Scientific name
Salmo salar
Swedish name
Lax
Maximum length
up to 150 cm
Maximum weight
up to 40 kg
Spawning
Oktober–Januar über Kies in Flüssen
Swedish record
28,7 kg (Meer, 1992) · 20,4 kg (Vänern, 1997)

Technique in brief

In rivers, fly fishing with a double-handed rod and spin fishing with a spoon or wobbler are the standard methods. On Vänern, trolling with downriggers and planer boards predominates. The timing of the upstream run determines success more than any choice of lure — high water after rain gets the fish moving.

Tackle

Double-handed rod class 8–10 for the large rivers, with a spinning rod rated for a casting weight of 20–60 g as an alternative. When trolling on Vänern, a downrigger, echo sounder and large landing net are part of the basic equipment.

Handling the catch

Salmon from wild stocks are the most vulnerable part of the system. Keep the fight short, unhook the fish in the water, take no photographs with the fish in the air and release it carefully facing into the current — release is often mandatory for protected stocks.

Season by country

  1. Jan Quiet
  2. Feb Quiet
  3. Mar Good
  4. Apr Good
  5. May Good
  6. Jun Prime time
  7. Jul Prime time
  8. Aug Good
  9. Sep Quiet
  10. Oct Quiet
  11. Nov Quiet
  12. Dec Quiet

Prime time · Good · Quiet

The calendar shows bite windows, not closed seasons. Binding closed seasons and minimum sizes are set by the individual water and appear on its page.

Where in Scandinavia

Official sources

Checked: 04.08.2026

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to fish for salmon in Sweden?

For the rivers of northern Sweden, June and July, when the run is under way. On Vänern, the strongest trolling period is in spring from March to May.

Must I report salmon catches?

In many rivers, yes. Mandatory reporting, catch windows and the distinction between tagged stocked salmon and wild fish are regulated for each water and change seasonally.

What is the Vänern salmon?

A freshwater salmon that spends its entire life cycle in Vänern and its tributaries. The stocks from Gullspång and Klarälven are genetically distinct and particularly worthy of protection.