Danish waterways have cut their way deep into the soft subsoil, so that now sharp bends and Kolke (gullies) alternate with shallow stretches and sandbanks. Generally, the current is strongest in the upper reaches where the waterway is still a brook rather than a river. Danish estuaries are usually calm and deep further downstream, before the river flows into the sea or into a fjord.

The red-speckled brown trout

In the upper reaches, where there are strong currents and shallow waters, the most common fish is the red-speckled brown trout, which could almost be called the Danish national fish. Further downstream, the brown trout is replaced by the large-finned grayling, which prefers calmer, deeper water. Even further downstream where the water runs deeper and gently meanders through the fertile landscape, we find salmon and sea trout. Starting in early summer, these fish migrate upstream for the entire season and spawn in November and December when the fishing season is over.

A separate fishing licence is required for fishing in most rivers in addition to the mandatory licence, which everybody must have. These one-day licences usually cost between DKK 30-150. The local Tourist Information Office will be able to provide further information about the accessible rivers and the sale of licences in a given area. The staff will also be able to refer you to any tackle shops in the area, from which you can learn about the most effective tactics and fishing methods for the different types of weather and season. Read more about fishing licences.

The course of the year along the river

The best months for trout fishing in the river for rainbow and river trout are May and June, before the waterweeds become too abundant. The quality will vary over the summer, and then improves again in August/September. Sea trout and salmon enter the big rivers from the beginning of June. From August until the preservation of the fish at the middle of November, large numbers of small sea trout of 1-3 kilos and small salmon will be seen.

Rain and wind

In summer, fishing for trout or sea trout is often an evening, night or morning activity. From September, it is also possible to fish during the day in windy and rainy periods, when the first large shoals of sea trout are almost automatically pushed into the river to spawn.

Fishing tackle and methods depend on whether resident fish (trout and grayling) or migratory fish (salmon and sea trout) are to be caught. Fishing for local salmon in a Danish estuary can be done with either fly or spin. The spin angler who prefers float and worm, blinker and fly can generally use the same tackle as his spin fishing colleague. Note that a longer rod is often an advantage.

Spin angling

A 6 – 7 foot spin fishing rod for a casting weight of 5 – 10 gm is suitable. A small fixed-spool reel and a 0.15 – 0.20 mm line can be added. The assorted lures should have small rotating blade spinners for best results in the channels of the upper reaches of the river. Also remember to bring 5 – 7 cm large floating wobblers. These wobblers can only be left off downstream in places that are difficult to access.

Tackle for salmon and sea trout

More robust tackle is necessary if the aim is to fish for much larger salmon and sea trout further downstream. The spin enthusiast would do well to choose an 8 – 9 foot rod for a weight of 10 – 20 grammes as his basic tackle. This should include a medium-sized fixed-spool reel with a 0.25 – 0.30 mm line. Artificial bait can consist of larger blade spinners size 4 and 5 (12 – 18 grammes), moveable spoons weighing 18 – 28 grammes or 9 – 13 cm, shaking wobblers. All of these provide the best results if they are of the floating type and also suitable for a triple rig with lead, which then brings the wobbler down to a greater depth.

Fly fishermen should use an 8 – 9 foot class 5 – 6 fly rod. In most cases a floating line is suitable if dry flies, nymphs or the slightly larger wet flies and streamers are used. The flies should be as similar as possible to the insects and crayfish which live in and near the waters.

Fly fishing

For fly fishermen wanting to catch salmon and sea trout in smaller waterways, a robust one-handed rod is sufficient. However, a much better option would be a class 9 – 10 lightweight two-handed 12 – 14 foot rod. A floating line is preferable for fishing at night whereas during daylight hours, a sinking line is a better choice. The flies should be large. Sizes 1/0 – 6 with the smallest ones being used during the day and the largest ones at night are recommended. Towards the end of the season, flashy colours work best, whereas black is particularly suitable for night fishing.

Author: Peter Steensen