Float tube fishing at Lac du Schiessrothried: rules and tips

Nestled at the foot of the Hohneck, at the head of the Wormsa valley in the Munster valley, Lac du Schiessrothried is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alsatian Vosges. Its cold, clear waters, surrounded by forests and rocky slopes, make it a sought-after spot for trout anglers. Float tubing on a mountain lake like this one takes some preparation: here’s what you need to know about the lake, the regulations, access and equipment.

Lac du Schiessrothried at a glance

• Location: Munster valley (Haut-Rhin), at the foot of the Hohneck, above Lac de Fischboedle and the village of Mittlach.
• Altitude: around 920 to 930 m, depending on the source.
• Area: about 5.6 ha, with a maximum depth of around ten metres.
• Origin: a former peat bog of glacial origin, turned into a reservoir when a dam was built at the end of the 19th century.
• Outflow: its waters flow into Lac de Fischboedle via the Wormsabachrunz, then into the Fecht.

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What fish can you catch at the Schiessrothried?

The Schiessrothried is classified as a first-category water: it is a salmonid lake. The main species are brown trout, char and brook trout, maintained through restocking by the local angling association. Don’t expect to find pike, zander or carp here: trout and char are what make the lake worthwhile.

The right techniques are those used on mountain lakes: fly fishing (dry fly, nymph, streamer), small lures (spinners, small plugs) or natural bait, depending on what the current year’s regulations allow.

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Fishing permit and regulations

Fishing at the Schiessrothried is managed by the AAPPMA angling associations of the Munster valley, which apply common regulations to their mountain lakes (Schiessrothried, Fischboedle, Altenweiher, Forlet, Lac Vert). Each year, these regulations set the opening and closing dates, the permitted fishing methods, the number of rods and the catch limits.

• Get a fishing permit valid for the Munster valley waters (annual, weekly or day permit from the AAPPMA or its agents).
• In the past, the valley’s regulations required a specific authorisation to fish the Fischboedle and Schiessrothried lakes: check whether this still applies.
• Float tube: whether you can use one depends on the regulations in force. Read the current year’s rules or contact the AAPPMA before carrying your gear up; without explicit permission, fish from the bank.
• Respect minimum sizes and catch limits, and carefully release any fish you don’t keep.

Getting to the lake

No road leads to the lake: you have to walk, which matters when you’re carrying a float tube, fins and waders. There are two main approaches:

• From the Gaschney (a small resort above Muhlbach-sur-Munster): the lake is about a 30-minute walk from the car park. This is the shortest route.
• From Mittlach: a loop of about 8.4 km (around 3½ hours) passes Lac de Fischboedle, then climbs up to the Schiessrothried. Municipal car park in the village.

Some nearby trails, such as the GR 531 in the Bloy area, may be temporarily closed (rockfalls, winter season): check with Mittlach town hall or the Munster valley tourist office. The Vosges Trotters mountain hut on the lakeshore opens mainly at weekends and in summer; book ahead if you’d like to stay the night.

Float tube fishing gear

• A stable float tube with two separate buoyancy chambers, and a pump to inflate it on site.
• Fins, breathable waders and walking boots for the climb.
• A life jacket or buoyancy aid, worn at all times.
• A light rod suited to trout (fly or ultralight spinning), a landing net with rubberised mesh and unhooking pliers.
• Polarised sunglasses, a windproof and waterproof jacket, water and a snack.
• A backpack big enough to carry the deflated float tube.

Safety and practical tips

• The water in a high-altitude lake stays cold even in summer: never go float tubing alone, and stay close to the banks at first.
• The weather changes quickly on the Hohneck massif: keep an eye on the wind and storms, and head back to shore at the slightest doubt.
• The best periods run from late spring to early autumn; early in the morning and in the evening, trout are often more active at the surface.
• Stay on the paths, respect the pastures and high meadows, and carry all your rubbish and fishing line back down.

Want to make a day of it? Lac de Fischboedle, just below, is only a few minutes’ walk away, and the Munster valley has more Vosges trout lakes to explore.

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Enzo

Hi, I'm Enzo! I'm the guy who loves lacing up his hiking boots to explore the rugged trails of the Vosges. Passionate about nature and photography, I take you along through articles that capture the scent of fir forests and the charm of mountain lakes. I live for those moments when the sun rises over the Haut-Koenigsbourg or when I stumble upon an authentic inn along the way. My goal? To inspire you to get out, breathe in the fresh Alsatian air, and always have a great spot for a tarte flambée to share at the end of the day.

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