Lake Willwerath North bank (entry area) East bank (cabin side) South bank (outlet structure) West bank plateau with barbecue area (parking lot Kleinlangenfeld)

Die Äsche - seltener Flussbewohner The grayling ... ... beautiful and threatened thymallus thymallus ... it is considered to be the most colorful local fish, it is the leading fish of the river region of the "grayling region" and fish of the year 2011. But the "flag bearer" has become a rarity in our waters or has completely disappeared. Grayling stand in the middle water, show no escape behavior and do not seek cover like brown trout would. So they are usually the first to fall prey to the invading cormorants. In most cases, however, water pollution from agriculture and industry, but also the construction of rivers and the associated reduction in shallow water zones, which are indispensable for larvae and juveniles, as well as the warming of the water is a main reason for a decline in stocks. The grayling Thymallus thymallus due to the large, striking dorsal fin also called the flag bearer belongs to the family of salmonids (salmon-like). In many places, committed associations are trying to preserve the species in their waters through stocking measures. However, it is scarcely possible to support established tribes with outside stocking. It is more promising to remove parent animals from existing populations that have already undergone a regional adaptation genetically. By breeding these animals it is possible to rebuild a stock "from below". It is a misconception that the use of adult animals is the right way. These can usually not adapt and contribute little, if any, to the natural reproduction of inventory. The search begins ... ... so it happened that in 2018 we started looking for a source for suitable grayling parents or fertilized eggs. Only a few are dedicated to the breeding of grayling, as a rule, breeders encounter animals that have been imported from Sweden / Denmark, if any statements about their origin are made. Our colleagues from Switzerland recognized the signs of the times and started a breeding program very early on. But after several conversations it was clear that no suitable material could be obtained here either - the Rhine Falls near Neuhausen represent a natural obstacle to hiking and the grayling trunks above and below differ genetically too much to be able to bring them into our waters.

Gewässerverschmutzung und Verdrängung der Bachforelle Project work since 1991 Eifel brown trout and Pearl mussel The starting point Due to the increasing pollution of the waters and the displacement of the brown trout, two species were "on the brink" in Rhineland-Palatinate in the early 1990s. The brown trout (lat. Salmo trutta fario) prefers the fast and turbulent flowing, as well as oxygen-rich and summer-cold upper reaches of rivers. It is a district builder and the leading fish species of the "trout region" named after it. The brown trout hunts its prey, predominantly insects, insect larvae living in the water, but also small fish such as minnows, gudgeons or paddocks from the cover of tree roots that protrude into the water or washed-down bank areas. During the spawning season, which extends from late autumn to the winter months, the brown trout migrate upstream to spawn in gravelly areas, sometimes in the smaller side streams. It was found that the brown trout rises to the smallest brooks. In the last century, the brown trout was widespread in all running waters in the trout and grayling region. Spawning areas have been lost or silted up due to water pollution and the technical expansion of small streams, as well as the entry of washed-off arable crumbs in agricultural areas, which has had a negative impact on the breeding success of brown trout and unfortunately still does. So it was no wonder that the brown trout in Rhineland-Palatinate was often found only in smaller stocks and in 1987 on the Red List "endangered species" was recorded. On the other hand, a decrease in the population and habitat loss was observed in the river pearl mussel as early as 1800. It was not until the end of the 1960s that intensive studies on the pearl mussel and its rapid decline in population began at several locations. In the years 1985-1987 a comprehensive inventory check of the pearl mussel stocks in the FRG was carried out. It was found that the stocks on the right bank of the Rhine had already expired and the stocks on the left bank of the Rhine only existed at 5 locations, four of which were in the Eifel and one in the Hohen Venn. In 1985 it was decided to take measures to safeguard existence.

Wie züchtet man originale Eifeler Bachforellen salmo trutta fario "Eifel brown trout" Back The stripping of farmed fish Every year in the first weeks of December, project work begins for us when our spawning trout are stripped. Each of these hand-picked trout comes from wild catches of regional streams or from the breeding program itself. A main task is the regular "refreshing" of the spawning fish strain in order to incorporate a maximum of genetic diversity into the breeding program. For this purpose, the fishing club Prüm 1967 eV has a fixed spawn fish in the breeding facility "In der Litzer". Here the trout experience year-round care and care and can be stripped off with minimal stress. The seed (milk) of the male trout (Milchner) are then added to the eggs, and here too, as with spawning, several trout are streaked. Since there are usually more males than females available, the mixture is mixed in a ratio of 2 - 4, which benefits the genetic diversity due to the different mating. Water is added to the mixture for fertilization and carefully stirred with a goose feather. When they arrive at the hatchery, the eggs are rinsed out in clear water and carefully placed in the undercurrent boxes with a counting plate. From now on, these are checked daily and dead eggs are read out. Until the eye point stage is reached, the eggs cannot be transported and unnecessary movement is avoided. We expect about 420 daily degrees for our trout. This means that at a water temperature of 6 ° C, the larvae hatch after about 70 days The female trout (Rogner) are spread the eggs into a fine sieve with gentle pressure on the belly. The eggs are in ovarian fluid here, contact with water is largely prevented to prevent the egg membrane from closing. If you have enough eggs, put them in a smooth bowl. Left trout larvae just before hatching. You can clearly see the eyes and the torso through the eggshell, the orange color comes from the yolk sac, from which the larvae feed in the first few weeks before being fed. Larvae hatching and hatching below. Even if a continuous supply of fresh, oxygen-rich water is important throughout the breeding - from here on it is essential. Even brief disruptions can result in significant losses. In late April to early May, the time has come. The trout have outgrown the hatchery and need more space to thrive. A large part is brought to the "In der Litzer" pond for further breeding. Another part is released into the upper reaches in streams leased by the association. These are not fished, but only nurtured for spawning fish at large intervals. Trout become sexually mature at the age of 2-3. First spawners are not used for breeding purposes, at 4-5 years high quality roe / milk can be obtained and the cycle closes.

Electric fishing ...what is inside?!? E-fishing is not a method for the lazy angler to recreate the animals, but the most gentle method to get an overview of the species spectrum of a body of water. The exercise is only permitted for appropriately trained persons and also requires official approval for each fishing operation. The devices used are subject to inspection by the TÜV or a qualified electrician at specified intervals and are constantly maintained by us in order to largely exclude hazards . But electric fishing is exactly what it sounds like - electric current flows through the water - which is always potentially dangerous, especially if you wade through the water. However, if you want to manage / maintain a body of water, e-fishing is the most tried and tested means of checking the stock - fish monitoring - in order to plan further measures based on this. In addition to monitoring, e-fishing is also used to catch spawning fish, for purposes of scientific research, to resettle fish during construction work and to determine the extent of fish death. Fish that fall into the effective range of a catchable field are temporarily deprived of the ability to swim in a targeted manner and can then be removed with landing nets. If used properly, the fish will not be harmed and will be back to full agility and vitality within a very short time - usually immediately after switching off the field. In principle (without wanting to go into too much detail) there are two methods of e-fishing related to the way the devices work, that of methods with pulse or direct current. Due to the lower energy consumption, the pulse current method allows a longer distance to be fished because the battery cell is less stressed, but has a higher scaring effect. The direct current method offers the advantage of a more targeted swimming movement towards the anode (the positive pole) - thus the fish can be steered towards a by-catcher in the field, which then catches them. Disadvantages are the higher energy requirements due to the direct current field and any difficulties in "keeping" larger fish. The safe nursery In order to give our small brown trout a good starting position for their start into the wild, we also use e-fishing. In small streams on gravel banks and somewhat deeper pools with enough hiding places, we release our little brown trout to freedom. But even in these small streams, predators are lurking. So that we do not set the table for them, we have to move them now. Locations are targeted where trout can be found that can be dangerous for the little ones. These are then removed, fed to breeding or reintroduced further down the river. This gives the small trout enough time to get used to it and to find hiding places. Because the fish that are released further down rise again in the water. In this way, the loss of broodlings can be somewhat limited and new breeding-fish can be obtained at the same time. The wildlings obtained in this stream are characterized by their rich colors with bright yellow bellies and the sharply defined drawing. After the brook piece has been searched with the e-net, the little ones can move in. As mentioned at the beginning, e-fishing is also used for stock control. The pictures shown here were taken during fishing at the end of April, so minnows were found that had their spawning rash, bullheads, loaches as well as brook lamprey that had already spawned - therefore areas with fine sediment were left out - there are ailerons to be expected (larval stage of the brook lamprey) . Here are the minnows - the male in the spawning dress, to his left 2 "fat" females almost ready to spawn and in the next picture a loach.

Bandbreite der Tätigkeit im Projektteil Eifeler Bachforelle Fishing club Prüm 1967 eV Species Conservation Project Eifel brown trout and freshwater pearl mussel SERVICES Insights into project work Spawning & Fertalisation Every December we organize the spawning of the farmed trout in the Litzer pond. Events Hatchery In our hatchery, the fertilized eggs are taken care of until hatching and the trout larvae are fed to the brood learn more Caring for wildlife Not all offspring are involved in the pearl mussel projects, some of them serve to preserve the game populations. learn more Freshwater Pearl Mussel Mussel glochidia come from our project partners - the infection is usually carried out in August. learn more Life cycle ABOUT Breeding station The pond system "In the Litzer" Home of the conservation project The facility has been the heart of trout breeding since 1991, and has been supervised by the Prüm 1967 eV fishing association, especially for the species protection project planned and built by the state of Rhineland-Pfalz. The modernization of the plant has been in progress since 2016 and will adapt the location to the new environmental conditions. Learn more A little insight Arbeiten im Rahmen des Artenschutzes GALLERY

In silent memory of our deceased friends The most beautiful monument that a person can get is in the hearts of those around them. Friedrich G. Conzen *22.05.1946 † 24.09.2022 Karl Heinz Schmidt *05.04.1954 † 11.01.2022 Martin Hillen *08/12/1969 † 09/13/2021 Herbert Schneider *31. 10. 1950 † 21.10.2020 Klaus Diederich *31. 12. 1970 † 11/24/2017 Erhard Nieder *13. 01. 1942 † 05/15/2015

guest book est. 2018 ....write us something nice....

The water quality of Willwerather reservoir water samples The water quality is crucial for the well-being of our fish. To sum it up in a few words: Good water - healthy fish. In order to ensure the water quality, we started taking water samples at different points in our body of water in 2022 in order to regularly check the quality of our body of water. We bring these values together in a comparison table in order to be able to identify deviations at an early stage and counteract them as quickly as possible. Water pollution or water pollution is man-made pollution of surface waters (rivers, lakes, seas) and groundwater with sometimes toxic substances, through the discharge of sewage, the washing out of pollutants introduced into the soil (fertilizers, etc.) or illegal dumping. Even in low concentrations, residues of pesticides, biocides and other chemicals can have an impact on the environment and human health our wildlife have. Therefore, we are all dependent on keeping our waters clean and free from contamination. Information on unusual water discharges or substances around the Willwerath reservoir or other waters, we are happy to accept, also anonymously.

Beginn und Fortlauf des Nachzuchtprogrammes für die "Eifeler Bachforelle" aus Wildstämmen The beginning Conservation on behalf of the State of Rhineland-Pfalz Return Artificial reproduction of the "Eifeler brown trout" The fishing association Prüm 1967 eV has been actively protecting species in the form of the offspring of the "Eifel brook trout" since 1991. The University of Mainz (Prof. Dr. Alfred Seitz) carried out the first genetic studies on the importance of the regional brown trout population. When creating a population genetic profile of the "Eifeler brown trout" by Prof. Dr. Arndt Schreiber and Dr. Michael Riffel from Heidelberg University, it turned out that the "Eifel brook trout" - if not different from that of the Rhine catchment area - formed the most homogeneous group of all trout in the Rhine catchment area. In the years that followed, the Prüm Fishing Association 1967 eV stripped many thousands of trout eggs from as many varieties of brown trout as possible from wild stocks and released the trout seedlings it yielded into several previously damaged Eifel streams to preserve the "Eifel brown trout" at a young age. For this purpose, a specially built hatchery is operated, which is fed with 6 ° C cold, surface-independent water. Regular surveys of the populations of the occupied streams have shown that these measures, which are very time-consuming and labor-intensive for the fishing club Prüm 1967 eV, are crowned with success, since the wild brown trout are very true to location and reproduce particularly well. In this way, a self-reproducing stock could be established in many small streams. This is mainly due to the fact that only regional animals are used for breeding - autochthonous stocking - which means that the seedlings are already optimally adapted to their "new" environment through their genetic heritage. The biggest hurdle that stood in the way of breeding success were the scattered, partly unsafe ponds that were leased by the association. At this point, a cooperation agreement was concluded with the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. This included the work in the species conservation project "Eifeler brown trout and river pearl mussel" and as a result the construction of the later pond system "In der Litzer". This contract has existed for more than 25 years and has now led the association to international activity. In addition to the alliance partners in Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia, the EU life project river pearl mussel, in particular the "Hellef fir d'Natur" in Heinerscheid, also benefit from the work of the association. More about our colleagues from Our at: www.margaritifera.eu

Vereinsheim und Hüttenbuchung Our clubhouse The Anglerklause at the Willwerath reservoir 360° tour The Anglerklause is located on the east side of the reservoir. The club home of the Angel Club Prüm 1967 eV, built in 1973, is open on many Sundays during the fishing season and is a popular destination not only for anglers but also for hikers and guests of all kinds. A list of open Sundays can be found below. Visit us at the reservoir - the hut is open from 10:00. The Anglerklause can also be rented for private parties / events, on request with service and catering - space for up to 40 people in the interior and for another 20 on the terrace - our hut keeper will be happy to answer your questions. Cabin duty roster

Photovoltaic "In the Lizard" 360° tour Due to the dry summer months and the low rainfall, sometimes in the fall, it is sometimes necessary to supply the pond system with water in circulation, for this the use of pumps and pond aerators is essential - which, however, require energy. Initially, this was generated by units that were only needed for a short time, but when an increasingly long-lasting cycle operation was necessary, another solution had to be found. The So it happened that the first efforts in 2013 to electrify the system using photovoltaic modules were undertaken to ensure regenerative cycle operation. In 2014, a revised project planning provided for an open area elevation with 20 kWhp output and its own operating building to house and maintain the technology. Various regional companies took part in the tender. Financing could also be drawn up by the end of 2014. Only the approval process dragged on until spring 2016. After further official hurdles, the construction work began with the civil engineering work and foundation laying from August 2016. The system is currently being expanded and since July 2017 the PV system has been supplying the pond system with energy. After the automation is complete, the system is controlled by a PLC for optimal use of the generated energy. gallery Current plant performance The PV system is configured as an island system - so it has no connection to the local power grid - so the pond system "In der Litzer" is 100% self-sufficient. The operating building supplies the field distributors at each pond with energy and compressed air. The circulation pumps convey over 100,000 liters / hour from pond 5 into the inlet trench via the underground DN110 pump lines. At the same time, the coolness of the earth lowers the water temperature while it is being pumped through the pipes.