Fishing in Setesdal

Try your luck in the river Otra

The river Otra is one of the largest waterways in Southern Norway and has a large stock of trout.
One fishing licence covers 150 kilometres.

With a fishing licence from the Otra Fishing Authority, you can angle in the river all the way from Kilefjorden in Evje in the south to the lake Hartevatn near Hovden in the north. The river has a large stock of trout. Over the past few years, the fish have grown in size, and it is possible to catch specimens weighing over one kilo.
In the lake Byglandsfjorden there is a local species of salmon called "bleke". This fish rarely weighs more than 250 grams, but is an attractive catch.
With a fishing licence from the Otra Fishing Authority, you may use all kinds of hand tackle, including a drag otter from land or boat. For the mountain lakes there are specific licenses for each lake.

Fly fishing in Otra.
Photo: Peder Austrud

Fishing licence is required

Above 16? Fishing licence required

Fishing licence for the river or the various lakes can be obtained from the tourist information offices, but also in some sport shops and petrol stations. Licence can also be purchased by mobile phone.

To buy a fishing licence for Otra via SMS, please send:
{code} {your name}, {adress}, {postal code} to +47 474 07 900

Code for day licence: SF11D1 / Price per day: NOK 50
Code for week licence: SF11D7 / Price per week: NOK 150

Children fishing in Hovden.
Photo: Anders Martinsen

Free angling for children below 16

Children’s right to inland fishery is covered by the public right of access

This right applies irrespective of the child’s nationality and place of residence. There are some limitations, however.
In the Act relating to Salmonids and Fresh-Water Fish etc. of 15 May 1992, § 18, the upper age limit is 16 years, and the fishing must take place in the period between 1 January and 20 August.
In an area where fishing permits are sold, persons under the age of 16 are entitled to a fishing permit free of charge. In areas where such permits are not sold, children may fish without one. The above provisions do not apply to watercourses or parts of watercourses containing anadromous salmonids (salmon, sea trout or arctic char).
Children must observe the rules for inland fishery pursuant to acts and regulations, but are not required to observe those determined by landowners or holders of fishing rights. If a landowner has determined that only fly-fishing is allowed, a child may e.g. fish with worms.

Flies for fishing.
Photo: Anders Martinsen

Permitted fishing gear in the Setesdal region

In the river Otra and the various lakes in Setesdal fishing with worms, flies, lures and otter board is allowed. Net fishing is only allowed under specific circumstances. Fishing with live bait is prohibited. Introducing fish to a lake or moving fish from one lake to another is also prohibited.

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Activities

Attractions

Accommodation and restaurants

Villages in Setesdal

Try your luck in the river Otra

The river Otra is one of the largest waterways in Southern Norway and has a large stock of trout.
One fishing licence covers 150 kilometres.

Fishing licence is required

Above 16? Fishing licence required

Free angling for children below 16

Children’s right to inland fishery is covered by the public right of access

Permitted fishing gear in the Setesdal region

Activities

Attractions

Accommodation and restaurants

Villages in Setesdal

Fishing in Setesdal

Try your luck in the river Otra

The river Otra is one of the largest waterways in Southern Norway and has a large stock of trout. One fishing licence covers 150 kilometres.

Fishing licence is required

Above 16? Fishing licence required

Free angling for children below 16

Children’s right to inland fishery is covered by the public right of access

Permitted fishing gear in the Setesdal region

Mountain fishing

The river Otra is one of the largest waterways in Southern Norway and has a large stock of trout.
One fishing licence covers 150 kilometres.