Sweden is a top tourist destination in Europe, and there’s a lot more to it than ABBA, Ikea, chocolate, and watches! It offers visitors incredible natural beauty, with 29 national parks and the incredible Northern Lights in the winter. There’s a rich history, which can be seen all over, from the palaces and castles to the medieval towns.
Yet the country is getting more and more popular with anglers because of its fishing opportunities. With over 100,000 lakes and a coastline nearly 2,000 miles long, fishing in Sweden is varied and a lot of fun for anglers.
Where to Go
There are many fishing hot spots to choose from in Sweden, depending on the time of year and what you want to catch. You can choose from a range of lakes, from the huge Lake Mälaren near Stockholm, to ones further south, such as Lake Mien, Lake Asnen, and Lake Tiken. You also have top Salmon and Brown Trout fisheries in the rivers Mörrumså, Torne, Lanio, and the Emån. Fishing in the Baltic Sea will also produce some great fish. This sea has a low salinity, which creates a perfect mix of freshwater and saltwater fishing and higher numbers of Perch and Pike.
What to Catch
There are over 140 species of fish found in the many different bodies of water in Sweden. Each body of water has its main superstar, but in general, the main species you’ll want to target are Pike, Perch, Pike Perch (Zander), and Baltic Salmon. The Pike fishing here is world-renowned, with some catches reaching up to 20 kg (45 lb).
The North Sea offers Garfish, Pollock, Cod, and Mackerel, compared to the Baltic Sea where you can fish for Pike, Cod, Salmon, Perch, and Seatrout.
When to Go
There’s something to catch throughout the year in Sweden. You’ll usually be able to find large numbers of your targeted species one month, but larger sized fish in smaller quantities another month.
If you’re fishing off the coast, book a trip in the spring and the autumn. The fish are likely to be closer to the shore then. However, you’ll be able to catch something in the Baltic Sea all year long.
The Baltic Salmon season opens in the summer. Perch can be caught all year round. However, you’ll have the most luck fishing for medium sized Perch in the autumn. Pike has its peak in the summer, although larger Pike can be found in smaller numbers in the spring.
During the winter, you’ll be able to go ice fishing. This starts earlier the further north you are. You’ll be able to target Pike, Arctic Char, Perch, Rainbow Trout, Burbot, Grayling, and Whitefish. Wrap up warm and bring extra layers. This can be fun for the whole family, even if you’ve never fished before.
What to Bring
The majority of captains will provide you with rods, reels, lures, bait, and a fishing license for the day. They’ll usually provide some form of snacks and drinks, usually buns and coffee, especially in the winter.
You should wear weather appropriate clothing for the trip. In the winter, this includes thermal underclothing with a waterproof outer layer and warm boots. Bringing a bag with extra clothes is always a good idea.
The majority of captains practice catch and release, and even when the catch is legal will advise you to release it. Ask your captain what their policy is before your trip, so you know whether to bring a cooler along.
Book a trip to Sweden for the adventure you never knew you needed, while surrounded by nature and catching big fish. Fishing in Sweden is an unforgettable experience!