Innbach

The Innbach is a river in Upper Austria flowing for about 59 km from the Hausruck hills near Gaspoltshofen to the Danube at Wilhering. It passes through towns such as Kematen am Innbach, Pichl bei Wels and Bad Schallerbach, and meets the Trattnach before reaching Eferding. Near its mouth, the Innbach joins the Aschach before flowing into the Danube below the Ottensheim-Wilhering Power Station. The river drains a basin of 196 km² and once powered many mills along its course. The Innbach supports a rich variety of fish, including brown trout, brook trout, grayling, rainbow trout, pike, zander and catfish. Smaller species such as minnow, gudgeon, bleak and spirlin also live in its waters. Anglers recognise the river for its strong flows and diverse habitats. The Upper Austria Fishery Federation monitors its fish populations regularly. The WWF’s Riverwatcher project also tracks ecological changes along the Innbach. Visitors can walk or cycle along parts of the Innbach’s banks where the path is open. The riverbanks offer views of farmland and small villages. Near Bad Schallerbach, the water flows through a landscape shaped by former mill sites. The river’s clear pools and riffles attract wildlife, especially birds that feed on fish and insects. The route from Eferding to Wilhering follows the final stretch before the Innbach merges with the Danube.