Tench fishing in Sweden
Tench (Tinca tinca) is a cyprinid of shallow, weedy lakes and slow-flowing water, known for its dogged, powerful bite and its characteristic dark green flanks with a golden sheen. In Sweden, tench are fished mainly through the warmest weeks of summer.
Sutaren är en värmeälskande karpfisk med slemmig grön hud. Aktiv i skymning och nattetid.
Source: SLU Artdatabanken
Fishing tips & gear
- Earthworm
- Sweetcorn
- Maggot
- Small boilies
Fish along weedy margins 1–3 m deep. Cautious bites — give the fish time. Watch for the classic tench 'dance' of rising bubbles just before a take.
Most common methods
Where to find tench
Tench occur in southern and central Sweden up to the Dal River. They are most common in nutrient-rich lowland lakes with heavy weed growth — Mälaren, Hjälmaren, Roxen, Vombsjön and the lowland lakes of Skåne are known tench waters. The fish favour reed edges, lily beds and shallow bays over silt.
Season
Tench fishing depends entirely on water temperature. The best period is June–August once the water is above 18°C. The fish are most active at dawn and dusk and through warm summer nights. In winter tench become dormant and stop feeding altogether.
Methods and baits
Ledger fishing with boilies, sweetcorn, worm or bread is by far the most common method. Use 0.22–0.28 mm line and size 6–10 hooks. Pre-bait the swim with corn or pellets the evening before for the best results.
Feeder fishing with a sweet groundbait — corn, hemp and breadcrumb — works well at longer range from the bank. Watch for bubbles rising to the surface: that is tench rooting in the bottom.
Lakes where sutare has been recorded
Based on species observation data for Swedish waters. Open a lake for weather, fishing times and local rules.
- Sutare in OrlångenStockholm
- Sutare in ÖrenSmåland (Jönköping)
- Sutare in LaganGötaland
- Sutare in MälarenSvealand
- Sutare in Åsunden (Östergötland)Östergötland
- Sutare in Fersjön
- Sutare in HjälmarenSvealand
- Sutare in LetälvenNärke
- Sutare in Fridträsket
- Sutare in YmsenVästra Götaland
- Sutare in HelgasjönKronoberg
- Sutare in Östersjön - Stockholms skärgårdSvealand
Fishing guides for sutare
Frequently asked questions
When is the season for sutare?
The peak season for sutare in Sweden is June-August.
How big does sutare get?
Sutare can grow up to 4.0 kg.
What's the best method to catch sutare?
Common methods for sutare are Bait fishing.
Which techniques work for sutare?
Float / bait — see the full guide for the right gear, baits and season.
Which bait works best for sutare?
Proven baits: Earthworm, Sweetcorn, Maggot.
How big do tench get?
Tench in Swedish waters typically reach 1–3 kg, though fish over 4 kg occur. The Swedish record stands at 5.45 kg.
What is the best bait for tench?
Sweetened corn, fruit- or vanilla-flavoured boilies and worm bunches are proven baits. Bread paste also works well in shallow, warm bays.
What time of day do tench feed best?
Tench are most active from shortly before sunrise until an hour or so after, and again through dusk and the first hours of darkness. Fishing is often slow in the middle of the day.
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