Perch fishing in Sweden

Perch are found throughout Sweden — from shallow forest tarns to Vättern and the brackish water of the archipelago. Well-known big-perch waters include Mälaren, Hjälmaren, Vänern, Bolmen, Vättern and Ivösjön. Along the coast there are strong shoals throughout the Baltic, particularly in the Stockholm and Åland archipelagos.

Perch fishing peaks in late summer (August–September) when shoals hunt bleak at the surface, again at first ice in November–December, and through the hard-water season from January to March. Spring and early summer, after spawning in May, is when the largest perch hold along deep edges.

Vertical fishing with small soft plastic jigs (5–8 cm) around points and rocky ground is the most effective approach for big perch. In open water, light jerk-spinning with small jerkbaits and spinners works well.

Float fishing with worm, maggot or small baitfish is classic summer sport. Through the ice, a balance lure or vertical jig of 3–8 grams is standard — add a mormyshka and maggot when the fishing is slow.

Perch fishing is finesse work. A 6–7 foot rod rated 5–20 grams, a 2000–2500 size reel and 0.10–0.14 mm braid give the sensitivity you need to feel the soft, sucking take. Add a fluorocarbon leader of 0.20–0.25 mm.

Jig heads from 3 to 10 grams cover everything from shallow reed bays to vertical fishing at 15 metres. Carry a few small jerkbaits, spinners in sizes 1–3, and mormyshka jigs with maggots for slow winter days.

If there are pike in the water you will get bitten off sooner or later. A short 15 cm wire trace saves expensive lures without putting perch off noticeably.

Perch generally have no national minimum size in Swedish inland waters, but individual fishery associations and coastal areas may set their own limits on size or numbers. The rules are stated on the fishing permit or in the county board's regulations.

Perch is one of Sweden's best table fish, with firm white flesh. Keep fish of 25–35 cm for the table and release the really big ones — a one-kilo perch is often more than ten years old and an important spawner.