Gotland Coast

Gotland, Sweden · Saltwater · Intermediate

A limestone island in the middle of the Baltic with hundreds of kilometres of wadeable coastline. Sea trout fishing here is excellent through the cold months when the mainland freezes.

Getting there & access

  • Fish from: land-based or boat

Lansstyrelsen Gotland (the county administrative board) states that fishing with hand-held tackle is free along the sea coast, but permission is needed in streams and most other inland waters. Sea trout are protected from 1 September to 31 January in 25 protected areas at 34 streams, and from 2025 the protection also applies within the watercourses, not just the mouths. Pike and perch are protected in the coastal waters out to four nautical miles around the whole of Gotland from 1 March to 31 May. Check the county board's current rules and protected-area maps before fishing.

Access information source

Species

  • sea trout
  • northern pike
  • perch

Best times to fish

  • Sea trout (Oct-May)
  • Onshore wind and broken water
  • Mild winter days

Recommended gear

Essential

  • 9-10ft spin rod or 7-weight fly rod
  • Coastal spoons and shrimp flies
  • Breathable waders
  • Polarized sunglasses

Optional

  • Line basket
  • Wading staff
  • Thermal layers

Regulations and requirements

  • Rod fishing in saltwater is free and needs no licence
  • Sea trout minimum size applies and coloured fish must be released
  • Sea trout are protected from 1 September to 31 January in protected areas at Gotland streams, including within the watercourses themselves — check the county board map
  • Pike and perch are protected in Gotland coastal waters (out to 4 nautical miles) from 1 March to 31 May

Rules change regularly — always confirm with the relevant fisheries authority before you fish.

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