Experience and recreation at “Petri Heil” in Carinthia – the water castle of the Alps awaits you!

Forget everyday life, enjoy natural idyll and tranquility. We recommend fishing in the Hohe Tauern National Park for those who like to experience these special moments while fishing in the crystal clear water.

The largest national park in Central Europe includes areas of the federal states of Carinthia, Salzburg and Tyrol. Since 2018, the Carinthian part of the National Park is a member of the offer group ADVENTURE FISH WATER. Its crystal-clear waters are an intact habitat for the abundance of species of fish – and a true fishermen’s paradise.

Drau and Möll – an Eldorado for fly fishermen

All around Heiligenblut, in the waters of Obere Möll, Untere Möll and Gössnitzbach, are – brook trout, char, rainbow trout and grayling . In the middle of the Mölltal, in the municipal area of Stall, fly fishermen who cast their lines for trout and grayling get their money’s worth. Brown trout, rain trout and lake trout as well as grayling bite in the 16 hectare Gössnitz lake.

The district of Obervellach consists of a total of 18 kilometers of Möll River and four kilometers of Teuchlbach. It is especially attractive to fly fishermen.

In addition to rainbow trout and brown trout, white fish, grayling, tench and noses , the Drau river has a real specialty: the huchen is located in the Drau. Although it cannot be found anywhere else in Central Europe. The Drau offers all the conditions that anglers appreciate: from beautiful sandbanks, gravel and stone banks to brook rivers. The newly activated tributaries are an insider tip, especially in spring and autumn .

The Hohe Tauern National Park – fishing in the moated castle of the Alps

The national park is one of the most impressive high mountain landscapes on earth and is also known as the ” moated castle of the Alps “. With 342 ice fields in Tyrol, Carinthia and Salzburg, it has the largest glacier areas in the Eastern Alps.

Of the total of 279 mountain streams , 57 are fed by these glaciers. Its network covers over 1,000 kilometers in the three federal states. The journey of water in roaring mountain streams sometimes ends in one of over 500 mountain lakes . Precious jewels that rest and sparkle in the high mountain landscape.

Detailed information about the area incl. Stock, fishing time and ticket sales can be found in the box REVIERINFO at our member companies.

Experience and relaxation go hand in hand in the Alps.

The Hohe Tauern National Park is an experience per se for every nature-loving person: 1,856 km ² of untouched nature, home to 3,500 plant and 15,000 animal species.

Around 4,300 kilometers of trails are available to hikers and mountaineers. Once at the top, the endless sea of 300 peaks inspires again and again. You can learn to be amazed again on tours with one of the 36 national park rangers or in one of the four visitor centers.

Important Information for Anglers in Carinthia

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 and Persons with Disabilities

• 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
  
• Persons with disabilities who do not have the professional aptitude may fish without a fishing license if they have a permit and are accompanied by a fully capable, licensed person.

Closed Seasons and Minimum Sizes

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 and 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 and 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!