10 Fascinating Facts About Fishing in Sweden

Sweden is a paradise for anglers, with its pristine lakes, bountiful rivers, and unique fishing culture. Here are ten interesting facts about fishing in Sweden that might inspire your next angling adventure.

Did you know that Sweden's deepest lake is Hornavan in Northern Sweden, reaching a depth of 228 meters (748 feet)? The lake is fed by the Skellefte älv river, making it a striking feature in the Swedish landscape and a great place for fishing enthusiasts looking for a challenge.

Sweden is serious about fishing, so much so that it offers professional training for fishing guides. At the “Sportfiske Akademien” (Sport Fishing Academy), aspiring guides receive a recognized education in angling. This training is also open to international students, allowing foreigners to pursue certification as fishing guides in Sweden.

Curious about landlocked salmon? Lake Vänern, Sweden’s largest lake, is renowned for its thrilling fishing for Salmo salar sebago, the landlocked salmon. While most anglers fish from boats, there’s always a chance for a bite from the shore if you’re lucky!

Imagine fishing in water so clean you can drink it! In Northern Sweden, rivers like the Muonio and countless lakes and streams boast such purity that the water is safe to drink. Especially refreshing in the summer, these cool waters offer a unique experience for anglers looking to enjoy nature’s finest.

Have you heard of the Swedish Kräftskiva? This is a traditional Swedish festival dedicated to crayfish, held every August. If you’re fishing in Sweden during this time, take a break to enjoy a hearty serving of these tasty crustaceans, often accompanied by good company and celebration.

While Lapland is famous for its salmonid fishing, it’s also a fantastic destination for pike anglers. Whether fishing wide rivers, narrow streams, shallow ponds, or weedy lakes, pike fishing here offers thrilling strikes and strong fights. Sweden’s waters are full of these swift, aggressive predators.

The midnight sun is a unique phenomenon in Sweden during the summer, where the sun shines 24 hours a day. Surprisingly, this constant daylight doesn’t deter the fish! Grayling, pike, salmon, and others remain active, allowing anglers to fish “at night” under the bright sky—an unforgettable experience.

Fishing in Sweden’s wild areas means you might encounter wildlife, including bears. Regions like Dalarna, Härjedalen, Northern Jämtland, Lapland, and Norrbotten County are home to most of Sweden's bear population. While they’re generally shy, the possibility of spotting one adds a dash of adventure to your fishing trip.

Sweden is incredibly welcoming to anglers. Fishing permits are easily accessible online, and many fishing areas have shelters with fire pits and firewood. Thanks to the “Everyman’s Right” (Allemansrätten), you’re also free to set up camp in nature rather than being restricted to campsites, making for a truly immersive outdoor experience.

Sweden’s commitment to environmental conservation is evident in its fishing culture. The country encourages sustainable fishing practices, and with such clean, well-preserved waters, anglers can experience the beauty of Swedish nature while respecting its ecosystem.

Whether you’re drawn by the chance to fish under the midnight sun, the opportunity to catch landlocked salmon, or the rich traditions surrounding fishing in Sweden, this Scandinavian nation offers unique and unforgettable experiences for anglers from around the world.