Fishing around Åre is abundant in both variety and stock, with one of the country’s most productive brown trout waters. Many fishing waters are located near the beginning of the Indalsälven River, known for its clean mountain water. This means that the temperatures are favorable for fish, with good oxygen levels thanks to the cool mountain weather and abundant rainfall. The rivers are managed through the County Administrative Board’s work of digging spawning holes and placing stones and logs. Whether you’re looking for an evening fishing session or want to dedicate the days to your dream catch, you’ve come to the right place.

Mountain waters for fishing

Around two million Swedes practice sport fishing, and for those who want to fish in the waters surrounding Åre and West Jämtland, there’s a lifetime’s worth of fishing to do before all the waters are fished out. If you need to share your day’s time and activities with the family, there are several nearby waters to choose from. However, if you have free access to your fishing time and want to experience fishing far from other people, the truly great spots are nearly unlimited, though they require a day’s hike.

The entire southern Åre mountain range has fishing waters accessible via government fishing permits. Since these spots are rarely located near roads, those who long for peace and solitude will find plenty of space.

In the waters around Åre, a variety of fish bite: perch, pike, whitefish, grayling, and of course, trout and char. The average weight of the trout is half a kilo, and the best chance for big fish is in August when the trout migrate upstream to spawn. During this time, the tip is to fish with microscopic dry flies or large streamers.

From mid-May to midsummer, there is also an opportunity to fish for large trout as the spawning of the stickleback lures the trout to follow. Another chance arises through streamer fishing before the dry fly season starts. The rock hatching continues the week after midsummer and up to a month after, but it can vary depending on temperature shifts.

Fishing Tips from Fjällsport in Duved

In the Åre area, anglers gather at the Fjällsport shop in the center of Duved. Here you can find equipment, secret fishing tips, the option to book a fishing guide, and opportunities for fishing courses.

Max Olofsson, owner of Fjällsport in Duved, has fished in Åre waters his whole life. He says that you can have good fishing year-round, but if you fish aimlessly, you’ll catch mostly small fish.

“Larger fish always stand at feeding spots – they’re just harder to catch” – Max, owner of Fjällsport in Duved.

What do fish bite on in Åre’s mountain waters?

The most common question at Fjällsport is what fish are biting on. The answer is always, “It depends.” Fly fishing or spinning? Where are the insects in their life cycle? If nothing’s happening on the surface, the recommendation is always to use streamers and fish imitations. But Max also shares specific tips:

“Up here, fish bite on midge, large Danicas, and black-red zonkers. For spinning, it’s small spinners, copper spoons, and spinners. Regardless of your preferred fishing method, you should vary color, shape, weight, and size,” recommends Max.

Fjällsport’s tips for nearby fishing waters

Catch & release: Recommendations in Åre

For those fishing according to the catch and release principle in waters around Åre, the minimum size is 25-30 cm. There is no official maximum size that requires you to release the fish, but Max recommends releasing all fish over 2 kg to maintain healthy and sustainable populations.

Handle the fish gently and avoid overfighting it. This is especially important when the water temperature is high. When a fish is fought, it fights for its life and can become exhausted. Keep the fish in the water and allow it to calm down before releasing it. If fish are overexerted, they can suffer from lactic acid buildup, which can lead to death. By letting the fish recover in the water for oxygenation before releasing it, you avoid the risk of it dying from exhaustion.

Avoid lifting the fish above the water surface more than necessary, and if you need to touch it, do so with wet hands. This prevents damage to the fish’s slime coating, which is crucial for protection against diseases and infections.

If you need to handle the fish above water, be careful with how you hold it. Large fish over 2 kg rely on water pressure to support their bodies, and in the air, there’s nothing supporting their belly. Place one arm under the fish’s body and ensure the fish gets back into the water properly before you release it.