Carp, pike, whitefish, perch, catfish, zander, char, barbel and tench: Austria is "rich in fish"! The abundance of species in Carinthia's lakes and rivers - combined with the unspoilt landscape - makes the Millstätter See, Bad Kleinkirchheim & Nockberge region an insider tip for anglers.
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Lake Millstätter See | Lake Brennsee & Lake Afritzer See | The Drau & Lieser rivers | Lake Falkertsee | Lake Turrachersee | Lake Maltschacher See | Lake Flatschacher See
With an area of 13.28 km², Lake Millstätter See is Carinthia's second largest lake. Due to its great depth of 141 metres, it ranks first in terms of water volume. Steeply sloping banks, the large volume of water and stable conditions make it a habitat for 21 species of fish. Both angling and net fishing are practised on the lake.
The best-known fish species is the whitefish, also known as Reinanke. Fishing competitions are held every year on Lake Millstätter See in its honour.
Planning a fishing holiday: View accommodation at Lake Millstätter See
25 September to 10 October 2025
The "Fishing for the Millstätter See Crystal Reef" has developed into one of the largest competitions in Europe. During the competition period, the entire lake can be fished with a single valid fishing licence (with the exception of private sections of the lake).
Lake Millstätter See is one of the lakes with the most fish in Austria. 21 species of fish live there. They include: Reinanke (vendace, whitefish), lake trout, carp, burbot, pike, Arctic char, roach, rudd, tench, brook trout, rainbow trout, perch, aitel, barbel, bitterling, gudgeon, ruffe, pikeperch, common sunfish, eel, catfish and eel.
In the area of the Millstätter See Fishing Association and in the Soravia lake marshes, fishing is generally permitted with the appropriate permit and tax card. There are no restrictions on fishing from the shore. Fishing from the boat may begin one hour before sunrise and the boats must be back in the rowing harbour one hour after sunset. It is essential to comply with the guidelines, limits and closed seasons stated on the licences.
Permits and tax cards are available from the tourist offices in Seeboden am Millstätter See, Millstatt am See, Döbriach am Millstätter See and Ferndorf. The combined permits of the fishing association and the Seelehen Soravia are only available at the tourist office in Seeboden am Millstätter See. Fishing licences for Lake Millstatt can be purchased for 1, 2, 7 or 14 days as well as for 3 or 4 weeks. Some fishing licences can also be purchased online.
Lake Brennsee and lake Afritzersee are among the "smaller" of Carinthia's lakes. But when it comes to the abundance and size of the fish, they are really big. In addition to large catfish, huge pike have also been pulled into the boat. The most famous is "Dagobert", which weighed in at an impressive 141 cm / 18 kg. Both lakes can be fished with a fishing licence.
The Brennseehof in Feld am See is a member of Fischwasser Österreich and an ideal base for anglers on Lake Brennsee and Lake Afritzer See. Guests can enjoy their own stretch of shoreline, rowing boats (subject to availability), freezer facilities for their catch, and, on request, the hotel kitchen can prepare the fish they have caught themselves.
Lake Brennsee and Lake Afritz are home to pike, catfish, zander, whitefish, carp, perch, tench, lake trout, Arctic char, rudd and roach.
There are a few public bathing and fishing spots around the lakes. There is plenty of space on the lake, so hiring a rowing boat is recommended.
The official fishing permit must be purchased in addition to the licence. The main issuing office is "Kärnten Fisch - Fischzucht Feld am See GmbH".
Between Mauthbrücke and Feistritz an der Drau you can fish along the Drau, the largest river in Carinthia.
There are two separate fishing areas.
District I: Fishing takes place downstream on the right bank of the Drau between the toll bridge and the power station.
District II: River fishing is possible between the toll bridge and the Drau bridge in Feistritz downstream (left bank). Fishing licences are issued online or at the Paternion municipal office.
Fishing on the Lieser: Fishing for brown and rainbow trout, huchen, pike, grayling and various white fish is possible between the Seebach bridge in Lieserbrücke and the mouth of the Drau near Spittal (Fürstauer district).
Fishing licences for Lake Millstätter See and the Drau can also be purchased online.
LEARN MORE!
The Falkertsee lake at over 1,800 meters above sea level is an insider tip for passionate anglers. Nestled in the gentle high mountain landscape of the Nockberge and just a few steps away from the Heidi-Alm Bergresort, the natural mountain lake invites you to enjoy peaceful, natural fishing in the summer months from June to September.
The lake, which is around 14 meters deep and covers an area of over 4,3 hectares, is home to char and trout - perfect conditions for challenging spin and fly fishing with your own equipment. If you are looking for a quiet place to experience nature and enjoy sport fishing, you will find TIME for yourself at Falkertsee.
Tip for a multi-day stay by the water: find suitable accommodation nearby
At the Heidi pond, even the youngest children can get into the water. Fishing is fun under supervision - and with a bit of luck the first fish will land on the hook.
When: every Monday and Thursday
Duration: approx. 1.5-2 hours
Meeting point: Heidi Park entrance
Registration: until the day before at Nocksport Huber, Tel. +43 4275 7190
Participation fee: € 38 per person (reduced € 28 with guest card)
Included:
- Equipment & bait
- Accompaniment by experienced fishing guide
- Fee per catch: € 8 (to be paid in cash on site at the Heidi pond)
The lake is home to trout and char - ideal conditions for spin and fly fishermen.
Day tickets are available from mid June to mid September at the reception of the Heidi Hotel (daily 8 am - 9 pm).
Costs:
- € 40 per day ticket incl. 1 fishing rod
- € 10 deposit for the ticket (refundable)
- Catch limit: 3 fish per day, minimum size 25 cm Perch may be caught freely.
Further information: Tel. +43 (0)4275/7222
The guided “Fish & Fun” takes place on Mondays and Thursdays in the morning.
You need your own equipment for sport fishing at Falkertsee. Rental equipment is available for children and beginners at the Heidi pond.
Up to three fish (minimum size 25 cm) may be caught with a day ticket. At Fish & Fun, € 8 is payable per catch.
Lake Turrachersee on the border between Carinthia and Styria is nestled in the gentle alpine landscape of the Nockberge mountains - a quiet retreat for nature lovers and hobby anglers. Fishing is carefully regulated here, making the lake one of the clearest and calmest fishing waters in the Alps. Fishing is mainly for trout and char - best in the early morning hours or towards evening when the water is as smooth as glass.
Fishing from the shore and staying a little longer: find suitable accommodation on the Turracher Höhe
Day tickets for fishing in Turracher See are available at:
Season: mid-May to the end of October
Fishing is exclusively from the shore!
Lake Turrachersee lies at 1,763 meters above sea level and reaches a maximum depth of around 33 meters. With an area of around 19 hectares, it is one of the larger high alpine lakes in the Nockberge mountains - ideal for peaceful bank fishing with a magnificent view.
The clear waters of Lake Turrachersee are home to brown trout, Arctic char and brook trout. The stock is supplemented by perch and roach.
Lake Maltschachersee is an idyllic bathing lake south of Feldkirchen and offers ideal conditions for quiet fishing days - especially for families and hobby anglers. With its manageable size of around 18 hectares, shallow banks and good accessibility, it is a popular spot for anyone who wants to fish close to nature in Carinthia.
Lake Maltschachersee is mainly home to carp, tench, pike, zander, perch, rudd and catfish. Fishing is usually done from the shore - sometimes also with rowing boats, which can be hired from some businesses directly on the lake.
Day tickets & info:
- Fishing permits are available from local partner businesses (e.g. Holiday village at Maltschachersee)
- prices & fishing regulations vary depending on the provider
- boat hire available on request
- season: May to October
Tip: The quieter edge areas of the lake are ideal for carp fishing - especially in the early morning or in the evening at sunset.
Lake Flatschachersee is located a few kilometers north of Feldkirchen and is one of the most natural fishing grounds in the region. Surrounded by meadows, forests and reed beds, it is an ideal place for anyone who wants to combine recreation and fishing.
The most common fish species include pike, carp, perch, zander, tench and various white fish. The lake is a manageable size and easily accessible - ideal for spontaneous fishing trips in a relaxed atmosphere.
Day tickets & info:
- Available from selected partner businesses in Feldkirchen (e.g. inns, fishing outlets)
- Valid for bank fishing (boat fishing not included)
- Prices and conditions vary depending on the issuing office
- Season: May to October
Tip: The reed beds on the north side are a hotspot for large pike - a quiet approach and a good choice of bait will pay off.
The lake is rich in whitefish and predatory fish species. Carp, tench, pike, zander, perch, roach and catfish are particularly common - ideal for nature anglers and beginners.
Day tickets are available directly from accommodation providers around the lake - for example at the Maltschacher See vacation village or at the campsite. The exact prices and regulations vary depending on the provider.
Fishing is mainly done from the shore. Some hosts also offer rowing boats for hire - perfect for quiet spots away from the bathing areas.
