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Lake Vänern offers world-class freshwater fishing – no permit needed for sport fishing, but rules must be followed. Catch pike, zander, salmon, and perch from shore or boat.
Fishing in Lake Vänern
Lake Vänern is the third-largest lake in Europe and one of Sweden’s top fishing destinations. With over 30 species, 2000 km of shoreline and both archipelagos and open water, Vänern offers great variety for all anglers.
Here you can catch pike, zander, perch, trout, salmon, whitefish, roach and more. Vänern is home to the Gullspång salmon, the world’s largest landlocked salmon, which can weigh over 20 kg. Important note! Read more about the Gullspång salmon under Fish species and rules.
Fishing permits
🎫 No permit is needed for sport fishing in Lake Vänern – not even on private water. However, you must follow all local fishing rules and regulations.
Only hand gear is allowed. Some methods like trolling are restricted to public waters only.
Fish species and rules
You can fish for pike, zander, perch, trout and salmon, among others. There are rules about minimum size, closed seasons, and catch limits.
🎣 The Gullspång salmon, the world’s largest landlocked salmon, is critically endangered. Since 1 October 2021, new rules apply to protect the species. The protected area outside the mouth of the Gullspång River is now larger, and fishing for salmon and trout is banned all year in this zone.
Trolling is not allowed in the protected area. However, spin fishing, angling or ice fishing from a stationary or drifting boat is allowed for other species like pike and zander. Net fishing is prohibited.
👉 Read more about fishing in Lake Vänern.
👉 Read more about important rules for recreational fishing in Lake Vänern.
👉 Read more about fishing rules further down this page under “Documents”.
Tips and respect
Join a guided fishing tour, bring your own boat or fish from the shore – even right in town. Always respect nature, wildlife and other visitors, and practice sustainable fishing.
👉 Read more about fishing in Kristinehamn
Nature and Swedish law
Sweden’s unique Allemansrätten – Right of Public Access gives you freedom to enjoy nature, but also comes with responsibilities.
👉 Learn more about Allemansrätten here
Your contact for fishing:
Fiskeförvaltning Värmland
Tel +4610-224 74 96
fiske.varmland@lansstyrelsen.se