Kantonaler Fischereiverband Graubünden (KFV GR).

The Kantonaler Fischereiverband Graubünden (KFV GR) is the umbrella organization representing fishing interests across the Swiss canton of Graubünden. Unlike many regions where local clubs directly manage fishing waters, most waters in Graubünden are public and managed at cantonal level, with the KFV GR coordinating conservation projects, habitat restoration, and fisheries policy together with cantonal authorities.
Graubünden is one of Europe’s most hydrologically complex alpine regions, with rivers draining into four major European basins. Management focuses on protecting native fish lineages adapted to each basin, while balancing traditional fisheries, alpine tourism, and ecological restoration.

Regulations.

Fishing in Graubünden is regulated by cantonal fisheries law, with specific seasons, methods, and conservation rules defined in the official cantonal regulations. A permit (Patent) is required for most waters — daily, weekly, or annual depending on water and duration. Many permit categories require a fishing knowledge certificate (Sachkundenachweis, SaNa). Regulations set forth requirements for reporting catches and for method compliance. Some waters (e.g., designated fly-only or special conservation reaches) may have additional restrictions, but in general, anglers may keep fish within legal size and bag limits rather than being limited to mandatory catch-and-release.
Basin- and fishery-specific regulations (season dates, protected species, size limits, closures) are detailed in the cantonal fishing regulations PDF published by the Amt für Jagd und Fischerei.

Fishing Seasons.

• General season for flowing waters (rivers/streams): 1 May – 15 September
• Standing waters (lakes): 1 May – 31 October

Waters Managed in Graubünden.

Graubünden’s waters drain into the Rhine, Danube, and Adriatic basins, with additional alpine lakes scattered throughout the canton. Below is an overview of the main salmonid systems relevant to native trout and grayling conservation.

Adriatic River basin (Po & Adige).

A smaller but ecologically important portion of Graubünden drains south toward the Adriatic Sea via the Po and Adige river systems.

• Po and Adige headwaters – These alpine catchments are naturally part of the Adriatic basin and historically supported Marble Trout (Salmo marmoratus) and Adriatic Grayling (Thymallus aeliani).

While these species are native to the basin, many waters are still managed primarily as “Bachforelle” (Brown Trout) waters, and only a limited number explicitly reference Marble Trout. This suggests that full restoration of native Adriatic lineages is still incomplete, and genetically pure populations may be rare or absent in parts of the basin.

Danube River basin (Headwaters).

The Danube basin in Graubünden is represented by the Inn River and its tributaries in the Upper Engadin. These high-alpine waters flow eastward into Austria and onward to the Danube.

• Inn River – A large alpine river characterized by cold water, strong seasonal flow, and wide gravel beds. Native salmonids include Brown Trout (Danube lineage) and European Grayling (Danube lineage).
  Huchen (Hucho hucho) historically occurred in the Inn and may still be present in limited sections of the main river, where fishing is highly restricted or prohibited.
• Inn tributaries – Numerous alpine tributaries support self-sustaining populations of Brown Trout and Grayling, forming some of the westernmost native Danube salmonid habitats in Europe.

Rhine River basin.

The Rhine basin dominates Graubünden’s hydrology, draining north toward the North Sea. It includes the headwaters of both the Anterior and Posterior Rhine and many alpine tributaries.

• Rhine headwaters and tributaries – Classic alpine trout waters with steep gradients, clear flow, and cold temperatures. Native salmonids include Brown Trout (Atlantic lineage) and European Grayling, representing a mixed Central European lineage.

These waters have a long history of human influence, and management increasingly focuses on habitat connectivity, flow restoration, and reducing pressure on remnant wild stocks.

Alpine Lakes.

High-altitude alpine lakes occur across all basins and form a distinct category within Graubünden’s fisheries.
Native species:

• Alpine lake Char (Salvelinus umbla) – native to several alpine lakes and cold-water systems.

Non-native, stocked species

• Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush) – introduced and maintained in some mountain lakes.

Due to slow growth rates and fragile ecosystems, alpine lake fisheries are typically heavily regulated, with conservative harvest limits.

Licenses.

Fishing in KFV GR waters requires, A daily, weekly, monthly or annual ETPI permit.
Permits are available through, Authorized local sales points, kfv gr fishing app or online.