Info

What's a fishing permit?

Fishing rights in Sweden's lakes and rivers are individually owned and belongs to the land/property owner. In order to fish, a fishing permit is required. A fishing permit is a personal agreement between you and the owner of the fishing rights which entitle you to fish for a limited period of time in a certain area of water. Unless otherwise indicated, a fishing permit is required to identify yourself. In Vänern, Vättern, Mälaren, Hjälmaren and Storsjön in Jämtland no fishing permit is required. Unlike hunting, no general "fishing license" or other certification is required to practice sport fishing.

Laws and regulations related to illegal fishing

The Swedish "Everyman's right" ("Allemansrätt") does not include fishing, fishing rights in private waters belongs to the property owner. To fish in lakes and rivers, one has to get hold on a fishing license for the relevant fishing waters. Each and every person is also required to know the rules that applies in the water that you want to fish in.

About Swedish fishing conversation organisations (FVO)

There are about 2 000 fishing areas, also known as FVO, in Sweden. Most have been formed since 1981, when a new law was adapted to fisheries management. This form of managment has been very succesfull in lakes and streams. The fishing area is managed by a Fishery Conservation Association. The area is the geographical unit. The association consists of all owners of fishing in the area. The fishing grounds are rural and agricultural properties of a third resource, the forest and cultivated land.