Inauguration of the barrier-free fishing spot at Lake Möhne
The new barrier-free fishing spot on Lake Möhne was officially opened on 25 March 2025. The project, which was supported by many stakeholders, represents significant progress in terms of inclusion and accessibility for people with disabilities. The Ruhrverband and the municipality of Möhnesee have taken an important step together to facilitate access to nature and leisure activities.
The barrier-free fishing spot, which covers an area of 6.00 m x 5.00 metres, is specially designed to provide wheelchair users with a pleasant and safe fishing experience. Up to four people can fish at the same time, and an innovative railing allows both the fishing rod and landing net to be handled comfortably and safely. The location of the fishing spot in the immediate vicinity of a public car park with free disabled parking spaces ensures barrier-free access.
The project was financially supported by the LEADER programme of the Lippe-Möhnesee region. This support is a clear sign of the importance of accessibility and participation in leisure activities for all people, regardless of their individual abilities.
"Fishing is not only a popular leisure activity, but also an opportunity to relax in nature, experience community and break down barriers," says Maria Moritz, Mayor of the municipality of Möhnesee.
The Ruhrverband has been offering a reduced fishing licence for people with disabilities since 2018. The new barrier-free fishing spot is now another milestone in this initiative and is set to become a popular meeting place for anglers of all abilities. "We want to enable all interested parties, especially people with disabilities, to enjoy fishing at Lake Möhne - without restrictions," explained Markus Rüdel, press spokesman for the Ruhrverband, during the opening speech.
Thanks are also due to all those involved in the construction, from the planning to the structural realisation, and to everyone who made this project possible: the municipality of Lake Möhne, the representatives of the NRW Fishing Association and the Westphalia-Lippe Fishing Association.
Opening of the barrier-free fishing spot at the Wameler reservoir of the Möhne dam by Ulrich Beyer, President of the NRW Fishing Association, Markus Kühlmann, Head of Fisheries Management at the Ruhrverband, Birgit Blanke, Leader Region Lippe-Moehne Lake, Alex Schmidt, passionate angler, Markus Rüdel, Head of Corporate Communications at the Ruhrverband and Maria Moritz, Mayor of the municipality of Möhne Lake.
Alexander Schmidt at the first test fishing. Interested spectators: Maria Moritz, Mayor of the municipality of Möhnesee, Markus Kühlmann, Head of Fisheries Management at the Ruhrverband, Markus Rüdel, Head of Corporate Communications at the Ruhrverband.