Flowing through Southern Norway, the Otra River stretches 245km, ranking as the country鈥檚 8th longest river. This breathtaking waterway winds alongside Rv 9, eventually merging into the sea near Kristiansand, the vibrant capital of Southern Norway.
From raging whitewater rapids to serene lakes, the Otra offers diverse landscapes and world-class fishing. The lower 16km is a hotspot for migratory Atlantic salmon, sea trout, wild brown trout, and European freshwater eel鈥攚ith 6,537kg of fish caught in 2014 alone, 94% being wild salmon.
Beyond Vennesla, where migratory fish meet an artificial barrier, the river transforms into a chain of interconnected lakes and streams, teeming with wild brown trout. While most are small, their sheer numbers make every cast exciting!
A Sustainable Fishing Revolution
In June 2023, the Otra Fishing Association partnered with Fishby to introduce a "Smart Fishing License", granting access to 180km of pristine waters in Setesdalen Valley鈥攆rom Hartevatn in the north to Kilefjorden in the south (excluding migratory species).
Unique Species & Hidden Giants
- Wild brown trout dominate, but elusive American brook trout lurk beneath.
- Average catches weigh 300g (戮lb), but monsters up to 8kg (17.5lbs) surprise anglers.
- Byglandsfjorden鈥檚 Bleka鈥攁 rare dwarf salmon鈥攊s a prized catch despite its small size (rarely exceeding 250g).
Fishing Rules & Tips
馃帲 Licenses: Buy digital (Fishby.no) or physical (local campsites). Youth under 16 fish free!
馃挵 Fees: Day (NOK 75) | Week (NOK 200) | Season (NOK 500)
馃帲 Gear: AFTMA 3-6 rods, float/intermediate lines. No live bait! (Penalties apply.)
鈿狅笍 Safety: Watch for sudden water surges near dams during rains.
Two Rare Treasures: Marble Trout & Bleka
馃敼 Marble Trout 鈥?A striking hybrid of brown trout & brook trout, found only in Evje. Some reach 500g!
馃敼 Bleka 鈥?A landlocked dwarf salmon, nearly wiped out by dams & acid rain in the 1900s. Conservation efforts now aim to revive this cultural & culinary icon.
Why Visit?
- Stunning scenery with ever-changing waterscapes.
- Guaranteed catches in trout-rich zones.
- Exclusive species found nowhere else in the world.
Cast your line into Norway鈥檚 best-kept secret鈥攚here adventure, tradition, and nature collide! 馃帲鉁?/p>
(Featured species: Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout, Sea Trout)
Mark Hopkins 
