Brown trout fishing in Sweden
Brown trout (Salmo trutta) is one of Sweden's most versatile fish — it lives in running water as stream trout, in the big lakes as lake trout, and in the sea as sea trout. Silver-flanked with black and red spots, powerful and acrobatic when hooked.
Öringen finns i både sjöar, älvar och hav. En sportfisk i världsklass som ställer höga krav på fiskaren.
Source: SLU Artdatabanken
Fishing tips & gear
- Dry flies (Adams, Klinkhammer, CDC Caddis, Royal Wulff)
- Nymphs (Hare's Ear, Pheasant Tail, Copper John, Perdigon)
- Streamers (Wooly Bugger, Zonker, Muddler Minnow)
Dries during a hatch, nymphs sub-surface, streamers for bigger fish. Read the current — trout hold behind rocks and along seams. Stay low and quiet on the bank.
Most common methods
Where to find brown trout
Stream trout live in thousands of running waters across Sweden, from the streams of Skåne to the Torne River. Lake trout are found in Vänern, Vättern, Storsjön and many mountain lakes. Sea trout occur around the entire Swedish coast, but the west coast fjords, Öresund and the Blekinge archipelago are the strongholds.
Season
Sea trout: March–May and September–November are peak along the coast. Stream trout: May–September when insect hatches are at their best. Lake trout: the trolling season runs May–October.
Closed seasons vary by water and form. Stream trout in running water are usually protected from 1 October to 31 December. Check svenskafiskeregler.se before you fish.
Methods and lures
Fly fishing is the classic method for stream trout — dry flies, nymphs and streamers depending on the season. Sea trout are fished from shore with coastal wobblers, spinners and a 0.25 mm leader. When trolling: spoons, crankbaits, or a flasher and fly behind a downrigger.
Lakes where öring has been recorded
Based on species observation data for Swedish waters. Open a lake for weather, fishing times and local rules.
- Öring in LaganGötaland
- Öring in MörrumsånGötaland
- Öring in Lögdeälven (Ekopark Käringberget)Västerbotten
- Öring in MedstugusjönJämtland
- Öring in LygnernHalland/Västra Götaland
- Öring in VätternSvealand
- Öring in GrånssjönDalarna (Gagnef)
- Öring in Flättjärnen
- Öring in OrlångenStockholm
- Öring in Råsvalen (Örebro)Närke
- Öring in LetälvenNärke
- Öring in IndalsälvenNorrland
Fishing guides for öring
Frequently asked questions
When is the season for öring?
The peak season for öring in Sweden is May-October.
How big does öring get?
Öring can grow up to 10.0 kg.
What's the best method to catch öring?
Common methods for öring are Fly fishing, Spinning.
Which techniques work for öring?
Fly fishing, Spinning and Spinning — see the full guide for the right gear, baits and season.
Which bait works best for öring?
Proven baits: Dry flies (Adams, Klinkhammer, CDC Caddis, Royal Wulff), Nymphs (Hare's Ear, Pheasant Tail, Copper John, Perdigon), Streamers (Wooly Bugger, Zonker, Muddler Minnow).
What is the difference between brown trout and salmon?
Trout have spots on the gill covers, which salmon lack, a stronger tail with a straighter edge, and a shorter head. Sea trout and salmon can be hard to separate — check the wrist of the tail and the ray count in the anal fin.
When do brown trout spawn?
Trout spawn from October to December in running water over gravel and stone. They are protected in most waters during the spawning period.
What is the best lure for sea trout?
Coastal wobblers of 10–14 cm in natural colours, spinners of 12–20 g and zonker flies. Fish them slowly over shallow reefs and weed beds in the first and last light of the day.
Do I need a boat for trout fishing?
No. Stream trout and sea trout are predominantly fished from land. Only lake trout in the large inland lakes such as Vänern and Vättern really require a boat and trolling gear.