GUIDE

They’re biting!

From salmon fishing at the rapids to catching pikeperch on the lake: Around Skellefteå, there are severaldifferent species in a wide variety of fishing waters. Pack your rod, buy your fishing license, and don't forget your bait—because now we're going on a fishing trip!

With a coastline stretching over 50 kilometers, Skellefteå is the perfect place for sea fishing. Mikael Bergh offers guided fishing trips in these waters and believes that even beginners can catch something.

- Fishing and nature are like yoga for me, and coastal fishing in particular gives me a sense of freedom. There are also many species here, says Mikael Bergh, who runs the company Magofishing in Skellefteå.

Positioning yourself correctly is crucial to which fish you catch. Grayling and trout are easiest to catch at rocky headlands facing the open sea, such as the Korsöarna islands off Bureå or Tåmsvarten by the Byske River. Pike and perch thrive better in bays and inlets, such as the Skellefte River estuary, Kågefjärden, or Furuögrund.

- Sea fishing works great without a boat, but the equipment varies depending on what fish you're hunting,says Mikael, continuing,

- Some spinning rods are suitable for lighter fishing such as perch and grayling, others for heavier fish such as pike and sea trout. Lures such as fly casts, bombarda, rubber lures, and casting floats work well. I also recommend coastal fly fishing for more experienced anglers—something I myself find really fun!

Where to fish

Central Skellefteå, Skellefte River

Here you can mainly fish for: Salmon, trout, pike, and perch.

From Mobackendammen to beyond Älvsbackabron, there is an excellent fishing stretch for city dwellers. The walking and cycling paths along the river allow for several casting points, and you avoid the crowds of visitors, which can be quite large in the summer.

Burträsket, Bure River

Here you can mainly fish for: Pikeperch, bream, pike, perch, and roach.

Since pikeperch is a rarely seen fish in northern Swedish waters, pikeperch fishing in Burträsket is something very special. The best way to fish is by motorboat, but it is also possible to fish from jetties and bays around the lake with a simple fishing rod.

Byske, Byskeälven

Here you can mainly fish for: Salmon, trout, pike, perch, grayling, and whitefish. As one of the best rivers in Sweden for salmon and trout fishing, Byske is an obvious candidate on the list. Here, the currents vary from strong rapids in some places to calmer waters in others. This makes the fishing trip varied and, in many places, really exciting.

Remember that...

… Purchase the correct fishing license: A valid fishing license is required for all fishing areas in the municipality. These can be purchased by visiting the Skellefteå Tourist Center, and some can be purchased digitally. The fishing license must always be available during the fishing trip and presented upon request.

… Check the current regulations: Fishing regulations vary between different waters and fishing areas, and it is always your own responsibility to find out what these are before you start fishing.

… Check the current rules: Fishing rules vary between different waters and fishing conservation areas, and it is always your responsibility to find out what these are before you start fishing.

… Be attentive: Be aware of your surroundings and the fishermen around you – this is a matter of basic common sense and etiquette.

A library of equipment

For those who don't fish very often, Fritidsbanken is a great way to find equipment. At Fritidsbanken you can borrow various types of rods, landing nets, and bags for fishing, completely free of charge. The Fritidsbanken website External link, opens in new window. has information about current items available for loan and opening hours.

Text: Evelina Engman

Photo: Visit Skellefteå