Fish in Roslagen — guide to archipelago, sea and lake

Three Fishing Environments

Roslagen's fishing waters range from the open Baltic Sea outside Gräsö and Öregrund in the north to the archipelago's inner bays and inland lakes to the south towards Österåker. Each environment has its own character, fish species and regulations.

Sea Fishing and Archipelago

In the Baltic Sea and along Roslagen's outer archipelago, you'll find cod, flounder and sea trout. The archipelago's inner skerries and bays are classic waters for perch and pike. In the brackish water environments around the islands, freshwater and sea fish meet, which means fishing opportunities vary with the season and salinity. Fishing with hand-held equipment in the sea and public waters is basically free for everyone, but it's important to check local regulations — fishing bans and minimum sizes apply.

Lake Fishing — Erken and More

In Norrtälje's inland area is Lake Erken, one of the well-known fishing waters in the region with perch, pike and pikeperch. Lake fishing generally requires a fishing permit purchased from the local fishing rights association or village association. The permit requirement applies generally in private waters — always worth checking what applies to the specific waterway before you cast your line.

Fish Species in Roslagen

The most common species in the region's waters are perch and pike, which occur in both lakes and the archipelago's brackish waters. Pikeperch is found in the larger inland lakes. Along the coast, sea trout is a prized catch, with the best chances in autumn and spring. Along the outermost coast and out in the Baltic Sea, you'll find cod, flounder and Baltic herring.

Fishing from Shore and Boat

Many of Roslagen's fishing villages are suitable for fishing from shore — jetties, rocks and beaches provide good access to outer waters without a boat. For the archipelago's inner and middle skerries, a boat is a great advantage. Along the Baltic coast and in the municipalities, there are several boat ramps for those with their own boat transport.

Seasons

Pike fishing is best in spring and early autumn. Perch fishing continues for most of the season, with peaks in late summer. Sea trout is caught successfully from autumn through spring. The summer's warm waters often push fish deeper, while early autumn fishing in the archipelago's bays can be rewarding for those who know where to look. Current fishing bans and minimum sizes are published by the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (havochvatten.se).