Fishing in Denmark: What you need to know before planning your next fishing vacation

Overview:
1. Fishing in Denmark
2. Sea Fishing in Denmark
3. What fishing license do I need in Denmark?
4. Fishing in Denmark - North Sea
5. Fishing in Denmark at Trout Lakes
6. Fishing Vacation in Denmark by the Lake with a Boat
7. Fishing in Denmark Without a Fishing License

Embarking on a fishing vacation in Denmark offers anglers a diverse and fulfilling experience that caters to almost every angler's vacation desires. Denmark is well-developed for tourists, providing accommodation options ranging from hotels, Airbnbs, and vacation rentals to freestanding caravans at campsites. For angling enthusiasts, this abundance of choices may pose a delightful dilemma. With Denmark's coastal proximity, many accommodations are just a stone's throw away from the water, whether it be the sea or the Baltic Sea, offering ample fishing opportunities.

Denmark boasts numerous rivers and lakes, each featuring robust fish populations, but with significantly lower fishing pressure compared to Germany. Many anglers opt to rent boats, providing them access to prime fishing spots and the opportunity to explore these locations from a unique perspective. Fortunately, Denmark has a plethora of boat rental providers, and the best part is there is no restriction on horsepower. To delve deeper into the subject, including information on boat licenses and rental details, refer to this comprehensive guide. 

Fishing in Denmark

Denmark, from an angler's perspective, caters to virtually every fishing preference. Anglers can choose to fish along the North Sea or the Baltic Sea coastlines, explore lakes, small streams, rivers, and indulge in trout fishing in designated lakes, also known as "put and take" lakes. Over the years, put and take fishing has gained popularity among both German and Danish vacation anglers.

The North Sea in Denmark offers excellent opportunities to catch various species such as turbot, plaice, flounder, dab, mackerel, herring, salmon, cod, and even sea bass. For some of these species, having a boat is essential. On the stunning Baltic Sea coast, anglers can primarily target sea trout, flatfish, herring, mackerel, and garfish. Dorsal fishing in the Baltic Sea has become challenging due to decreased stocks, and there's a daily catch limit of one cod. However, salmon can still be caught from a boat in the Baltic Sea.

Denmark's rivers and streams provide fantastic experiences for trout fishing, along with healthy populations of perch and pike. Popular choices include fishing in salmon and sea trout migration rivers, with the Skjern A River in West Denmark being a preferred spot for salmon fishing. For details on fishing licenses, refer to this overview. 

Sea Fishing in Denmark

When it comes to sea fishing in Denmark, a crucial distinction must be made between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. However, both fishing grounds share a common challenge: if you're here for the first time, catching a fish can be quite a task. Let's delve into the challenging conditions that may prevail and discuss some tips and tricks to keep in mind.

Fishing at the North Sea

The most decisive factor for fishing in the North Sea in Denmark is the tide. The strong fluctuations of ebb and flow in the North Sea, especially in shallow beach areas, can cause the water to be several hundred meters further out during low tide than during high tide. This can completely alter the fishing spot you had planned for flatfish angling. Waves break differently, water turbidity may increase or decrease, and the fish locations change. We are specifically talking about fishing on the sandy beach. This also affects fishing for mackerel, herring, and sea bass.

Typically, you'll fish for these species in deeper areas such as locks, stone piers, harbor entrances, etc. At these locations, especially at stone piers, it can be challenging to fish during low tide. Since you are fishing from the top of the stone pier, you'll need a very long telescopic net if you can't climb well on slippery stones to land the fish. In this case, it's advisable to come at high tide and fish during the outgoing water. A good website to check the water level is this one.

Baltic Sea

In contrast to the North Sea, the Baltic Sea has a significantly lower impact of the tide on the water level. However, the tide still influences the fish's biting behavior. Nevertheless, the tide's impact on accessing hotspots in the Baltic Sea is negligible.

When it comes to sea trout fishing, it seems that the tide affects the fish's feeding behavior. But opinions differ on the best time to fish. Some swear by sea trout fishing during outgoing water, others prefer incoming water, and some only venture out during a "water change." This refers to the times just before and after the low or high tide. The fact is, we have caught fish under all conditions based on our own experiences and cannot derive a clear pattern. Generally, it can be said that fishing during the low or high tide is not recommended. As long as there is movement in the water, you are well-positioned.

What fishing license do I need in Denmark?

Unlike in Germany, there's no need for an angler to pass an exam to fish in Denmark. However, a "Sportfischer Lizenz" or sports fishing license is required, both for fishing in the sea and most freshwater bodies. This license can be conveniently purchased online, costing 185 Danish Kroner, equivalent to approximately 24.60€ as of May 2023. What's more, the license can be stored digitally on your phone, making it easy to present when needed. 

Fishing in Denmark - North Sea

The North Sea along Denmark's coastline is a popular destination not only for angling tourists but also for conventional holidaymakers seeking sun and sand. The Nordseeküste offers a diverse range of target fish and environments. Long sandy beaches are perfect for both family beach days and flatfish angling. Sluices, such as those in Hvide Sande, provide opportunities for herring fishing, and later in the summer, mackerel can also be targeted. Boat trips for cod or even salmon are viable options, and some harbor stone piers, like in Hanstholm Havn, are excellent for angling for sea bass. The North Sea's fish stocks are relatively good. The "Sportfischerlizenz" mentioned earlier is sufficient as an angling permit for the North Sea. 

Fishing in Denmark at Trout Lakes

While traveling through Denmark, you'll notice signs with a white fish on a blue background along numerous roads. These signs point to "Put & Take" lakes, a prevalent feature in Denmark known as trout lakes. Angling in these lakes has become a kind of national pastime, attracting a diverse audience, from seasoned anglers with high-end tackle to absolute beginners and families with children.

Danish trout lakes, compared to their German counterparts, tend to stock larger fish. Moreover, these lakes are often surrounded by picturesque landscapes typical of Denmark. Fishing at these lakes generally involves paying for each fishing rod and the duration of fishing. Anglers are allowed to keep everything they catch during that time.

For optimal angling at Danish trout lakes, consider fishing during stocking times when new fish are introduced. This period, particularly during the early morning and evening hours in the warmer months (April or May onwards), triggers feeding frenzies or aggression bites among the trout. Information about stocking times is usually available on the websites of the trout lakes. Keep in mind that not all lakes receive daily fish stockings, so it's advisable to check and, if necessary, inquire about stocking schedules via phone. 

Fishing Vacation in Denmark by the Lake with a Boat

Denmark boasts numerous small and charming lakes, offering plenty of overnight options, whether camping with a tent, staying in a caravan, or renting a vacation home. Many of these locations also provide the opportunity to rent a boat, allowing anglers to fish the lake from the water rather than the shore. Fishing from a boat is significantly more effective, and a boat excursion often enhances the overall vacation experience. Many guides in Denmark offer guided fishing tours with boats. If you're planning an angling vacation directly by a lake with a boat, consider exploring options provided by DanCenter. This company offers ample accommodation directly by the water. If, despite having a boat in Denmark, you find yourself struggling to catch fish, it's recommended to book an angling guide at the beginning of your vacation. A guide can provide detailed insights into where and how to catch fish in your vacation region, ensuring you're well-equipped with information and locations to explore on your own for the rest of your holiday. 

Fishing in Denmark Without a Fishing License

As mentioned earlier for sea fishing, a "Sportfischerlinzenz" is required in Denmark, not just for the sea but also for most freshwater bodies. However, a full angler's license or a completed German angling exam is often not necessary. It's worth noting that certain freshwater areas, especially popular salmon and trout rivers or urban areas like Silkeborg, may require special licenses, known as "Sonderlizenzen." Unfortunately, there isn't a comprehensive list of these special licenses available, but they can be reliably found through a Google search in Denmark.

 If in doubt, seeking information at a local angling shop or tourist information center is advisable, ensuring you're always on the safe side.