The Pöllatal is the quiet end of the Lieser, a side valley above Rennweg where the river is still small enough to step across in places and wanders through woodland and moorland meadow as if it has nowhere particular to be. Hydropower takes some of the water right at the top, but the side streams give it back, and by the rear of the valley there is enough of a river for a light rod and a careful approach — which is exactly how the Carinthian fishing association describes it. It is fly only. The trout and char are small, wild and easily spooked, and the fishing is the stalking kind: upstream, low, one fish at a time.

• Gneiss

• Ecology: High
• Chemical: Failing to achieve good