Fishing rules
The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Affairs (HaV) is the authority in Sweden that determines the national regulations that apply to fishing in what are known as public waters, which in practice means fishing in the sea along the coast and in Sweden's five largest lakes. In addition to HaV's rules, local rules may also apply in the border area where rivers flow into the sea. Remember that it is always your responsibility as a fisherman to know what rules apply where you are going to fish.
Good to know:
The Municipality of Skellefteå is not responsible for any inaccuracies in this information. It is always the responsibility of the fisherman to comply with both local and national regulations.
Local conservation areas in the estuaries of rivers
Outside four of the five coastal rivers (Åby, Byske, Kåge, Skellefte and Bure rivers) in the municipality of Skellefteå, there are state-approved conservation areas with special fishing rules to protect the local salmon and trout stocks. The exception is outside the Skellefte River where farmed salmon and trout are released to compensate for the power plant expansion in the river. In the estuary of the Skellefte River there is what is called a terminal fishing area, the purpose of which is to promote fishing for these farmed fish.
In protected areas, with their various restriction limits, outside the municipality's salmon rivers, special rules apply to fishing with hand gear, mobile gear and fixed gear. You can read more about these rules at the links below. The legal text and descriptions of the rules and boundaries for the various areas can be found in the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management's collection of regulations (HVMFS)
External link, opens in new window..
Please note that outside other coastal estuaries in the municipality of Skellefteå there is a total ban on fishing from 1 September to 31 December within 200 metres of the estuary.
Rules for different areas
In the fishing management areas of the upper and lower Åby River, local rules set by each area apply. In the neighbouring coastal area, HaV has laid down the rules for fishing with hand-held, mobile and fixed gear.
River
In the freshwater area of Åbyälven (the river), rules laid down by HaV (Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management) apply. In addition to these rules, the fisheries management areas themselves can set further restrictions. It is the responsibility of the fishermen to know and follow these rules. If you would like more information about the fishing regulations that apply when fishing in the river, you can contact the fisheries protection area.
Coasts
The Åby River conservation area extends from the easternmost headland of Tåmsvarten to the southwestern headland of Buskön. Fishing for salmon and trout is completely prohibited throughout the year.
Restriction line 1 runs as a line from the headland west of Ole-Vippersagrund over the northern tip of Ole-Vippersagrund and the northern tip of Timmermarksgrund to the small headland northwest of Orrholmsudden. Within this area, fishing with fixed gear exceeding 1,5 m in any part is prohibited.
Restriction line 2 is a line from the eastern tip of Lillören across the eastern cape of Degergrundet to the southern tip of Sandviksudden. Within this area all fishing is prohibited except fishing with dredges not exceeding 1,5 metres in any part. Fishing with hand-held gear is also permitted where the fishing method as such does not require the use of a boat. It is therefore permitted to stand in a boat and cast with a drag. It is not permitted to tow the boat.
Fishing with hand-held gear for salmon and trout may take place outside restriction limit 2 from 17 June to 15 September. During such fishing, no more than one trout or one salmon may be retained per fisherman per day. The minimum size for trout is 50 centimetres and the minimum size for salmon is 60 centimetres in the sea.
Fishing prohibited within the 3-meter depth contour
Fishing with nets is prohibited from 1 April to 10 June and from 1 October to 31 December in waters less than three metres deep as shown on the current chart. However, fishing with nets with a mesh size of less than 37 mm shall be permitted from 1 October to 31 October.
Mesh size refers to stretched mesh (diagonal length). The mesh size is determined by first stretching the net and then measuring the diagonal length. For example, a square mesh with a 50mm side (post) is a 100mm stretched mesh.
In the Byske River fisheries management area, local rules set by the fisheries management area apply. In the neighbouring coastal area, HaV has laid down the rules for fishing with hand, mobile and fixed gear.
River
In the freshwater area of the Byske River (the river), rules laid down by HaV apply. In addition to these rules, the fisheries management areas themselves can set further restrictions. It is the responsibility of the fishermen to know and follow these rules. If you would like more information about the fishing regulations that apply when fishing in the river, please contact the fisheries protection area.
Coasts
The Byskeälven conservation area extends from Södra Storöudden over the eastern cape of Storgrundet and the eastern part of Tåmgrönnan to the eastern part of the easternmost cape of Tåmsvarten. Within this area, fishing for salmon and trout is completely prohibited throughout the year.
Restriction limit 2 is a line from Stenpiren on the north-western side of Svartnäsudden to the eastern tip of Långörudden. All fishing is prohibited in this area, except fishing with backlines not exceeding 1,5 m in height in any part. It is also permitted to fish with hand gear if the fishing method as such does not require the use of a boat. It is therefore permitted to stand in a boat and cast with a drag. It is not permitted to tow the boat.
Fishing with hand-held gear for salmon and trout may take place outside restriction limit 2 from 17 June to 15 September. During such fishing, no more than one trout or one salmon may be retained per fisherman per day. The minimum size for trout is 50 cm and the minimum size for salmon is 60 cm in the sea.
Fishing prohibited within the 3-meter depth contour
Fishing with nets is prohibited from 1 April to 10 June and from 1 October to 31 December in waters less than three metres deep as shown on the current chart. However, fishing with nets with a mesh size of less than 37 mm shall be permitted from 1 October to 31 October.
Mesh size refers to stretched mesh (diagonal length). The mesh size is determined by first stretching the net and then measuring the diagonal length. For example, a square mesh with a 50mm side (post) is a 100mm stretched mesh.
Within the Kåge River fisheries management areas, local rules set by the fisheries management area apply. In the neighbouring coastal area, HaV has laid down the rules for fishing with hand gear, mobile gear and fixed gear.
River
In the freshwater area of Kågeälven (the river), rules laid down by HaV apply. In addition to these rules, the fisheries management areas themselves can set further restrictions. The responsibility for knowing and following these rules lies with the fishermen. If you would like more information about the fishing regulations that apply when fishing in the river, you can contact the fisheries protection area.
Coasts
The Kåge River conservation area extends from Lillsnäckhamn to Södra Storöudden. Within this area, fishing for salmon and trout is completely prohibited throughout the year.
Restriction limit 1 is a line from Kågön to the southernmost tip of Ostnäsudden. Within this area, fishing with fixed gear exceeding 1.5 m in any part is prohibited.
Restriction line 2 is formed by lines from the northern tip of Orrholmen via Ytterstholmen to the south-eastern tip of Bastuholmen and from Södra Bastuholmsgrund to the island. Within this area all fishing is prohibited except for fishing with otter trawls not exceeding 1,5 m in any part. It is also permitted to fish with hand gear if the fishing method as such does not require the use of a boat. It is therefore permitted to stand in a boat and cast with a drag. It is not permitted to tow the boat.
Fishing prohibited within the 3-meter depth contour
Fishing with nets is prohibited from 1 April to 10 June and from 1 October to 31 December in waters less than three metres deep as defined on the current chart. However, fishing with nets with a mesh size of less than 37 mm shall be permitted from 1 October to 31 October.
Mesh size refers to stretched mesh (diagonal length). The mesh size is determined by first stretching the net and then measuring the diagonal length. For example, a square mesh with a 50mm side (post) is a 100mm stretched mesh.
In the Bure River fisheries management areas, local rules set by the fisheries management area apply. In the neighbouring coastal area, HaV has laid down the rules for fishing with hand gear, mobile gear and fixed gear.
River
In the freshwater area of the Bure River (the river), rules laid down by HaV apply. In addition to these rules, the fisheries protection areas themselves can set additional restrictions. It is the responsibility of the fishermen to know and follow these rules. If you would like more information about the fishing regulations that apply when fishing in the river, please contact the fisheries protection area.
Coasts
Outside the mouth of the Bure River, special rules apply to fishing within restriction limit 2. Restriction limit 2 is formed by a line from the southern tip of Storgrundet to the north-western tip of Landskär. Within this area all fishing is prohibited except for fishing with backstays not exceeding 1,5 m in any part. Fishing with hand gear is also permitted where the fishing method as such does not require the use of a boat. It is therefore permitted to stand in a boat and cast with a drag. It is not permitted to tow the boat.
Fishing prohibited within the 3-meter depth contour
Fishing with nets is prohibited from 1 April to 10 June and from 1 October to 31 December in waters less than three metres deep as indicated on the current chart. However, fishing with nets with a mesh size of less than 37 mm shall be permitted from 1 October to 31 October.
Mesh size refers to stretched mesh (diagonal length). The mesh size is determined by first stretching the net and then measuring the diagonal length. For example, a square mesh with a 50mm side (post) is a 100mm stretched mesh.
River
Within the freshwater area of the Skellefte River (the river), rules laid down by HaV apply. In addition to these rules, the fisheries management areas themselves can set additional restrictions. In the lower parts of the Skellefteälven (Nedströms Lejonströms FVO) there is no fisheries management area, which means that the fishing owners decide on public access to fishing.
Coast
The Skellefte River estuary is a terminal fishing area. The purpose of the terminal fishing area is to concentrate commercial fishing in these areas and to fish for farmed fish. This in turn protects wild salmon stocks.
The Skellefteälven terminal fishing area extends from the easternmost point of Kågnäsudden, latitude 64 44, 98N, longitude 21 18, 00E, across the south-eastern tip of Skötgrunnan, latitude 64 35, 55N, longitude 21 30, 40E, to the southern tip of Skallön, latitude 64 34, 24N, longitude 21 90, 10E.
The inner boundary of the area is formed by an extension of Örviksvägens to Gnäggskatan. Fishing with fixed gear higher than 1,5 m in any part of this area is prohibited.
Fishing prohibited within the 3-meter depth contour
In areas of water less than 3 metres deep as defined on the current chart, fishing with nets is prohibited from 1 April to 10 June and from 1 October to 31 December. However, fishing with nets with a mesh size of less than 37 mm shall be permitted from 1 October to 31 October.
Mesh size refers to stretched mesh (diagonal length). The mesh size is determined by first stretching the net and then measuring the diagonal length. For example, a square mesh with a 50mm side (post) is a 100mm stretched mesh.
Most of the lakes and rivers in Skellefteå municipality are included in one of the 30 different fishing protection areas in the municipality. In these waters, the owners of fishing rights have the possibility to apply restrictions on fishing through their association, which then apply in addition to the fishing rules according to HaV's regulations.
In the Skellefte River from the mouth of the river to the dam in Mobacken, the regulations of the Swedish Water Agency apply.
Salmon: fishing is permitted all year round. Minimum size 50 cm.
Trout: prohibited from 1 September to 14 October. Minimum size 50 cm. Maximum one trout with adipose fin per fisherman per day. No limit per day for farmed trout (no adipose fin).
Grayling: free from 15 April to 31 May. Minimum size 35 cm.
In addition to these rules, additional restrictions may be set by fishing owners and management areas. There is one fishing management area on this stretch, which is the Lejonström fishing management area External link, opens in new window..
Questions and answers
Different rules apply to different types of gear in fisheries legislation. Below we will try to clarify how the different gears are defined.
Skellefteå municipality is not responsible for any errors. The complete text of the law can be found at the Swedish Fisheries Agency.
Fixed gear
Fixed gear means a fishing building and fishing gear with a guide arm, if the gear is fixed to the bottom or shore and is intended to remain in place for more than two consecutive days.
A fishing permit is required to use fixed gear at sea.
Mobile gear
Mobile gear means fishing gear that is not fixed gear. An example of mobile gear is a net.
Fishing with mobile gear is permitted in public waters along the coast, subject to certain restrictions. For example, special rules apply in the protected areas of rivers and within the 3 metre depth contour.
Anyone fishing with mobile gear in waters where fishing is free for everyone may only use nets, longlines, back nets, cages and traps. When fishing with nets, longlines, trammel nets and cages, a maximum of six nets may be used at any one time. A longline may be equipped with a maximum of 100 hooks. The total length of the nets shall not exceed 180 metres.
Fishing for salmon and trout with driftnets, driftlines, anchored lines and anchored floating nets is generally prohibited along the Skellefteå coast.
Hand-held gear
Hand-held gear means rods, arrows and similar movable gear equipped with a line and a maximum of ten hooks.
Fishing with hand-held gear is permitted in public waters along the coast, with certain restrictions for salmon and trout in the river protection areas.
In freshwater areas, fishing belongs to the owners of fishing rights. Fishing in such waters requires the consent of the fishing owner. In the municipality of Skellefteå, it is mainly fisheries management areas that manage the fisheries and offer fishing to the public. However, during certain periods, fishing for salmon and trout is prohibited.
Other information about some hand tools - Otter board
In freshwater areas, fishing with otter and similar gears and fishing with a trailer or casting line with a maximum of three hooks is permitted. However, this is subject to having fishing rights or permission from the fishing rights owner. Within Skellefteå municipality, it is often a fishing conservation area that grants permission.
The marking of mobile gear shall indicate who is using the gear and whether the user is a recreational fisherman, a professional fisherman or a fisherman fishing under an individual fishing right.
When fishing with mobile gear (maximum 300 metres long), the gear must be marked with a fish ball at each end. The fishing ball must be at least 15 cm in diameter and be red, orange, yellow or white in colour. Gear shorter than 50 metres may be marked with a fishing ball or cylinder at least 20 cm long, 6 cm in diameter and the colours red, orange, yellow or white.
The gear must always be marked with name and address/phone number, or registration number from the County Administrative Board. In addition, recreational fishermen must indicate F, while those fishing under an individual fishing right must indicate ER.
If the net is not sealable, watch rods (flags) should be used instead of balls.
Along the coast of the municipality of Skellefteå, fishing with nets in waters shallower than 3 metres is prohibited at certain times of the year, according to the current chart. This is to protect the endangered sea trout.
Fishing with nets is prohibited from 1 April to 10 June and from 1 October to 31 December in waters less than three metres deep. However, fishing with nets with a mesh size smaller than 37 millimetres is permitted from 1 October to 31 October, where the mesh size refers to the stretched mesh (diagonal length). The mesh size shall be determined by first stretching the net and then measuring the diagonal length. For example, a square mesh with a 50 millimetre side (post) is a 100 millimetre stretched mesh.
Anyone who lives permanently in Sweden may do so. However, there are rules to follow, such as that you can use a maximum of ten nets/techniques and in certain areas and during certain periods it is forbidden to fish.
You can fish along the entire coast of Skellefteå Municipality with fishing rods. There are areas where you are not allowed to drag your boat or use an otter board. These are the areas closest to the mouth of the rivers. However, you may stand and cast from your boat in these areas as well.
You can lay out mead along the Skellefteå coast throughout the year. What you need to remember is to mark the buoy with your name and phone number and an F if you are a recreational fisherman, and the gear must not be higher than 1.5 metres.
As a permanent resident in Sweden, you may fish with a maximum of six gears and a maximum of 180 metres of net per person in the boat. Remember that the person fishing with the net must be in the boat when setting out and weighing in, and it must be clear from the tag who is fishing.
You can fish for salmon and trout in certain areas, at certain times of the year, with hand-held gear, fishing rods and nets. You need to find out what applies in your particular area.