Authorizations
Permits and Documents
To fish in Carinthia, you need the following documents:
- Annual fishing license: This is issued upon application if the applicant proves the required reliability and professional aptitude. When applying for the first time, proof of participation in at least eight hours of instruction is required. The district administrative authority of the main residence is responsible for issuing the license.
- Daily fishing permit: In addition to the fishing license, a daily permit is required for the specific body of water. You can obtain this from local fishing associations or online.
- Fishing permit: In addition to the fishing license, a permit from the respective fishing rights holder is required, specifying the particular fishing area and the period of permission.
Minors
- Children between 7 and 10 years old may fish without an annual fishing license or guest fishing card if they have a fishing permit and are supervised by a fully capable person who possesses a valid fishing license and permit.
- Persons between 10 and 14 years old need a valid fishing license and a permit, as well as supervision by a fully capable person
Closed Seasons & Minimum Lengths
To protect fish stocks, specific closed seasons and minimum sizes apply in Carinthia, which must be strictly observed. Some examples:
- Pike: Closed season from January 1 to April 30; Minimum size: 55 cm.
- Brown trout: Closed season from October 1 to March 31; Minimum size: 22 cm.
- Grayling: Closed season from January 1 to May 31, minimum length: 33 cm.
- Rainbow trout: Closed season from January 1 to March 31; Minimum size: 24 cm.
- Whitefish: Closed season from November 1 to February 28; Minimum size: 30 cm.
- Tench: Closed season from June 1 to June 30; Minimum size: 25 cm.
Please note that these values may vary depending on the body of water. Therefore, always inform yourself about the specific regulations of the respective fishing association
Rights & Obligations
- Carrying documents: While fishing, anglers must always carry their fishing license and fishing permit and present them to the fishing supervisory authorities upon request.
- Catch record keeping: In some areas, maintaining a catch record is mandatory to ensure sustainability and traceability of fishing.
Prohibitions & Penalties
- Protected fish species: Fish species may not be caught during their closed season or below the minimum size. If such fish are caught nonetheless, they must be immediately and carefully returned to the water.
- Prohibited fishing gear: The use of prohibited fishing gear is forbidden.
- Penalties: Violations of the provisions of the Carinthian Fishing Act can lead to fines
Current Fishing Law
The objectives of the Carinthian Fishing Act are the preservation, creation, and if necessary, the restoration of a site-appropriate, species-rich, and healthy stock of aquatic animals corresponding to the nature of the respective fishing waters, as well as the natural habitats for these aquatic animals.
For further details and the complete legal regulations, please consult the current Carinthian Fishing Act and the corresponding implementing regulations. Inform yourself before your fishing adventure to experience a sustainable and unforgettable fishing holiday.
Holy salvation!