Description
Experience the rising lake trout and learn more about the water quality of the Vorderrhein. The net at the Tavanasa water intake is monitored, and the upstreamers from Lake Constance are counted and examined. This allows us to observe the lake trout from close proximity. The decline of trout in the Vorderrhein, caused by floods, water management measures, hydropower, and climate change, also affects the highly endangered lake trout. The results of a study commissioned by the Office for Hunting and Fishing Graubünden highlight the importance of a healthy fish stock for the ecological stability of the river system and will be presented at a WWF event. The trout population in the Vorderrhein has been declining sharply for years. Initially, this was mainly observed by anglers, who caught significantly fewer fish. This trend has also been confirmed by data from the cantonal fishery statistics and standardized fish stock surveys. The Office for Hunting and Fishing Graubünden commissioned a study to better determine the causes of this decline. The results are now available. The causes are diverse: a century of floods in 1987, water management measures, changes in water flow production, and not least climate change influence the habitat of the Vorderrhein. Despite successful natural spawning and protective measures, the brown trout population remains low. Larger, reproductive trout are often missing. Regarding the Vorderrhein as a habitat, the waterbed is often sparse, limiting spawning sites, and the food situation (macrozoobenthos) also seems insufficient in sections to sustain a larger trout population in the long term. Since the lake trout ascends from Lake Constance to Tavanasa in the Vorderrhein, the declines and deteriorated habitat conditions are significant not only for brown trout but also for the highly endangered Swiss lake trout. A remaining, healthy lake trout stock is important for genetic exchange and the ecological stability of trout populations in this river system. During this WWF event, the results of the water quality investigations in the Vorderrhein will be explained in detail, and we will monitor the net at the Tavanasa water intake, where every year, successful upstreamers from Lake Constance are counted and examined. With some luck, we may observe a lake trout from close proximity. Program:
13:46 Arrival of train in Tavanasa
14:15 Reception at the Tavanasa water intake
For those arriving by public transport: 13:50 RhB station Tavanasa Breil/Brigels, shuttle service to the water intake
Information about the habitat and lake trout, and viewing of the net with the lake trout. 40 minutes to 1.5 hours if the group needs to be split.
Followed by an aperitif with support from the Oberstufe Breil. Leadership
Roland Tomaschett, Fishery Supervisor AJF Graubünden
Dr. Laetitia Wilkins, Zoologist, Environmental Scientist Requirements for participation
None. What to bring/equipment
Clothing for all weather. Food
From the backpack, the event ends with a small barbecue aperitif. Conduct
The tour will take place even in unfavorable weather. Costs
None, the proceeds from the aperitif go to the class fund of Superiura Scolas Breil. Note
Insurance is the responsibility of the participant. Image © Fishery Supervisor Roland Tomaschett
Highlights
- Viewing the net in Tavanasa
- Insights into fish protection and water ecology
- Presentation of the study results on the trout population
General Information
The event offers an opportunity to experience the lake trout in the Vorderrhein up close and learn more about their habitat. Experts will present the results of a study on the causes of the decline in the trout population and its importance for the ecological stability of the river system.
Location
7162 Tavanasa, Switzerland
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Event Calendar
October 2026
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