Private and public waters
All waters in Sweden are either privately owned or public. Fishing rights in private waters, such as lakes and fishing grounds in the archipelago belong to the property owner. Fishing rights in public waters, such as the outer archipelago and open sea, belong to the State which in turn permits private individuals to fish these waters. Several of the largest lakes also have areas that are public waters and/or free-fishing waters (bought from the property owner by the State).

Lake Mälaren has private waters as well as free-fishing waters that include the major fjords, Norra and Södra Björkfjärden, Prästfjärden and Hovgårdsfjärden. Free-fishing waters are subject to the same general rules as public waters.

Fishing permit
Contact the local tourist agency in the area where you plan to fish for information about which lakes require a permit and where the permit can be purchased. Certain fishing permits can be purchased at the local tourist agency.

The right to fish in public waters
All Swedish and foreign citizens living in Sweden are entitled to fish using six moveable gear, though some exceptions do apply.
All Swedish and foreign citizens living in Sweden are entitled to fish using six moveable gear, though some exceptions do apply.

The right to fish in private waters
Only the holder of the fishing rights or persons granted permission by the rights holder (through a fishing permit, for instance) may fish in private waters.

The public right to fish in public waters
Fishing is permitted with hand-held gear in private waters in the archipelago and the major lakes, which includes Lake Mälaren and Lake Hjälmaren. Everyone is allowed to use a fishing pole, spinning rod and similar tools with line and maximum ten hooks. Fishing methods like angling or those requiring the use of a boat like dragging or trolling are not permitted.

The public right to fish in private waters
Fishing is permitted with hand-held gear in private waters in the archipelago and the major lakes, which includes Lake Mälaren and Lake Hjälmaren. Everyone is allowed to use a fishing pole, spinning rod and similar gear with line and maximum ten hooks. Fishing methods like angling or those requiring the use of a boat like dragging or trolling are not permitted.

When fishing with hand-held gear you must stand at least 100 m from stationary fishing equipment or water work sites.

• Sport fishing is done using hand-held gear such as rods or lines with a maximum of ten hooks. Avoid using lead sinkers or trolling spoons.
• Fish have sensitive skin that damages easily. Always moisten your hands before touching the fish if you plan to unhook and release the fish.
• Do not keep fish that are in poor condition. Sports fishermen do not sell their catch and do not leave dead fish out in nature. Avoid keeping spawn fish, particularly salmon trout and pike which are popular species.
• All fishing grounds have their own rules. It is up to you to find out what local rules apply. Do not chance it. The country administrative board has contracted local overseers to enforce the rules.

The boundary between private and public waters is determined by:
1. The kilometre rule: Private waters are those not connected to the open seas via a sound exceeding 1 km measured from land or an island that is at least 100 m long.
2. Shoreline water rule: Private waters are those 300 m from land or an island that is at least 100 m long. However, in cases where shoreline water is very shallow, the boundary for public waters begin at the point where the total depth measured from land is three metres should this point be beyond the 300 m limit.
3. Enclave rule: If the waters are surrounded by private waters as defined in rules 1 and 2, then also the surrounded waters are private waters. The Fishing Act consists of basic fishing regulations that are determined by how Sweden’s waters are divided into private and public areas.

What does the law say?
A summary of the Fishing Act (SFS 1993:787), fishing regulations, water works and fishing industry (SFS 1994:1716) and the National Board of Fisheries’ regulations for freshwater fishing (FIFS 1993:32).

– Mollusc and crayfish fishing are covered by the same rules that apply to fish.

– The moth and pearl mussels are protected species.

– Fishing with explosives, chemicals, electricity, firearms or equipment that impales fishes such as harpoons and fishing spears is forbidden.

– Remove all equipment that obstructs the natural pathway.

– Do not disturb others with your fishing and agree with other fishermen where to stand. First arrivals have first choice.

– You may not fish closer than 100 m from stationary fishing equipment and water work sites.

– You must have unconditional permission from the county administrative board to transfer, plant or cultivate fish.

– Do not spread parasitic mould that attacks crayfish. Signal crayfish and freshwater crayfish must not mix. Gear and other equipment that may have been in contact with signal crayfish must be disinfected when used in different lakes.

Four alternatives:

1. Dry until “bone dry".

2. Rinse in 70% alcohol, or methylated spirit mixed with water.

3. Boil for a minimum 5 minutes.

4. Freeze to a minimum -10°C for 24 hours.