Fishing spots
Fishing guide
Associations and water care
Information and rules
Explore Denmark
© Mette Johnsen
This is where the west wind roams foremost and hardest, but also where anglers make their dreams come true if they dare face it. Today, catching salmon in West Jutland is not an impossible dream. And the fishing is world class. This dream is achievable for everyone who has a fishing license. The three most prominent salmon rivers: Varde Å, Skjern Å, and Storåen can be visited by anyone who has the courage to face the wind and the ultimate prey. The fishing is commonly known as being difficult. And it’s true that you have to prepare yourself from home, but in spite of this, many first-timers get a trip of their dreams. Salmon are capricious and don’t care if you’re new or seasoned.
In the broad river valleys farthest to the west, you are quite exposed to the elements, but it is also here, close to the horizon, that your dreams can roam freely. And if the wind threatens to blow them away, there is an answer for it. Go to one of the many lesser river runs. Here you will find peace and fewer people. You will also find ample opportunity for adventure and explore the other species of the river. Why not try your luck at a lovely perch, pike, dace, grayling, or maybe a brown trout?
If the wind is westward bound and the sun is hot, you can try your luck in the other direction: toward the West Coast. In spring and late summer, the chances for turbot along the southern beaches of Esbjerg are good. And flounder and dab are within casting reach most of the summer and fall.
Don’t forget the herring. Upon its arrival, celebration breaks out on the piers featuring cheap and wonderful food for everyone. Hvide Sande is a good point of departure, but the piers at Thorsminde and Thyborøn are silvery during spring too. As extra garnish on the springtime buffet is the garfish, which is also within casting reach.
In late summer, it can be a hard choice between the rivers and the West Coast. At this point, the rivers are booming with salmon and sea trout, but the mackerel has arrived as well. The choice is yet again decided by the wind. If it’s strong and eastward bound, the salmon migrate, but if the wind is lukewarm and westward bound, it’s time for shorts, pier hopping, and mackerel bonanza. If you’re lucky, you’ll run into one of the more rare guests: the sea bass. It arrives in national waters late in the season and both hunts and is hunted near the groynes.
At Skjern Å lies the the House of the Salmon, a house filled with knowledge pertaining to the salmon, salmon fishing, and anglers who are searching for the latest fishing stories. Read more about the House of the Salmon, opening hours, and more at https://www.riverfisher.dk/skjern-aa/laksens-hus/
Fiskeriets Hus (the House of Fishing) is a local history museum with both fresh water and salt water aquariums. The house tells the story of Holmsland Klit in the past, present, and future.
The West Coast is an obvious choice for an angling vacation combined with some of the many other exciting experiences by land and water.
Along the entire West Coast from south to north, you’ll find urban culture as well as outdoor experiences in stunning nature. There is a multitude of accommodations in holiday homes, camping grounds, and shelters. The West Coast is especially known for its many holiday homes, the type of accommodation which is often the most practical, and during angling season you can find great deals compared to the summer season.
Along the many western watercourses you can find free shelters – notice that these often need to be booked beforehand. Many angling associations have cottages and shelters for free use if you are a member.
