Can Kids Fish in Zug? A Simple Guide for Parents

Yes. Children can fish in Canton Zug. But the rules depend on the child's age, the lake, the fishing method and whether a fishing permit/patent is being used.

If you are new to fishing in Switzerland, there are several different ways to fish legally. Here is the simple version for Lake Zug (Zugersee) and Lake Ägeri (Ägerisee).

1. Freiangelrecht on Lake Zug: How anyone can fish for free in the Zugersee

Lake Zug has a Freiangelrecht, which allows adults and children to fish from the shore without a fishing permit/patent.

However, this is not unrestricted fishing. The Freiangelrecht is limited to a very specific fishing setup:

Fishing must be from the shore.
One fishing rod may be used.
Only one simple hook may be used.
The hook must be barbless.
A float must be used.
Natural bait such as worms, maggots, bread or cheese may be used.
Live or dead baitfish are not permitted.
Spoons, spinners and similar artificial lures are not permitted.

So the Freiangelrecht is useful for simple float fishing with natural bait. It is not a way to go lure fishing for predators without a permit.

If you want to learn about the wider fishing rules in Zug, see our complete Lake Zug fishing rules and regulations guide .

2. Can a child under 14 fish another way on Lake Zug for free?

Yes. Children and young people who have not yet reached their 14th birthday may fish without their own permit when they are supervised by a permit/patent holder.

The important conditions are:

The supervising adult must hold a valid fishing permit/patent.
The child must fish under the adult's supervision.
A maximum of two permitted fishing devices may be used.
The child's catches must be entered in the permit holder's catch statistics.

The child does not need a separate permit for this arrangement.

Example:
A parent buys a Lake Zug Tagespatent for CHF 20. No SaNa certificate is required for the Tagespatent. Their 10-year-old child can fish with them under the supervised child arrangement. Up to two permitted fishing devices can be used, and the child's catches are recorded in the supervising permit holder's statistics.

3. Does a Lake Zug Tagespatent require SaNa?

No. Canton Zug specifically exempts the Tagespatent from the SaNa requirement.

The current Lake Zug Tagespatent costs CHF 20 for both residents of Canton Zug and people from outside the canton.

This means an adult can buy a one-day fishing permit without first completing the SaNa course and examination.

A Tagespatent is still a fishing permit/patent. It is therefore different from using the Freiangelrecht.

4. Can you use lures with a Tagespatent?

Yes. A Lake Zug Tagespatent allows the permitted fishing methods, including spinning with artificial lures such as spoons, spinners and similar tackle.

There is an important hook rule: barbed hooks are only permitted for anglers who hold the required SaNa certificate and are carrying out patent fishing.

Therefore, if an adult is fishing with a Tagespatent but does not have a SaNa certificate, the equipment must comply with the applicable barbless-hook requirements.

5. What if my child is 14 or 15?

The special rule allowing children to fish without their own permit under a permit holder applies only until the child reaches their 14th birthday.

Canton Zug offers a youth fishing permit for young people from age 8 until their 16th birthday. The youth permit for the Zugersee requires a SaNa certificate.

This means that a 14- or 15-year-old who wants to fish under their own youth permit needs the required SaNa.

6. What about children fishing on Lake Ägeri?

Lake Ägeri has different rules from Lake Zug.

Children up to their 14th birthday can fish from the shore without a permit when using the specifically permitted simple setup:

A float (Zapfen)
A simple fishing rod
A barbless hook
No baitfish

Adults cannot use this free shore-fishing arrangement on Lake Ägeri. Adults need an appropriate fishing permit to fish there.

Children up to their 14th birthday can also fish from a boat without a permit when supervised by a permit holder. In that situation, a maximum of two permitted fishing devices may be used and catches must be recorded in the supervising permit holder's statistics.

From age 14, different youth-permit rules apply on Lake Ägeri.

7. Quick guide for parents

Situation	Permit?	SaNa?	Important conditions
Lake Zug – Freiangelrecht	No	No	Shore only; one rod; one simple barbless hook; float; natural bait; no baitfish or artificial lures.
Lake Zug – child under 14 with permit holder	Child: No Adult: Yes	No if adult uses Tagespatent	Supervision required; maximum two permitted fishing devices; child's catches recorded by supervising permit holder.
Lake Zug – adult Tagespatent	Yes – CHF 20	No	Permitted fishing methods available; equipment and hook rules still apply.
Lake Zug – youth permit	Yes	Yes	Available from age 8 until the 16th birthday.
Lake Ägeri – child under 14, shore	No	No	Float, simple rod, barbless hook and no baitfish.
Lake Ägeri – child under 14, boat	No for child	Depends on supervising permit	Permit-holder supervision; maximum two permitted fishing devices; catches recorded.

8. The important difference: Freiangelrecht vs permit fishing

The easiest way to remember the Lake Zug rules is:

Freiangelrecht
No permit, but very limited equipment: float, natural bait and a single barbless hook from the shore.

Permit fishing
A valid fishing permit/patent allows the permitted fishing methods, including spinning with artificial lures. Additional rules apply to equipment and hooks.

So if your child wants to learn spinning, lure fishing, casting and predator fishing, the Freiangelrecht is not the relevant route. You need to make sure the appropriate permit and equipment requirements are met.

9. A fishing permit does not mean every type of fishing is allowed

Having a fishing permit gives you the relevant fishing entitlement, but other regulations still apply, including:

Permitted fishing equipment
Hook types
Fishing methods
Protected species
Closed seasons
Minimum catch sizes
Where fishing is permitted
Fish welfare and handling

Fishing equipment must also be kept under continuous supervision.

For a complete breakdown of the rules, see our Lake Zug Fishing Rules & Regulations .

10. Taking your child fishing in Zug

Once you know which fishing arrangement applies to your child, the rules become much easier to understand. The confusing part for many families is choosing the correct permit and equipment for the child's age and the type of fishing they want to do.

Kids Fishing Zug provides English-language, hands-on fishing coaching around Lake Zug, covering casting, lure selection, reading the water, fish handling and safe fishing techniques.

Our sessions are designed to make getting started much easier for families who are new to fishing in Switzerland.

Kids Fishing Zug Fishing Lessons for Adults Kids Fishing Experiences

Important: Fishing regulations can change. This guide is based on the current regulations and information published by Canton Zug. Always check the current official rules before fishing, particularly for protected species, closed seasons, permitted equipment and local fishing restrictions.

VIP Fishing Trip 2nd October

A VIP Fishing Day on the Zugersee

Two expats, a new fishing kit, plenty of perch — and a reason to come back tomorrow

6:00am, two expat guys, 2 brand-new VIP fishing tackle kits and a full day ahead on the Zugersee. One had never fished before, while the other had only ever fished at sea. By the end of the day, they had learned a whole range of new techniques, knew how to fish in Switzerland, connected with local fishermen, went home with a full bag of fish — and decided they wanted to do it all again the very next day!

Starting early on the Zugersee with the new VIP fishing tackle kits.

6am Start — Straight Into Fishing

We met early at 6:00am and got started with the new VIP fishing tackle kits. We headed down to Walchwil and were fishing by around 6:30.

For one of the guys, this was literally his first time fishing. The other had plenty of experience fishing in the sea, but freshwater fishing on Lake Zug was completely different territory.

That meant there was plenty to learn — and plenty to try.

Early morning fishing around Walchwil.

Jigs, Hegene, Hardbaits — And a Few Wind Knots

The morning was a proper introduction to different ways of fishing Lake Zug. We worked through jigging, Hegene, hardbaits and different ways of retrieving lures, as well as the less glamorous but very real part of fishing — tying knots and sorting out the occasional wind knot.

That's one of the things I like about practical fishing coaching. You don't just learn what to do when everything goes perfectly. You learn how to actually deal with the problems that come up when you're standing on the shoreline with a rod in your hand.

Around 10am we started seeing perch actively hunting. We also came very close to a proper chub, which gave us a good reminder that there was plenty of life moving around the lake.

Fishing tackle and techniques on Lake Zug

Working through different techniques and tackle during the morning session.

Lunch, Then Everything Changed

After moving further around the lake to Oberwil, we stopped for the lunch that was included in the VIP package. It was a good chance to take a break, recharge and talk through what we'd seen on the water so far.

And then, after lunch, the fishing really picked up.

We managed to catch a handful of perch ourselves, as well as a sunfish. Then another fisherman nearby offered us some of his perch. Between what we caught and the fish he kindly shared with us, we eventually had enough perch to fill the bag for dinner.

Perch caught during a VIP fishing trip on Lake Zug

Perch for dinner after an afternoon of much better fishing.

More Than Just a Fishing Trip

One of the nicest parts of the day had nothing to do with catching fish.

Both guys mentioned how much they enjoyed the opportunity to connect with local people. For expats in Switzerland, that can sometimes be surprisingly difficult. You can live here for years, work here and enjoy everything Switzerland has to offer, but actually meeting and spending time with local people isn't always easy.

Fishing turned out to be a pretty good way of breaking that barrier. You're standing on the same shoreline, talking about fish, swapping tips and, occasionally, sharing the catch.

And that was probably one of my favourite moments of the whole day!

So... We're Going Again Tomorrow

By the end of the day, the guys had enjoyed themselves enough that they decided they wanted to go again tomorrow.

And now we have a pretty good idea where those perch are hiding.

So tomorrow we're going back to find them.

That's the beauty of fishing Lake Zug. One day you're figuring things out. The next day, you already know a little more about the lake, the conditions and where the fish might be.

Let's see what tomorrow brings.

Birthday Fishing Session 22nd sept

An 11th Birthday Fishing Adventure on Lake Zug

Two young anglers, new tackle and unfinished business with the fish

What better way to spend an 11th birthday than heading down to the Zugersee with a fishing rod in your hands? For this birthday session, we had two young anglers with us — the birthday boy and a 12-year-old friend — and three hours to explore the lake, get comfortable with their new gear and see what we could tempt from the shoreline.

Two young anglers getting ready for their birthday fishing adventure on the Zugersee.

Getting Used to the New Gear

We spent the first three hours getting used to the new equipment. The boys worked on their casting, got familiar with the rods and reels, tried different retrieves and learned how to use the tackle properly.

There was plenty of casting and plenty of lure changes as we worked out what the fish might be interested in. And eventually, the lake started giving us some signs that the fish were watching.

Young anglers casting and fishing on Lake Zug

Learning the new tackle and getting plenty of casts in along the Zugersee.

The Pike Were There

We had two proper pike bites during the session, and both fish made their presence very clear. One attack sliced straight through the softbait, leaving us with a pretty good reminder that pike have absolutely no problem destroying your lure when they decide to attack.

We also had plenty of follows, with fish coming in behind the lures and showing interest without quite committing to the bite.

Later on we had some perch bites too, but the perch managed to win that particular battle. We missed several bites and the pike refused to stay attached, so we finished the first part of the birthday trip without the fish we were hoping for.

Luckily, This Was Only Half the Birthday Trip

The good news? We weren't finished.

This birthday fishing adventure was split into two sessions, so after three hours on the lake, we packed up knowing that another three hours were still waiting for us on a future morning.

That means there is unfinished business.

Next time we're heading back in the morning for another three hours — hopefully with the fish a little more cooperative.

The pike have already had their chance. The perch have had theirs. Next session, we're coming back for revenge.

Here Are Some Photos From the Exact Spots We Fished

These are photos from the exact shoreline areas we fished during this birthday session — and the same areas we will be returning to for the second part of the trip. Knowing where to fish is a big part of learning how to fish Lake Zug, so these spots will be back on the list when we return in the morning.

Exact fishing spot on Lake Zug from the birthday fishing session

One of the exact shoreline areas we fished — and will return to next time.

Second exact fishing location on Lake Zug

Another of the spots we will be working again during the morning session.

The Story Isn't Over Yet

Three hours gave the boys plenty of time to learn the gear, get comfortable casting and experience some real Lake Zug action. The pike certainly made their presence known, and the perch gave us a few chances too.

But no fish landed means one thing: we will come back.

Next time, we'll be back in the morning for the second half of the birthday adventure — three more hours, the same lake, the same spots and hopefully a few fish that are willing to stay on the end of the line.

Book a Kids Fishing Adventure on Lake Zug

Adult Fishing Session 21 sept

Back to Fishing on the Aegerisee

Brushing up old skills and getting ready to fish independently

This session was a little different because my customer was an adult! My customer had fished before, but wanted to brush up on his skills, get comfortable with modern tackle again and learn how to confidently head out fishing on his own.

Fishing on the Aegerisee with KidsFishing.ch

A hands-on fishing session on the Aegerisee.

A Different Lake, A Different Challenge

He specifically wanted to fish the Aegerisee, a lake I know very well myself. It is a beautiful place to fish, but it can also be considerably more challenging than the Zugersee. We worked through the tackle, techniques and locations together and put the skills into practice.

And yes — we got completely skunked! Not a single fish came to the net or even bit the lure.

But that wasn't really the point of this session. He wasn't booking a trip simply to catch a fish. He wanted to relearn how to fish, understand what he was doing and reach the point where he could confidently go out by himself.

And that's exactly what we achieved. He now has the knowledge and confidence to head out on his own and put everything we covered into practice.

With the peak perch season coming up, I don't think his first fish is going to be far away.

Sometimes a successful fishing session isn't measured by what ends up in the net — it's measured by what you learn for the next trip.

The Secret River: A Giant Rainbow Trout and a Very Special Fishing Trip

Sometimes all it takes is one pool to turn an ordinary fishing trip into an unforgettable one.

Giant rainbow trout caught during a fishing trip

Every now and then, a fishing trip comes together almost by accident.

A friend of mine recently discovered my fishing website and got in touch. His family has had access to a particular river for years, but despite having that access, he had never actually fished there himself. He asked if I would take his son out, give him all the tackle he needs and show him what the river had to offer.

Of course, I said yes.

What made the trip interesting was that getting down to the river wasn't exactly straightforward. There was really only one practical access point, so we had to make the most of it.

Our first attempts were around a few smaller pools close to the barbecue area. They looked promising, but the fish clearly weren't interested in cooperating. A few casts here, a few casts there... nothing.

We kept moving and eventually came across a much larger, deeper pool.

And that's where everything changed.

The boy made his cast, worked the lure through the pool and suddenly — BOOM!

He was into a fish.

And not just any fish.

A giant rainbow trout had taken the lure.

What followed was one of those moments that makes taking someone fishing so rewarding. The excitement was instant, but so was the realisation that this was a serious fish. Keeping the pressure right, staying calm and letting the rod do the work became incredibly important.

After all those empty casts in the smaller pools, we'd finally found what we were looking for.

And for a young angler fishing this river for the first time, hooking a huge rainbow trout in that pool was the kind of moment he'll probably remember for a very long time. And now he has the tackel and skills to go there alone with his dad!

Sometimes you can spend hours searching for fish. And sometimes, after a few disappointing casts, you find one pool that changes the whole day.

News: 10th Sept

Fishing in Zug Kids News: A sneak peak at some of our new tackle

When you are fishing in Zug, having reliable gear is essential for handling everything from cagey perch to monster pike. We are constantly testing the latest innovations, and our newest reel is a real eye-catcher. Will it replace our tried-and-tested Red and Black Stealth Rod and Reel Combo for kids and teenagers on the Zugersee? Let's find out on our next shoreline coaching session!

Session Report 8th sept

Guided Shore Fishing in Lake Zug

Fishing in Zug, Oberwil & Walchwil with Liam

Fishing with Liam across Zug, Oberwil and Walchwil

Liam caught his first chub fishing along the shore of Lake Zug with kidsfishing.ch

Looking for hands-on outdoor activities for kids in Canton Zug? Our private fishing coaching sessions give young anglers practical experience, shoreline safety skills, and quality starter tackle to take home and fish independently (Example below, items may change). On my latest trip, I explored prime hotspots along Lake Zug with a keen young angler named Liam.

Setting up tackle along Lake Zug in Oberwil

The brand-new tackle kit for fishing in the Zugersee. Hand picked for maximum results.

Starting Out: First Casts in Oberwil

We met up in Zug at 1:00 PM under bright, sunny skies, fully prepped with sun hats and sunscreen for an active afternoon on the water. Hopping straight on the 605 bus, our first stop was fishing in Oberwil.

Liam unboxed his brand-new tackle kit from kidsfishing.ch, rigged up his rod specially chosen for fishing in the Zugersee, and was casting into the lake within minutes. Because Liam already had basic angling experience, we skipped the beginner hurdles and focused immediately on lure presentations that work in the Lake of Zug. Working small softbaits along the drop-offs, we managed to coax several large and curious perch (Egli) up from the depths, though they remained cautious in the midday heat and refused to bite.

Switching lures and working the Walchwil fishing spots.

Relocating by Bus to Walchwil

To find fresh structure and escape a family taking over the shallows for an afternoon swim, we jumped back on the bus and headed down the eastern bank toward our third spot in Walchwil.

By this point, Liam was dialled in—casting like a pro and absorbing every piece of advice like a sponge. That’s when I told him it was time to tie on the secret weapon: a tiny crankbait. He fired out a cast, and out of nowhere, four massive, dark, submarine-like chub charged the lure, aggressively snapping at it. They missed on the first pass and cruised by, but we weren't letting them get away that easily. We stayed locked in, and as soon as they circled back, I helped Liam drop the lure right into their strike zone.

Bam! Fish on! The chub fought like mad all the way to the bank, but Liam kept his cool and steered it straight to shore. A 43 cm, 1.5 kg beast—what an incredible first Lake Zug fish for Liam, and pure mission accomplished!

Casting practice and technique along the shore

Dialing in casting mechanics and shoreline safety.

The prize: 43 cm, 1.5 kg European Chub landed in Walchwil.

Catch Highlights: Walchwil Chub

Species: European Chub (Squalius cephalus)
Length & Weight: 43 cm | ~1.5 kg
Lure: Micro shallow-running crankbait
Technique: Accurate sight-casting with a slow, steady retrieve

Lure selection and experimenting with different baits

Testing twitchbaits and spoons for evening pike.

Wrapping up an action-packed day at 6:45 PM back in Oberwil.

Evening Finale: Return to Oberwil

With momentum on our side, we hopped back on the bus to fish our final spot back in Oberwil. Shortly after arriving, Liam hooked into a solid sunfish, which put up a frantic battle before throwing the hook right near the bank. We spent the remainder of the evening experimenting with different lures, working through twitchbaits and spoons in hopes of raising an evening pike (Hecht).

By wrap-up at 6:45 PM, Liam had gained a full toolkit of casting methods, lure dynamics, and fish-handling experience.

Book a Kids Fishing Session on Lake Zug

Kids Fishing Zug provides complete gear, local knowledge, and fully guided English coaching for kids, teenagers, and families across Canton Zug.

Lake Zug Locations Keep Your Tackle Kit Private 1-on-1 and Group Sessions

Book via WhatsApp →

What outdoor activity for kids or teen birthday in Switzerland?

Season: Apr 1 – Nov 30 Ages 10+ 100% English Coaching

Lake Zug Group Fishing Birthday Adventure

Skip the noisy indoor playrooms and disposable party favours. Give them an authentic lakeside experience along Lake Zug where every child learns casting safety, local fish biology, lure techniques, and ethical handling.

Price: CHF 200 / participant

Ratio: Coach + 1 parent : max 7 kids - + 2 parents max 10

Zero Bureaucracy: We handle setup, location safety, and cantonal permits.

CHF 420+ Retail Value

Gear to Keep

Every child takes home their own complete rod, reel, and rigged tackle setup.

CHF 140+ Value

Permits Included

Official Swiss cantonal day paperwork fully arranged and covered.

Inquire via WhatsApp →

What is a good present for a teenage boy or girl in Switzerland?

NEW: The Perfect Gift!

Unsure what to get your kid? How about a skill for life?

English speaking Fishing courses are a unique and unforgettable experience! We will turn your child into a fishing pro.

Caution: Your kids might get addicted and spend hours outdoors, leaving you with tonnes of free time.....😉

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Session Report 16th Aug

Sunday Morning Group Shore Fishing on Lake Zug

Early Dawn Patrol from St. Adrian back to Zug

Kids fishing group standing on the lakeside platform at Lake Zug

Sophie, Josh, Julian and Khoa lined up at the lake facing the Rigi

Looking for active, outdoor weekend experiences for teens and kids in Canton Zug? Our private group fishing sessions get young beginners out into fresh alpine air, building hands-on lure casting mechanics, shoreline safety awareness, and teamwork. This Sunday morning, four eager first-timers took to the lake for an action-packed dawn patrol from 6:00 AM right through to lunchtime.

Group inspecting the hard lure box on a bench

Picking out minnows, crankbaits, and twitch lures before hitting the water.

Close up of the crankbait and minnow tackle tray

Rigged and ready: Lake Zug lure selection tuned for perch, chub, and pike.

6:00 AM Start: Taking the 605 Bus to St. Adrian

We met bright and early at 6:00 AM while the lake was still glassy and quiet. Jumping aboard the 605 bus, we rode south past Oberwil and Walchwil all the way down to St. Adrian. For Julian (11), Sophie (13), Khoa (15), and Josh (15), this was their very first time holding a spinning rod.

Before firing out lures, we ran through line control, finger placement on the spool, and essential bankside safety so no hooks went flying the wrong way. Within fifteen minutes, all four had found their rhythm and were laying down smooth, straight casts off the shoreline decks.

Julian casting out along the concrete lakeside wall

Dialing in cast distance along the drop-offs of lake zug

Sophie casting over clear water with the mountain backdrop

Working the retrieve across Lake Zug’s turquoise shallows.

Working the Shoreline: Perch, Chub & The Surprise Pike

As the morning sun climbed over the ridge, we slowly worked our way north back towards Zug, probing stone piers, rocky points, and stream inlets. The fish were alert: inquisitive perch (Egli) darted up from the shadows behind Sophie’s and Julian’s spinners, and a couple of thick chub (Alet) swiped at the crankbaits, just missing the treble hooks on the strike.

Instead of getting discouraged, the crew kept their concentration sharp. Near our final spot, Khoa (15) cast a slender baitfish imitation right past a weed edge. Halfway through the retrieve—*bang!* The rod bent double as a lively pike struck aggressively in clear view. Khoa handled the rod like a seasoned angler, keeping tight tension and guiding it safely to shore. An unforgettable first catch to cap off a 5-star morning.

Josh watching the water along the stone pier

Scanning the crystal-clear water for cruising predators.

Group fishing from the footbridge over the lake outlet

Fishing for perch along the footbridge in walchwil

Session Highlights: Sunday Dawn Patrol

Group: Julian (11), Sophie (13), Khoa (15), Josh (15)
Key Species Encountered: Northern Pike (Esox lucius), Perch (Egli), European Chub (Alet)
Key Catch: Khoa’s first Northern Pike landed on light spinning tackle
Route: 605 Bus to St. Adrian, working bank structure back to Zug
Skills Covered: Overhead casting, bail-arm timing, lure retrieve speeds, and safe unhooking

Kids fishing together off the concrete boat pier on Lake Zug

Khoa with his nice legal-sized Pike from the lake Zug

Lunchtime Wrap-Up

By 12:00 PM, four complete newcomers walked away with genuine lure-fishing confidence, real casting accuracy, and a trophy pike story to share at school on Monday. A fantastic session all around, proving once again that the early morning hours on Lake Zug rarely disappoint.

Book a Kids Fishing Session on Lake Zug

Kids Fishing Zug provides complete gear, local knowledge, and fully guided English coaching for kids, teenagers, and families across Canton Zug.

Lake Zug Locations Keep Your Tackle Kit Private 1-on-1 / Buddy Sessions

Book via WhatsApp →

Session Report 28th June

Monster Pike in Zug: Armando’s Unbelievable Catch

A Father & Son Lakeside Session in Zug

Every now and then, Lake Zug produces an encounter that defies all expectations. What started as a relaxed, father-and-son coaching session focused on casting basics turned into the shock of a lifetime—and landed a freshwater apex predator bigger than anything even I had ever brought to the net.

Lakeside Basics Near the New Badi

I met up with young Armando and his dad along the shoreline path near the new Badi in Zug. The plan was straightforward: get Armando comfortable with spinning tackle, work on casting distance, and show both of them how to read shoreline drop-offs and weed edges.

Armando picked up the mechanics quickly, firing out smooth casts with sharp focus. Swimmers were splashing about just down the shore, completely oblivious to what was cruising in the deep, emerald green water just past the drop-off.

Armando with his massive 1.1m pike caught near the new Badi in Zug

The freshwater beast: Armando’s first-ever pike measured approx. 1.1 metres and weighed well over 10 kg.

The Strike of a Lifetime

We tied on a proven lure to work the outside weedline. Armando launched a clean cast, engaged the reel, and began a slow, rhythmic retrieve. A few turns in, the rod loaded up solid—not a sharp perch tap, but an immovable wall that felt like catching the lake bottom.

Then the bottom started moving. Heavy headshakes tore through the blank as the drag screamed. Armando held his ground yelling like mad while his dad and I watched in disbelief. When this absolute crocodile broke the surface right along the margins, jaws dropped. Swimmers splashing nearby had no idea they were sharing the bay with a 1.1-metre, 10+ kg prehistoric monster.

After a nail-biting shoreline battle, I helped to guid the fish safely into the net. It was Armando’s first pike ever, and it comfortably eclipsed any pike I had landed in my entire angling career in Zug. Pure lakeside adrenaline, ethical handling, a quick celebratory photograph, and an unforgettable story that father and son will be telling for decades.

Catch Highlights: The Badi Crocodile

Angler: Armando (accompanied by his dad)
Species: Northern Pike (Esox lucius)
Estimated Size: ~110 cm (1.1 m) | 10+ kg
Location: Lake Zug shoreline near the new Badi
Tackle: Medium-light lure outfit with 4 inch softbait
Result: Safely landed, unhooked, documented, and safely released

Book a Kids Fishing Session on Lake Zug

Kids Fishing Zug provides complete gear, local knowledge, and fully guided English coaching for kids, teenagers, and families across Canton Zug.

Lake Zug Locations Keep Your Tackle Kit Private 1-on-1 / Father & Son Sessions

Book via WhatsApp →

Sept 15 2026 Family FISHING Guide - Easy places to fish in switzerland

Other Top Family Fishing Spots in Switzerland for Beginners

A concise guide to easy access lakes, permits, and kid-friendly fishing adventures.

If you are tired of fishing in Zug, here is a curated shortlist of accessible alpine and lowland lakes ideal for introducing kids to fishing, complete with on-site permits and quick links.

Wägitalersee, Glarus

Scenic alpine lake ideal for trout fishing from shore or rented boats.

Cost: 22 CHF Adult | 10 CHF Youth
Season: Mid-May – Mid-August

Map 📍 Website →

Lungernsee, Obwalden

Vibrant blue lake featuring a tackle shop (Fischerparadies) and picnic areas.

Cost: 35 CHF Adult | 30 CHF Youth
Season: Year-round (check rules)

Map 📍 Website →

Melchsee-Frutt, Obwalden

Three alpine lakes via cable car from Stöckalp with stroller-friendly paths.

Cost: 28 CHF Adult | 17 CHF Youth
Season: Mid-June – Mid-October

Map 📍 Website →

Seeblisee, Hoch Ybrig, Schwyz

Dedicated fly-fishing alpine lake set against stunning mountain views.

Cost: 20 CHF 1-Day Permit
Season: July – Mid-October

Map 📍 Website →

Quick Rules Summary

Averyone generally needs a permit. Barbed hooks are prohibited, undersized fish must be released immediately with wet hands, and kept fish must be dispatched instantly. For comprehensive cantonal legislation, reference the Swiss Fishing Laws Directory.