Fishing in Sweden
Including Dalälven River, Gotland Coastline, and Lake Storsjön. On the map.
The vibe
Angling here is a patient pursuit of pike and perch in crystal lakes and gentle sea inlets, a serene contrast to high‑adrenaline offshore sport elsewhere. The long summer daylight hours provide the most productive windows, though ice‑fishing in winter also has its own charm. Many visitors obtain a simple fishing licence and head out on their own, resulting in a DIY experience that feels more like joining locals than a packaged tour.
a fishing licence is required
Dalälven River
Uppsala County
Calle Eklund/ V-wolf / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The lower reaches of the Dalälven river are famous for massive pike and zander. The river's complex system of lakes and rapids creates a highly productive environment for predatory fish.
Access. Best explored by boat; several fishing camps operate along the river offering gear and guide services.
Notes. Zander fishing is strictly regulated with size limits to ensure population sustainability.
Gotland Coastline
Gotland County
Bene Riobó / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The island of Gotland is a legendary destination for sea trout fishing from the shore. The limestone reefs and shallow bays provide excellent habitat for silver-bright sea trout.
Access. Shore fishing is the primary method here; the island is easily navigated by rental car to reach various coastal spots.
Notes. Fishing is permitted along the coast, but observe seasonal closures during spawning periods.
Lake Storsjön
Jämtland County
Svante.tiren / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
One of Sweden's largest lakes, Storsjön offers diverse fishing opportunities including pike, perch, and trout. Its vast size and varied structure make it a favorite for boat anglers.
Access. Accessible from Östersund; boat rentals and guided fishing tours are readily available.
Notes. General fishing licenses cover large parts of the lake; always check local regulations for specific protected fish sanctuaries.
Lake Vättern
Västra Götaland County
Vättern — Wikipedia
Lake Vättern is famous for its deep, crystal-clear waters and trophy-sized landlocked salmon and Arctic char. It is a top-tier destination for trolling and deep-water boat fishing.
Access. Best accessed via boat charters from towns like Jönköping or Hjo; private boat launching is widely available.
Notes. Large lake fishing requires careful attention to weather conditions; specific licenses are required for certain zones.
Mörrum River
Blekinge County
Arnaud Contet / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The Mörrum River is world-renowned for its exceptional Atlantic salmon and sea trout fishing. It offers a classic, well-managed fly fishing experience in a beautiful southern Swedish forest setting.
Access. Accessible by car from Karlshamn; numerous local guides and gear rental shops are available in the village of Mörrum.
Notes. Requires a specific Mörrum fishing license; strictly regulated catch-and-release and seasonal quotas apply.
Stockholm Archipelago
Stockholm County
Егор Журавлёв from Smarde, Latvia / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
This vast coastal network of thousands of islands is a premier destination for Baltic pike and perch fishing. The brackish water environment provides a unique challenge for both spin and fly anglers.
Access. Accessible via boat charters departing from Stockholm city center; many guides specialize in pike fishing tours.
Notes. Fishing is generally free in public waters, but specific zones and species-specific size limits must be respected.
Åre Mountain Lakes
Jämtland County
Axelwiki / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The alpine waters surrounding Åre offer spectacular fishing for grayling and trout in a dramatic mountain landscape. It is a quintessential destination for wilderness-style fly fishing and light spinning.
Access. Accessible via hiking or short drives from Åre; many local lodges offer guided trips to remote mountain tarns.
Notes. Fishing licenses are required for specific mountain water management areas; seasonal restrictions apply during spawning.