Fishing in Luleå archipelago
Discover the magic of sport fishing in the Luleå Archipelago, a unique part of the magnificent Gulf of Bothnia archipelago – a brackish sea stretching from Skellefteå in the south to Haparanda on the Finnish border. Here, among 1 312 islands, islets and skerries, a diverse fishing experience awaits, with species such as pike, perch, whitefish and sea trout. Whether you’re casting your line for the first time from a quiet jetty, chasing a big catch by boat in the outer archipelago, or trying ice fishing in winter, the archipelago offers unforgettable experiences for everyone.
The Luleå archipelago is where the beauty of nature meets rich cultural heritage. With its 1 312 islands, the area is constantly changing – land uplift increases the total area of the islands by over 2 km2 per year. In fact, in 1649, the town of Luleå was moved from Gammelstads kyrkstad to its current location precisely because of land uplift.
The Luleå archipelago is accessible all year round. In summer, daily tour boat services take you out into the archipelago and in winter, when the ice covers the sea, plowed ice roads lead out to some of the larger islands. The area is known for its ports and harbours, tourism and commercial fishing.
The one hundred or so residents on Hindersön, Sandön, Junkön, Stor-Brändön and Långön in particular help the archipelago to feel properly alive. You’ll find a mix of tradition and modernity here, with the nature of the archipelago interspersed with historic chapels, charming cottages and lively guest harbours.
Luleå archipelago offers many opportunities for varied sport fishing. The waters off the mouth of the Råneälven river are a great place to catch pike. Out around Småskär you’ll find countless reefs and bays teeming with life – perfect for perch, pike, grayling and ide pike.
What is sport fishing?
Sport fishing refers to recreational fishing that you do with a rod that you hold in your hand. Examples of sport fishing include float fishing, spin fishing, jigging and fly fishing.
Sport fishing is something you do for fun and for your own consumption. It is as much about enjoying the moment as catching fish.
No license needed in the Bothnian Bay
Fishing with rod and line along the Swedish coast is basically free. Unlike fishing in lakes and rivers, you don’t need to buy a fishing licence or ask permission from a landowner. This type of fishing along the coast is open to both Swedish and foreign nationals and applies to all fish species except salmon.
Regulations for sport fishing along the coast
However, you can’t fish wherever and however you want. It’s your responsibility as an angler to find out what rules apply in the location where you intend to fish.
The rules are there to protect stocks but also to ensure that they can continue to be fished. We all need to follow the rules so that future generations can catch a fish and enjoy a thriving ecosystem.
For coastal grayling and sea trout, rules apply on minimum sizes and closed seasons. And if you manage to catch a salmon, you most likely have to immediately release it back into the water.
Minimum size limits
Grayling: 35 cm (It is also recommended that grayling longer than 45 centimeters are released back into the water)
Sea trout: 50 cm
Closed seasons
Grayling: 15 Apri – 31 May
Sea trout: 1 October – 31 December
Read more about the rules that apply: Fishing rules for recreational fishing - Fishing and trade - Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management.
Sidan uppdaterades den 24 april 2026