Fishing on Bornholm

For centuries, fishing has been the second-largest industry on Bornholm after agriculture. Cod is the dominant catch, but Bornholm is also famous for the special light Baltic Sea Salmon that is reckoned to be the best in the world.

The largest fishing port on the island is Nexø, characterised by the fishing industry. The people of Bornholm have adapted to the very varied fishing conditions by concentrating on fish processing. For example, a single Bornholm company supplies fish portions for the entire European market of American burger giant McDonald's.

The many picturesque smokehouses are visible signs of the importance of fishing to the people of Bornholm. Tourists are welcome at the quay when the fishing vessels come home to unload their catches of cod, salmon and flatfish. It is exciting to see what the Baltic Sea contains, as well as getting fresh fish on the dinner table at a reasonable price.

On Bornholm, the angling possibilities are endless. Coast, sea, lakes and marshes. All familiar angling techniques can be employed, and there are fish here all year round. The water is clean everywhere.

To fish in public waters, an angling licence is required. This is issued by the Ministry of Food, Fisheries and Agriculture and costs DKK 100 for a whole year. Those aged under 18 or over 67 do not require a permit. Angling cards can be purchased from the tourist information office or at post offices. Angling passes are required for a number of Bornholm lakes. Further information can be found in the "Bornholm Angling Guide" (Bornholm Visitor Centre, DKK 49.00 plus postage).
Good fishing can be enjoyed from the cliffs, from boats, with waders, in trolling boats and at sea. Sea trout, salmon, cod, garfish, flatfish, eel and herring can be caught from the coast and offshore. There is a multitude of lakes, marshes, rivers and put-and-take lakes inland on the island. In these, pike, rainbow trout, river trout, eel, zander, tench, perch and roach can be caught.