Fishing on Bornholm: a guide to sea trout, salmon and garfish
Bornholm is one of the best places in Denmark to fish from the shore. The rocky coast has deep water close to land, with reefs, stones and seaweed where sea trout find food for most of the year. Here is our guide to what you can catch, when and where – and which rules apply.
Klippen Hotel is in Gudhjem in the middle of the north coast, and several of the good spots are within walking distance or a few minutes' drive from the hotel.
What can you catch on Bornholm?
Sea trout – the island's big fish. It is caught from the shore with spinners, spoons or flies for most of the year.
Salmon – Baltic salmon are caught by trolling from a boat further out. Only adipose-clipped salmon may be taken home, a maximum of one per person per day.
Garfish – come in to the coast in spring, typically in May, and offer great sport on light tackle.
Herring – run into the harbours in spring and are caught on herring rigs.
Flatfish – flounder and other flatfish from piers and sandy beaches.
Cod – recreational anglers are not allowed to fish for cod in the Baltic Sea. If you catch one, it must be released.
When is the best time to fish?
March–May: The spring season for sea trout. The fish are bright and in good condition, and it is the most popular time to fish on Bornholm.
May: The garfish arrive along the coast.
Summer: Fish early in the morning, late in the evening and at night, when the water is coolest.
Autumn and winter: Fish are caught then too, but coloured sea trout are protected in salt water around Bornholm from 15 September to the end of February. Only fully bright fish may be taken home during that period.
Good fishing spots near Gudhjem
Gudhjem harbour and the coast by the town – right outside the door.
Salene Bugt – approx. 1 km north-west of Gudhjem. A varied coast with reef edges and stones.
Melsted – approx. 2 km south-east of Gudhjem.
Helligdomsklipperne – approx. 4 km north-west. Deep water and a stony bottom, known for big sea trout.
Saltuna – approx. 5 km south-east. Note the protected zone at Kelse Å.
Other well-known spots on the island are Hvide Odde and Levka near Rønne and Hasle, Bro Odde near Snogebæk and Sommerodde on the south coast.
Rules you need to know
Fishing licence: If you are between 18 and 65, you need a Danish fishing licence (fisketegn). Buy it at fisketegn.dk.
Minimum size: Sea trout must be at least 40 cm.
A maximum of 3 sea trout per day per person or per boat around Bornholm and Ertholmene.
Closed season: Coloured sea trout are protected from 15 September to the end of February and must be released immediately and gently.
Protected zones: At river mouths there are protected zones where fishing is not allowed for parts of the year. Check the map before fishing near a stream.
Cod and salmon: Cod may not be fished in the Baltic Sea. You may take home one adipose-clipped salmon per day. Catches of salmon and cod must be reported in the RecFishing app.
Rules can change, so always check the Danish Fisheries Agency's page on minimum sizes and closed seasons before your trip.
Tips for shore fishing
Bring waders and polarised glasses. The glasses make it easier to see stones, seaweed and holes in the bottom.
A coastal spoon or spinner of 15–25 grams is a good starting point. Fly fishing works well in calm weather.
Fish along reef edges, stones and bladderwrack, and move around rather than staying in the same spot all day.
A bit of onshore wind and waves is often good for fishing.
Stay in Gudhjem on your fishing trip
Klippen Hotel has a sea trout package from March to May 2027 with accommodation, early breakfast, a packed lunch and a 2-course dinner in the evening. 2 nights cost from DKK 2,195 per person and 3 nights from DKK 3,195 per person in a shared double room. We have a cleaning station and a freezer for your catch – and cold beer in the bar when you come in from the coast.
Ready to book? Book your stay in Gudhjem
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