Spring and autumn are considered the peak seasons on Zealand, but you can experience great fishing from coastal shores, harbours, boats and commercial skiffs throughout the year. You can fish for a number of different species, and the 2000 km of coastline offer varied wilderness experiences and scenery. Here you will experience anything from rocky coastal stretches with varying vegetation to towering limestone cliffs, which provide spectacular scenery while hunting that elusive trophy fish.
December – January – February
Fishing during the winter months should be practised in acknowledgement of the fact that the fish are less active and energetic than the remainder of the year. During the winter months, areas with low salinity levels, such as fjords, big lagoons and coastal spots in close proximity to estuaries, produce the best sea trout fishing. (Remember, however, that sea trout in spawning colours should be released immediately during the conservation period from 16 November to 15 January.)
In areas with deep water, you can also experience good fishing for flounder and cod. In this regard, a commercial charter boat, a rented boat or a trip to the local harbor or pier is recommended. Pike fishing is normally concentrated in shallow bays and lagoons.
March – April – May
During spring, things start to pick up along the open coastal shores. Sea trout become increasingly active and they now forage in the fjords and out to sea. Especially during the mornings and evenings, cod can be caught along coastal stretches bordering deep water, but it’s from a boat that you’re more likely to experience good, consistent cod fishing – usually in 5–20 m of water. Pike are protected during the period from 1 April to 15 May. Garfish arrive in great numbers in late April, but May is the peak season. Here, big schools of garfish show up to spawn, but they continue to feed nonetheless. May is also the peak season for trolling salmon in the Baltic Sea.
June – July – August
Fishing during the summer months is contingent on the general weather conditions – and especially the temperatures. Generally, the best fishing is during relatively cold/temperate summer periods. If the water temperature is high, fish during the early or late hours of the day and at night. In June there are still lots of garfish around, and by the end of the month mackerel start to show up along the drop-offs. From small boats and charter boats you can fish successfully for mackerel with spoons and wobblers. From the harbours and piers you can also catch mackerel in addition to flounder. Pike fishing can often prove difficult, but there’s always a chance of catching a fish during the morning hours.
September – October – November
Autumn marks the second peak season of the year. Garfish and mackerel can still be caught in areas with close proximity to drop-offs, before they are on their way back to their winter habitat. In the same areas, good cod fishing can be had. Sea trout fishing is typically quite stable along the open coastal shores and when the sea trout start to migrate towards the rivers, the fjords will also provide great fishing. Remember that the killing of coloured pre-spawn sea trout is prohibited, and that they should be released unharmed during the period from 16 November to 15 January. Pike fishing is superb at this time of year and great fishing can be had throughout the day. During this period, in the ocean, cod and flounder fishing is also very stable and good.
