Sea trout on Gotland: the spring, autumn and winter seasons

Leende sportfiskare knÀböjer i vattnet och visar upp en havsöring pÄ Gotland

Emil Randemo |

Gotland is one of Sweden's best-known destinations for sea trout. The island has approximately 800 kilometres of coastline with cliffs, seaweed beds, shallow flats, reefs and depth edges, and sea trout move along much of it for most of the year. But the fishing varies greatly depending on when you visit. We fish year-round, focusing on the periods when sea trout are most active close to shore.

The trip at a glance

  • Destination: the coast of Gotland, with accommodation at Scandic Visby
  • Season: year-round, focusing on spring, autumn and winter
  • Species: sea trout
  • Method: fly fishing or spin fishing, wading from shore with a guide
  • Food: breakfast buffet and outdoor lunch cooked on a Muurikka by the sea
  • Travel: ferry from NynĂ€shamn or Oskarshamn, or flight
Smiling sport anglers holding a silver-bright sea trout by the reeds on Gotland
Bright sea trout from the coast of Gotland.

Spring, March to mid-May

Spring is the high season. The days grow longer, the water slowly warms up, and both the trout and their prey become active. The fish spread out along the coast and hunt over shallow areas, seaweed beds and depth edges. This is the period when the chance of several contacts during a day is usually greatest.

Autumn, October to December

In autumn, we fish for bright sea trout that are not participating in spawning, but instead chase baitfish along edges and structures. Some areas are protected during the spawning period, and the guides ensure that you fish permitted and productive stretches. While the water is still relatively mild, we often stay close to deeper areas where the trout seek food. Autumn often offers consistent fishing and powerful fish.

Winter, January and February

Winter fishing is more technical, but it can be very rewarding. Sea trout then move very shallow and close to shore, and the days are short. The weather can be challenging, with cold and wind - something many experienced coastal anglers appreciate.

What about summer?

Fishing is possible all year round, but sea trout fishing is more limited in summer. That is why we focus on spring, autumn and winter.

Silhouette of a sport angler casting into the sea at sunset on Gotland
The wind determines where the fish are holding.

The wind determines the day

Gotland's weather is strongly influenced by the Baltic Sea. The wind determines the waves, water movements and where the fish are holding, and conditions can change quickly. That is why you fish on the move and change stretches of coastline according to the conditions each day. The guides monitor the weather and wind and choose the locations each morning. Bring warm and waterproof clothing; even a sunny spring day can feel cold by the water.

What a trip is like

You take the ferry from NynÀshamn or Oskarshamn, or fly, and stay at Scandic Visby, with a sauna, jacuzzi and outdoor pool. The fishing days are guided and take place while wading from shore, with a breakfast buffet at the hotel and an outdoor lunch cooked on a Muurikka by the sea. You choose dinner yourself from among Visby's restaurants.

Flies, lines and lures for coastal fishing have their own guide to fly and spin fishing on Gotland.

Interested in sea trout fishing on Gotland?

We tailor the trip to your dates, number of fishing days and group.

Fly fishing on Gotland

Spin fishing on Gotland

Frequently asked questions about sea trout fishing on Gotland

When is the best time?

Spring, from March to mid-May, is the peak season. Autumn and winter also offer good fishing, with different characteristics.

Are there protected areas?

Yes, some areas are protected during the spawning season in autumn. The guides make sure you fish in permitted areas.

What is the weather like?

The wind from the Baltic Sea has a major influence. Spring and autumn are often cool with fresh winds, so bring warm and waterproof clothing.

Questions about the trip?

We are happy to help with arrangements and questions about the fishing. Call us at +46 313 758 200 or email info@outsidetravels.com.

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