Fishing and angling
in the Grossarler Ache and Ötzlsee
The head of Grossarltal is considered one of the most beautiful fishing areas in the province of Salzburg. Clear mountain water from the Schödertal and the glacier of the Keeskogel flows into the Grossarler Ache.
Fishing in Grossarltal takes you through calm stretches of river, large pools, rapids, undercut rock formations and gravel banks, surrounded by lush meadows and mountain pastures.
With its distinctive valley head in Hüttschlag, Grossarltal is a popular destination for sport and recreational anglers. Clear water invites you to try your luck with a fishing rod.
Fishing period: 01.05 - 30.09.
Area A extends from the Kösslerhäusl Museum downstream along the Grossarler Ache to the boundary at the Aubrücke. The stretch is about 8 km long. You can also fish in the inlets of various side streams from adjacent alpine valleys. The water is sometimes slow, sometimes wild, and the width of the river is between 3 and 14 meters. The main stock consists of brook trout, but you can also find grayling and char.
Area B extends from the Kösslerhäusl Museum to the valley head, including the Ötzlsee. The Ötzlsee lake has an area of about 1 hectare and is only accessible on foot. The stretch along the Grossarler Ache is about 17 km long. The fish stock in area B includes brook trout, brook char, lake char, lake trout, and occasional grayling.
Fishing period: 01.04 - 30.09.
Another fishing opportunity is along the Grossarler Ache from the Aubrücke bridge to the Salzach estuary. This area is ideal for recreational anglers.
The fishing water is varied – from fast-flowing mountain streams with small rapids to calm river sections at the entrance and exit of Liechtensteinklamm gorge. 1 fishing rod with 1 barbless hook is allowed. Live bait and worm fishing are prohibited. Fishing is allowed from sunrise to sunset.
You are allowed to catch 3 salmonids. Fishing licences are available from the Grossarltal Tourist Office. 1-day ticket: € 28.00 + € 10.00 provincial tax
Fly fishing regulations
- Fishing waters and permissible areas: Area A: Grossarler Ache from Grossarl to Hüttschlag (about 8 km); Area B: Grossarler Ache from Hüttschlag to the valley head (about 17 km), incl. Ötzlsee (about 1 ha).
- Fish stock Area A: Brown trout and grayling; Area B: Brown trout and brook char
- Fishing gear and bait: Areas A and B: Fly rod with wet or dry flies or nymphs. Always with single and barbless hooks.
- Catch restrictions: Areas A & B: catch & release - no take allowed.
- Miscellaneous: Fishing is only allowed during daylight. At the Ötzlsee, you can only fish from the shore. Boats are prohibited. The fishing permit is personal and non-transferable. Issued only with a valid guest card from Grossarltal. Holding fish in keep nets is prohibited. The fishing season is from May 1 to September 30. In the entire area, catch and release, fly only.
