Salmon fishing in Otra river Kristiansand

With a length of 257km, the Otra river being Norway’s 8th longest river, begins in the heart of Setesdal. The Otra follows Southern Norway’s main road North Rv 9 where it eventually flows out into the sea in the heart of Southern Norway’s capital, Kristiansand.

The Otra is an exciting river with the lower approximately 16km housing migratory Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and sea trout (Salmo trutta), as well as wild brown trout (Salmo trutta) and European freshwater eel (Anguilla Anguilla).

Each year the 3 month migratory fishing season yields collective catches of 3.5 to 5 tons, with an average Atlantic salmon size of 3.1kg (6.8lbs). For sea trout 0.5 tons and an average size of around 1.5kg (3.3lbs). In later years Atlantic salmon up to 20kg (44lbs) and sea trout up to 9.5kg (21lbs) been also caught.

As we move upstream from where the migratory fish meet their artificial stop in Vennesla, the Otra takes form as multiple joined lakes and small rivers. Large quantities of wild brown trout with a small average size live here but in such number, one is almost guaranteed to catch!

Another helpful resource can be Fishing in Setesdal which gives more information about fishing in the far northern parts of the Otra.

One needs two different fishing licenses for migratory fish, the national license per year which can be purchased online here, and the river beat license per 24hrs. River beat licenses can either be purchased online at miljodirektoratet.no or at an establishment like a petrol station or Grønberg Sport fishing shop i Kristiansand.

The fishing license for the next 150km of upstream reaches (which is applicable for anyone of 16 years old) can be purchased at the sports shop in Evje Intersport, at Neset Camping site North of Byglandsfjord, at the food store Joker Bygland in Bygland, Hovden Turist office or at many of the petrol stations.

If you need further guidance with either where to fish, which techniques to use or developing your fishing skills, maybe a professional fishing guide is something for you?

AnglerPilot fishing guide
Combine Southern Norway’s natural beauty and great fishing, with a guiding service based on a ’natural experience of quality'. AnglerPilot individually cater their service to all ages, abilities, fishing experience and fishing goals.

Ryan Marchese, the owner of AnglerPilot is a EFFA and FFI certified professional fishing guide and passionate fisherman. AnglerPilot is based in Kristiansand but deliver guided trips all over southernmost Norway. Please get in contact regarding your needs.

Tlf: +47 909 15 846
Epost: ryan@anglerpilot.no
Nettsted: www.anglerpilot.no