A history of fishing
In medieval times, the towns of Skanör - Falsterbo, now an upscale neighbourhood on the peninsula, were a major trading post and important part of the buzzing Hanseatic trade area. The abundance of herring in the waters along the Skåne coastline attracted fishermen hoping to strike gold.
According to legend, the herring fishery in Skåne was so rich that you could scoop up the fish with one's bare hands. Skåne remains a popular destination for recreational fishing enthusiasts and for lovers of wildlife in general.
Fishing for everyone
You’ll find , inland and open water fishing grounds all over Skåne, the southern-most tip of Sweden. There are more than 130 official locations dedicated to fishing – as well as all the smaller, lesser known spots. You can fish the year round and use different methods such as trolling, spin fishing and fly fishing.
Fishing in Skåne is a family friendly adventure. Accessibility is usually very good and even if you are not an expert, you will still have good chances to catch fish from a dock using a simple jig or float fishing rod.
Choose between everything from camping and small cottages to cosy B&Bs and more luxurious hotels.
Open water fishing in Skåne
The coastline of Skåne is over 400 kilometres long and offers plenty of opportunities for open water fishing.
Sit back and relax while trolling for salmon or mackerel, or head further out to sea and explore the many fishing grounds, some of which are around old shipwrecks. The waters of eastern Skåne are home to some of the largest specimens of sea trout, pike and salmon, so do bring your spin or fly fishing rod. The western coast of Skåne offers fantastic fishing for cod.
All along the coastline there are plenty of spots where you can fish for sea trout, and since the coastline is long you can find your own spot without having to share it with other people. Rent your own boat to get further out, or hire a professional guide to take you around.
Fishing for seatrout on Österlen, the southeast part of Skåne
Lakes in Skåne
The lakes of Skåne offer a host of different varieties of fish, and are the richest in species in all of Sweden. With more than 50 picturesque lakes, Skåne attracts recreational fishers from near and far. Inland lake fishing in Skåne boasts perch, zander, pike and other varieties, and offers spectacular beauty, solitude and tranquility.
Close your eyes and let the silence soothe your senses, while the action takes place under the mirror-like surface. Around Snogeholmssjön the scenery is breathtakingly beautiful, and Gyllebosjön is one of the gems of Österlen.
Hire a guide to make the most out of your time at the bigger lakes, such as Ivösjön, Finjasjön and Ringsjön to increase your chances of catching that big fish.
Put & Take fishing in Skåne
Put & take fishing in Skåne is likely the best in the country. The most common catches are char, trout and big rainbow trout. Björkadammen, Bondemölla, Lilla hålsjön and Tollerupssjön are among of the most popular fish camps in Skåne, many offering food and lodging.
Streams in Skåne
If fishing along a stream or creek is what you prefer, Skåne offers a range of opportunities. Helge å, Vramsån, Almaån, Holjeån and Skräbeån are some of the most popular. Skräbeån is where the world record for Whitefish was made, when a specimen weighing over 5 kilograms was caught. Sea trouts weighing over 10 kilograms have also been caught here. Trout, salmon and sea trout are some of the most common catches in the streams around Skåne.
Lödde å, located just south of the city of Landskrona, is one of the best pike and perch waters in Europe. Pikes weighing around 10 kilograms are not unusual here and the largest ones that have been caught have weighed as much as 20 kilograms.
Fishing permits in Skåne
The Swedish coastlines are accessible and open to everyone who wants to fish from land. Fishing in the lakes requires a fishing permit. Keep in mind that some species are protected during certain periods of the year, and that fishing is prohibited in some protected areas. Before heading out, get in touch with the local tourist office. They will tell you how to obtain all necessary permits for the area, along with local recreational fishing clubs and associations, are usually the ones selling permits.