Gädda fishing guide

Photo of Gädda (Esox lucius)

Gäddan är Sveriges populäraste rovfisk. Aggressiv predator som hugger på allt från jiggar till stora wobblers. Bästa fisket sker vår och höst.

Scientific name
Esox lucius

Source: SLU Artdatabanken

Fishing tips & gear

Rod
Spinning rod 2.4–2.7 m, casting weight 20–60 g (BFS for smaller lures, XH for trophy pike 40–120 g)
Westin W3 Powerlure
Abu Garcia Veritas
Shimano Beastmaster
St. Croix Mojo Bass
13 Fishing Omen Black
Savage Gear MPP2
Reel
Spinning reel 3000–5000 or a baitcaster (200-size)
Shimano Stradic 4000
Daiwa BG 4000
Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast (baitcast)
Shimano Curado DC
Mainline
Braid 0.20–0.35 mm (30–50 lb)
Leader
Wire leader 30–40 lb or fluorocarbon 0.70–1.0 mm (40–80 lb), 40–80 cm
Hook
Trebles #2 to 4/0, single hooks 3/0–6/0 for jerkbaits
Weight
Jig head 15–60 g
Lures / bait
  • Large soft-plastic shads 12–25 cm (Savage Gear 4Play, Westin Shad Teez, Strike Pro Pig Shad, Headbanger Shad)
  • Jerkbaits (Westin Swim, Savage Gear 3D Roach Jerkster, Strike Pro Buster Jerk)
  • Crankbaits 12–20 cm (Rapala Super Shad Rap, Salmo Slider)
  • Spinnerbaits 20–40 g
  • Spoons 18–40 g (Abu Atom, Falkfish Thor)
  • Large jerk/swim baits (Rapala X-Rap Magnum, Westin Swim 15 cm)
  • Bladed jigs / chatterbaits 20–40 g
Season
March–May (pre- and post-spawn), Sept–November (autumn feeding before winter). Many Swedish waters close in March/April — check local regulations.
Time of day
Mid-morning through lunch and late afternoon; overcast days fish all day.
Tip

Spring: shallow bays 0.5–2 m, slow retrieve. Summer: work the thermocline at 3–6 m with faster lures. Autumn: go bigger, chase baitfish schools. A fish-finder helps enormously. Catch & release is recommended for pike over 80 cm.

Full guide
Logged
7
Biggest catch
2.00 kg
Season
April-June, September-November

Top 5 lakes for gädda

Most common methods

Illustration: Spinning
Spinning
Illustration: Trolling
Trolling
Illustration: Fly fishing
Fly fishing

Fishing guides for gädda

Frequently asked questions

When is the season for gädda?

The peak season for gädda in Sweden is April-June, September-November.

Where can you fish for gädda in Sweden?

According to FishMap catches, gädda is most often caught in Mälaren, Tyresö-Flaten and Hultsjön.

How big does gädda get?

Gädda can grow up to 15.0 kg.

What's the best method to catch gädda?

Common methods for gädda are Spinning, Trolling, Fly fishing.

Which techniques work for gädda?

Spinning, Trolling, Fly fishing and Ice fishing — see the full guide for the right gear, baits and season.

Which bait works best for gädda?

Proven baits: Large soft-plastic shads 12–25 cm (Savage Gear 4Play, Westin Shad Teez, Strike Pro Pig Shad, Headbanger Shad), Jerkbaits (Westin Swim, Savage Gear 3D Roach Jerkster, Strike Pro Buster Jerk), Crankbaits 12–20 cm (Rapala Super Shad Rap, Salmo Slider).

Have you caught Gädda?

Log the catch, compare with other anglers and climb the leaderboard.

Log catch
Tip: how to shoot a better catch photo →