Fishing
Göta River - the largest river in Sweden - was once renowned for wild nature, dramatic falls and rapids, and not least for the gigantic salmons and large trouts. Unfortunately, the extensive expansion of hydropower and boat traffic during the 1900s led to significant change in the river environment. However, the area still offers great natural value and good fishing. The water is of good quality and easy to access.
Fishing in Northern Göta River
The northern part of the river extends from the power station in Vargön down to the Strömkarl bridge - Malgö bridge and Klaffbridge in Trollhättan to the south.
In the river you can find pike, perch and large adult lake trout. Pike and perch stay in the slow flowing sections while trout are mainly found around Vargön and along Stallbacka in Trollhättan. Eels and burbot can be found along the entire area and in the vegetationbelts at Karlsberg large quantities of carp thrive.
The northern part of the river also includes Karls grav between Gropbridge in Vänersborg and Brinkebergskulle. A 5 km long channel that is mainly used in competition angling.
Fishing license
Week and Day cards are available at the Tourist information Offices in Trollhättan and Vänersborg as well as Fiskeshopen in central Trollhättan. Day card is 60 SEK and Week card is 120 SEK
Rules
Spinning, angling, jig, fly and pulling after boat - except as described below. Maximum 10 tip up fishing device per angler. Minimum dimensions: Salmon 50 cm, Trout 45 cm.
Exclusions
Trolling and fishing with running engine is prohibited in the currents around Vargön in the Göta river. The prohibition appiles between Vargön power station and Bastån, where the border is formed by an imaginary line across the river starting from Bastån estuary by the rental boats.
Fishing from a boat or on the ice is not allowed in Karls grav. Fishing is forbidden from bridges in Trollhättan, the drawbridge in Vänersborg, Brinkebergskulle locks and from Vargön power station.
Rental boat
A boat is available at the clubhouse at Överby. Contact Fiskehopen in Trollhättan.
Accessibility
The majority of the area is easiest to access from a boat. Good opportunities for fishing from land are available at the western side of the Vargön currents, at Brinkebergskulle, Sundsberget, Karlsberg, Knorren and central Trollhättan as well as in Karls grav.
WARNING The river is trafficked by commercial shipping. These ships are big and are quick, creating violent waves, especially along the beaches. During cold winters some parts of the river are covered with ice but due to strong currents they are very treacherous to tread.
Fishing in Southern Göta River
The southern part of the Göta river starts from the suspension bridge in Älvrummet, Trollhättan and ends at Holm bridge, the southern lock in Trollhättan.
In the area from the suspension bridge, past Saltet, Rundkajen and the Lock area has pike, perch, burbot, eel and various carps. In addition the stream gives the chance for salmon and sea trout during the late summer and autumn.
Fishing license
Week and Day cards are available at the Tourist information Offices in Trollhättan and Vänersborg as well as Fiskeshopen in central Trollhättan. Day card is 60 SEK and Week card is 120 SEK.
Rules
Spinning, angling, jig, fly and pulling after boat. NOTE! No tip up fishing device per angler. Minimum dimensions: Salmon 50 cm, Trout 45 cm. Closed season 15 October - 31 March
Limits
North border: Suspension bridge in Älvrummet
South border: Holmebryggan south locks
Salmon Fishing in Trollhättan
In Trollhättan it is easy to catch salmon not far from the Trollhättan city centre. During the fishing season between April 1 - October 14 you can try your luck between the Oscarsbridge and suspension bridge beyond Olidan powerstation.
Fishing times
April 1 - August 31: 5:00am - 11pm
September 1 - October 14: 5:00am - 9.00pm
Fishing rules
● Age limit: 16 years
● Life vest has to be worn
● Braided lines and gaff not allowed
● Maximum allowed hook size between tip and handle: single hook: 15mm, double and triple hook: 10mm.
● Snagged fish is to be immediately returned to the water.
● The fish cannot be sold.
● The fishing permit is personal and should always be brought along and shown upon request.
● Fishing should not be done from only one place –the fisher has to give room to other fishers.
● Minimum size: Salmon: 50 cm. Trout 45 cm. Pike-perch 45 cm.
● A maximum of two salmon-like fish per day.
● Only one hand-held fishing-rod permitted.
● Directions given by fishing guards and by Vattenfall’s staff has to be followed.
Reporting of any catch is mandatory for all kinds of salmon as well as pike-perch. A report has to be made to Fiskeshopen at the latest 48 hours after the fish has been caught. Please indicate species, length, method, bait, adipose fin yes/no and date of catch.
Sale of Fishing Permits and Reporting
Fiskeshopen
Storgatan 29
461 30 Trollhättan
Tel: +46 520 361 15
