No matter what your dream fishing excursion looks like, chances are you’ll find it in Sweden. Whether you’re hoping to cast a line in rapid rivers, fish within city limits, or explore deep sea waters, Sweden is an angler’s paradise. Home to 100,000 lakes and a seemingly endless coastline bordered by the mighty Baltic and North Seas this a seriously stunning pocket of Scandinavia. Head to the south of the country and you’ll encounter lowland lakes and island archipelagos. Travel to the centre, and you’ll be greeted with rugged scenery, and forests with winding waterways. Then there’s the wild, wonderful north, where you’ll find mountain rivers, arctic tundras, and glaciers. People fish everywhere here, even in the heart of Stockholm. It’s all waiting for you! Read on to find out more about fishing in Sweden.
Lake Fishing
There are lakes all over Sweden that are prime fishing spots, from lowland lagoons in the south, to vast expenses of water way up in the Arctic Circle. Varmland and Västergötland are two of the best areas for freshwater fishing — the rich, clear waters are brimming with catch. Southwestern Lake Vänern, the country’s biggest lake, has its own microclimate, some 20,000 islands, and world-class angling opportunities. It’s home to over 30 species, including zander, pike, whitefish, brown trout and salmon to name but a few, and offers varied fishing year-round. Another hotspot is Lake Fegen in the southernmost corner of Svenljunga. This stunning slice of Sweden is part of a nature reserve and offers shallow waters, great depths, narrow firths, large open wetlands, rocky outcrops and wonderful sandy beaches. And it’s home to a whopping 17 different species including pike and perch. You can fish here all year, but spring and autumn are the peak seasons.
River Fishing
Swedish Lapland is where you’ll encounter vast arctic tundras, glacial peaks, and plenty of fast-flowing water. Keep your eyes peeled for brown trout, char and grayling, as well as the majestic Northern Lights and Midnight Sun. Hiring a guide is a good idea if you’re fishing in the Arctic Circle because the weather can be extreme. And remember to wrap up, as temperatures rarely top 12°C, even in summer. There are also several other major river systems running through central Sweden, including Klarälven and Dalälven, but if it’s salmon you’re after specifically, head south to the famous River Mörrumsån in Blekinge.
Sea Fishing
Sweden’s u-shaped coastline hugs the country from the east, west, and south, and all sides offer incredible angling. In the south you’ll find a scattering of islands and skerries with fantastic salmon catching opportunities at Hanöbukten and the waters outside Simrishamn. For sea trout and pike, head to the east coast where you can hire a boat or fish from the shore of an island deep in the archipelago. Stay west for fantastic deep-sea fishing for cod, mackerel, garfish and sea trout, or to join a guided seafood safari. You can fish year-round but for the best variety of catches, visit in late summer and autumn.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is a bucket-list experience for any angler. Nothing compares to the excitement of walking out on a frozen lake, drilling a hole and waiting for the fish to bite while you relax and take in the snow-cloaked scenery. Although it’s possible to ice fish as far south as Gothenburg in winter, the village of Vemdalen, in central Sweden, is close to several renowned ice fishing lakes. Lulea in the north is one of our favourite spots, offering excellent ice fishing adventures alongside vibrant city life and amazing wildlife watching. For those willing to brave the Arctic Circle, one of the most productive spots for ice fishing is Abisko. We strongly recommend guided ice fishing for safety reasons but also because your guide will inform you about the surroundings and local life, while providing hot beverages to keep spirits up.
City Fishing
As well as travelling to remote areas, you can also fish while exploring Sweden’s exciting cities. In the capital city of Stockholm, head downtown, past the Swedish Parliament and Royal Palace, and you’ll see plenty of local anglers lined up along the quays. You can also join a guided service departing from the city waterfront. Fish for sea trout, pike and salmon with the pretty city skyline as your backdrop. Visitors to Gothenburg will be spoilt for choice when it comes to both sightseeing and angling. Cruise the beautiful archipelago and fish for mackerel, go crabbing with the locals, or cast a line in the crystal-clear lakes around Sweden’s second biggest city. And over in Malmo, the channels are home to a large perch population, perfect for a spot of early-morning fishing, before heading back to the hotel for breakfast.
Fishing Licenses
If you’re casting off with a local guide, they will usually provide you with all you need to fish legally. Those going alone will need a permit to fish anywhere other than on the five largest lakes: Vänern, Vättern, Hjälmaren, Mälaren, and Storsjön. Licenses can be purchased locally and online and fishing along the coastline is open to anyone although there are different rules in certain areas and during certain periods so make sure to check the latest.