Fishing and angling
in the Grossarler Ache and Ötzlsee
The valley head of Grossarltal is home to some of the most beautiful fishing waters in the province of Salzburg. The clear mountain water flowing from Schödertal and the Keeskogel glacier provides an excellent habitat for native fish.
Fishing in Grossarltal allows you to experience peaceful river stages, large pools, rapids, rock undercuts, and gravel banks, all surrounded by lush meadows and alpine pastures.
Grossarltal, with its unique valley head in Hüttschlag, is a paradise for sports and recreational anglers. Crystal-clear water, intact nature, and an excellent fish stock invite you to try your luck with a fishing rod.
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.
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. The fishing permits are also available at the Grossarltal Tourist Office.
Swimming in the fishing pond of the Hoamalm are brook trout, rainbow trout, and brook char. You can fish with your own rod or borrow one for free from the Hoamalm. Fishing at the Hoamalm is only possible by phone reservation Tel.: +43 (0) 664 / 3917578.
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.
