Weather and fishing seasons in northern Sweden
Northern Sweden and what in common parlance is called Lapland is an immense area embracing a third of the country and many fishing waters. The fishing season is short, but intense. But during the long bright summer months there are few places in the world that can match northern fishing.
The northern parts of Sweden are quite different from the central and southern ones in that these are completely different latitudes. The whole fishing seasons is therefore compressed. When the warmth of spring arrives, nature absolutely explodes and the autumn months often grant the angler Indian summer all the way to October. To this must be added the midnight sun – in June, July and half of August it is light enough for fishing the night through. Sven and Anna are in full agreement. “It is often than you have the best chance to catch the giants and you can attach a new fly without turning your torch on, even at two in the morning!”
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The immense open spaces in northern Sweden can offer quick shifts in weather and wind –
handsome days under a clear blue sky are actually not unusual.
Many lakes in northern Sweden are still frozen over in June and the fishing season often begins with midsummer at the end of that month. During the first weeks the water levels primarily in running waters can be rather high and the fishing problematic as a result. Still, since the fish are active as soon as the water level and weather reach optimum, sportsmen who book early in season bear witness to good fishing in the right conditions.
“The first part of the season is a wonderful time,” says Anna. “Nature is just waking up and seemingly cannot be held back – the trees slowly green up, the water heats up and it’s wonderful to be alive!”
The Arctic Circle
Northern summer months can be wonderful with warm days and wondrous nights, but visitors must never forget the proximity of the Arctic Circle. The weather can change very quickly, especially in the alpine region. “Even if you’re here in July and August you should always bring some warm clothing,” says Sven. “If cold weather comes from the north, there is a risk for cold nights, sometimes even with frost in mid-summer.” But the change back can be just as quick and during a week’s fishing you can experience winter, spring, summer and autumn. “But that’s the charm of northern Sweden – taking the days as they come and living according to nature’s own pace.” When August passes to September, the autumn makes its entry on the northern scene. The trees turn yellow in preparation for yet another winter. Many trout waters are closed down in mid September, but grayling can be superb throughout the month.
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The grayling is sometimes called a sunshine fish and is the alpine fish many come to
northern Sweden to catch.
“Towards the end of the season there’s a chance you’ll catch the trout of your life,” thinks Anna. In Vindelälven River and many other larger waterways larger trout will move upstream in the rapid rivers and tributaries to reproduce, meeting sports fishermen on the way. Five kilo brown trout are caught every year – fantastic catches on only light equipment. Both Anna and Sven emphasize that “these are fishes you should return after the catch. They are on their way to reproduce and are an important part of the survival of the local stock.”
Prime autumn grayling fishing
“If trout isn’t your cup of tea, grayling is excellent throughout September,” reminds Anna. “Depending on the weather, of course!” Wonderful autumn days can turn to superfine experiences with grayling standing in running waters ready to rise for small, dark flies on a thin snood. But once we enter October, the season is mostly over. The nights turn cold and early snow is not unusual. “Up here the summer season is short,” concludes Anna, “but for that it’s also amazingly intense and productive. The long, bright nights help us manage the winter with bravado. But let’s not forget the excellent jig-fishing that’s at its best in late winter and early spring.”
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