Roach fishing in Sweden
Roach (Rutilus rutilus) is one of Sweden's most abundant freshwater fish — silver-flanked with red fins and red eyes. Roach form the base of the food chain in practically every lake and are fished both as a table fish, as bait for predators, and as a target in float and match fishing.
Mörten är en av våra vanligaste fiskar. Stim av mört finns i nästan alla sötvatten.
Source: SLU Artdatabanken
Fishing tips & gear
- Maggot
- Sweetcorn
- Bread
- Paste
- Small worm
Feed groundbait (Sensas, Browning) to hold the shoal. Classic bank fishing — great for kids and beginners. Short hooklengths, sensitive floats.
Top 5 lakes for mört
- stora kleven2 catches
Most common methods
Where to find roach
Roach are found throughout Sweden up to central Norrland, in lakes, rivers and the brackish water of the Baltic. They form large shoals along reed edges, jetties and shallow bays. Mälaren, Hjälmaren, Roxen and all lowland lakes hold massive populations.
Season
Roach are fished year-round. Spring, just after ice-out, and late summer are peak for larger fish. During spawning in April–May the fish gather in huge numbers in shallow water and are very easy to catch.
Methods and baits
Float fishing with maggot, worm or sweetcorn on a size 12–18 hook is the standard method. Use fine line of 0.10–0.14 mm and a sensitive float. Feed sparingly with breadcrumb and maggot.
Through the ice, a mormyshka tipped with maggot is standard. Bread flake fished off a jetty is the classic way to introduce children to fishing.
Lakes where mört has been recorded
Based on species observation data for Swedish waters. Open a lake for weather, fishing times and local rules.
- Mört in OrlångenStockholm
- Mört in Fersjön
- Mört in ÖrenSmåland (Jönköping)
- Mört in LaganGötaland
- Mört in YngernSödermanland/Stockholm
- Mört in HelgasjönKronoberg
- Mört in MälarenSvealand
- Mört in HjälmarenSvealand
- Mört in Åsunden (Östergötland)Östergötland
- Mört in LygnernHalland/Västra Götaland
- Mört in MörrumsånGötaland
- Mört in Fladen
Frequently asked questions
When is the season for mört?
The peak season for mört in Sweden is May-September.
Where can you fish for mört in Sweden?
According to FishMap catches, mört is most often caught in stora kleven.
How big does mört get?
Mört can grow up to 1.5 kg.
What's the best method to catch mört?
Common methods for mört are Bait fishing.
Which techniques work for mört?
Float / bait and Ice fishing — see the full guide for the right gear, baits and season.
Which bait works best for mört?
Proven baits: Maggot, Sweetcorn, Bread.
Is roach good to eat?
Roach are perfectly edible but bony. In eastern Europe they are popular smoked or fried whole. In Sweden they are more often used as bait or released. Smaller fish have the best flavour.
How big do roach get?
The Swedish record is 1.54 kg. Everyday catches run 50–300 g; half a kilo is a big fish and a one-kilo roach is a rare trophy.
When do roach spawn?
Roach spawn in April–May at water temperatures of 8–12°C. The fish gather in numbers in shallow water, often over grass and stone. Males develop small spawning tubercles during the period.
What is the best bait for roach?
Maggot is hard to beat. Red worm, sweetcorn and small pieces of paste also work well. Through the ice: a mormyshka with one or two maggots.