The Jels Lakes, the Harte-Dons lakes, Lake Karlsgårde, the Silkeborg and Skanderborg lakes, Lake Glenstrup, Lake Hald, the Viborg lakes … all names which make the heart of experienced lake anglers beat faster at the thought of those plentiful large pike, the greedy zander, the moody perch, the cunning lake trout and the eel, which have been caught in the past in all these famous lakes.

Pike, perch and zander

Fishing for pike, perch and zander in lakes and marshes is possible most of the year, but the main seasons are spring and autumn. At these times, the fish dart in and out of the reeds and foliage, fallen trees and water lilies and play near the banks and slopes of the lakes. Fishing during the warm summer months is rarely very productive as many freshwater fish become inactive when algae growth reaches its high point.

This, however, does not apply to freshwater eel, which really enjoy the warm water of the summer months. A Paternoster rig or maybe a float or a hook with a worm or a small piece of fish – can go a long way to lure eel to the point where they bite. With just a little luck, the angler’s dream of catching a dozen eel of the right size for a tasty meal in only half a night may become a reality.

Spinners, spoons and wobblers are the most effective and popular weapons for lake anglers wanting to catch pike, perch and zander. In addition to the basic tackle, a lightweight 6 – 9 foot (210 – 270 cm) spin rod and a fixed-spool reel with a 0.25 – 0.35 mm line and a varied arsenal of artificial bait is also needed. Stocked with large and small spinners, blinkers and wobblers, the angler will have covered all facets of spin fishing in shallow and in deep water.

Fishing with natural bait

The largest zander and pike can often only be outwitted by natural bait. A 7-20 cm long dead herring, a roach or a perch is the thing to use! Some lead must be attached to the float so that the bait fish is at the correct depth in the water. Always remember to use a wire pike leader or a thick nylon line for the last 20 – 40 cm. A pike's teeth are strong and sharp enough to cut through a 0.30 mm nylon line in record time!

The bass – a moody fish

The bass is an opportunistic fish with a delicious taste. It has a predilection for spinners of 7-12 grams and small wobblers of 5-8 centimetres. The fish is often moody. One day it is in high spirits, only to go into something that resembles a state of hibernation the next day. However, artificial bait in harsh colours usually makes the bass go on the warpath, or maybe a lively luring worm on a single hook, size 2-6, with a relevant sinker. The bass is found in most lakes, bogs and a number of Danish rivers.

In Jutland, most lakes and bogs are open to anglers. On Funen, there are fewer waters to explore, while on Zealand the right to fish in most lakes belongs to fishing clubs and associations – with a few exceptions. For most lakes it is necessary to buy a separate licence in addition to the mandatory licence that everybody must possess. Such one-day licences usually cost between DKK 30-150. Contact the local Tourist Information Office for further information on lake and bog fishing, boat hire and other relevant information. Read more about fishing licences.

Author: Peter Steensen