year 2024” award in Bavaria next year, is also on the red list as critically endangered. The fishing association is actively involved in a species aid program to protect and restore stocks in the Schwarzach.

Acting responsibly for the future

In his speech at the fishing festival, Mayor Alexander Dorr emphasized the importance of water conservation by the association for the environment and the community. Through active projects, such as the rehabilitation of the Schwarzach backwater, the association shows how important it is to preserve the local waters. As part of this measure, 500 cubic meters of earth and mud were dredged up and the fish were transported into water basins beforehand so that they could then be reintroduced to the Schlosserweiher.

The association, which has over 150 committed members, is also planning for the future. The annual general meeting will take place on February 2, 2024. In addition, a fish educational trail with a length of 10.6 km and four information boards will be created. This is another step in promoting knowledge about our waters and spreading the importance of water conservation to the community. The 3500 euros for this project were supported by a 50% grant from the state fishing association.

The fishing festival is not only a celebration of joy, but also a symbol of the commitment and responsibility that the Forchheim-Obermässing fishing association assumes in relation to water protection. The traditional events and the successful cooperation with the city show that a good hand for the future of the waters is demonstrated here.

For further information about the work of the fishing association and the protection of local waters, it is worth taking a look at the website of the Forchheim-Obermässing Fishing Association and the current press release from the German Angelfishing Association.