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River
fishing in DENMARK
by Hans van Klinken
Denmark is the most southern of all Scandinavian countries. It
is almost completely surrounded by seas, which makes it very
interesting for fishermen. It's a peaceful land of farmers and
agriculture. My friend Mogens Espersen told me that for ages
the fishing gods have been very kind to the Danish people and
I belief it is true. In general fly-fishing in Denmark is not
easy but rewards can be enormously. At the eastern coast and
around the islands you have excellent saltwater fishing but it
is on the mainland (Jutland) where you will find some superb
river fishing for grayling. When you hit the right conditions
you really can awaken you're heard and soul. More than once I
had some awesome fishing but there were also times that only
the fish succeed. Grayling fishing in Denmark is special,
different and a real big challenge. If you only want to catch
loads of fish then you never should go there but if you really
want to enjoy your fly-fishing then I can highly recommend
it.
THE PRESENT
Because all the publicity about saltwater fishing, the
excellent river fishing fall into oblivion. Denmark is a real
fishing paradise in prosperity, especially for the decent fly
fisherman and the prospects are looking better every year.
Comparing with England and some other European countries the
fly fishing in Denmark is rather young but the Danes learned a
lot from others mistakes. Fishing clubs did a great job to
clean up their waters and the Danish F.F.F. made an enormous
contribution to popularize our great sport. Re-introduction of
salmon and sea trout seems a great success. They have returned
in many rivers and the new populations seem to grow every
year. Several farmers already take well care to keep a neutral
zone close to the river. Pollution has been severely
restricted all over the country and the bad times are really
over now. Today a good population of grayling and trout will
be found in the upper courses of many rivers, streams and
brooks. I believe when people are just fixed on saltwater
only; they miss a great opportunity. They will miss an extra
challenge, beautiful wetland sceneries and some great
fly-fishing. Fly fishing in the Danish rivers means piece,
quietness and a lot pleasure. Even at high season you always
find a wonderful and lonesome spot to wet your flies.
THE RIVERS, STREAMS AND TRIBUTARIES
 I like Denmark because I am always sure of having an enjoyable
trip and that's the main reason why I visit it twice a year. I
normally make 4 or 5-day trips during each spring and autumn.
Just to be out for a couple of days to find some rest what
will give me some new inspiration for many things. It is like
loading your batteries! I also like it to fish in small brooks
and streams and Denmark seem to be an excellent place for it.
There are dozens of nice streams and most of them still have
their natural watercourse. The small rivers are very
picturesque and it is wonderful to see how they meander and
beautify the landscape. Those deep eroded meanders produce
perfect lies, shelter and hiding places. The current runs fast
and has many marvelous feeding seems between the beautiful
weed beds and high sandy banks. The conditions are perfect for
insects to grown and produce and caddis and mayflies are
abounded. In several streams you will find large populations
of Danicas what attracts not only fish but also a large groups
of dry fly fanatics. In the spring and autumn many birds on
their way up north or south take some rest in the fields and
bring some extra life to the fishermen. Birds of prey are
hunting day and night. Later in the season when terrestrials
fall into the water from the overgrown banks, you sometimes
see those pools boiling from activity. I easily can watch it
for hours in search for a new trophy fish. When the weather
conditions are right up to ten large fish (50+) a day belongs
to the possibilities.
The Danish name for river of stream is Å and there are dozens
of excellent grayling waters to fish. In Denmark you need a
state license. (fisketegn) which is easy to get at post
offices. River fishing means that you have to buy an extra
license for each stream. The prices are very cheep and varies
from DKr 20, - a season up to DKr 100, - a day. Hotels (KRO),
tourist offices, campings, sport shops and local shops are the
best places to find your day ticket. To locate some good river
fishing there a few places you surely should remember. Ribe,
Varde, Skern, Holstebro and Skive. These are bigger towns and
easy to find at every map. For fishing itself you need a good
map, a scale (1:200.000) or less is highly recommended.
To get a very good impression about the grayling fishing on
Jutland start to work you way up from south to the north.
Follow the West Coast. With a few exceptions the grayling is
native in most of the rivers that flow out in the Nord Sea. It
is the result of the ice age.
 In the Southwest the first area to notice is around the place
Ribe. Here you will cross the Ribe river system, which holds
trout, sea trout and a good number of grayling. Take some
small country roads to follow the river upstream and search
for the wonderful Gels Å tributary. This is a rather long but
little stream that offers load of places with excellent
grayling and trout fishing. It's fishable from Immervadbro to
Gels Bro. When you drive around in the country you easily get
lost and map reading is essential to be sure to reach the
river. Look for some parking areas close to bridges and don't
worry if you don't see any fishermen. Just walk up or
downstream and try at good-looking or fishable places. The
Gels River has good hatches and even at rainy days I saw fish
rising. Look for holding pools and I am sure you will catch
some nice fish. Don't be surprised when you hook a large sea
trout at dark days or sunset.
 When you travel further up north you come to the River Konge.
It is located between Ribe and Esbjerg. In English it will be
translated as "The Kings River" and is definitely one of the
best waters for producing large grayling in the 50cm range but
often trout will take your fly too. Some people consider this
river even as the cream of the crop of all Danish streams. The
best places you will find between Gredsted Bro and Foldingbro
but this area can be a bit busy during the weekends.
Personally I prefer to fish further upstream. Today my largest
grayling in Denmark (59cm) has been hooked and released in a
small tributary named Vejen Å.
North of Esbjerg you will pass the Varde river system which
also hold salmon and rainbow. There are two feeders that are
extremely important for a grayling angler. The Grindsted Å and
Ansager Å. The Grindsted is one of the best places to go when
rain colored most of the streams in the area. It is one of
the clearest rivers in Denmark with plenty attractive weed
beds
and hundreds of wonderful holding pools. Those pools can be
very deep at some places. The Grindsted produces beside
grayling also large and beautiful marked brown trout, which
are easy to get on dry fly.
 In the center western Jutland you can't miss the Skern river
system. It is huge and has lot of beautiful tributaries to
explore, like the Fjederholt Å. and Vorgod Å. In the main
river you will find grayling, trout, sea trout, salmon and
coarse fish. The most popular places to fish are from Sdr.
Felding up to the mouth of the river but the upper parts are
the best for grayling. Many anglers who fish the Skern River
are too much concentrating on the main river. In their
ignorance they avoid the upper courses, and tributaries. This
is why the fishing pressure is extremely low at most of the
upper parts and feeders. A lot of fishermen still believe that
the small brooks and streams only holds a few or just small
fish. This is the biggest mistake a fisherman can make in
Denmark. Another reason is that not many people know where to
get the licenses for the tributaries but that's just a matter
of asking. Some farmers offer some excellent private fishing.
Be wise and always ask first if you are not that sure about
the area the license should cover. I mostly got permission
easily permission when I explain them I fish catch and release
only.
The longest river system in Denmark is the Guden Å. This River
flow out in the east so actually the grayling was not a native
fish. Today grayling up to 50cm are common but not easy to
find. The River Guden once was one of the best Salmon rivers
in Denmark until human destroy their spawning grounds when
they build a dam in the river. Today it seems restocking
projects were unbelievable successful and a population of
salmon have been returned. The river starts not far from the
place Torring and flows through many lakes before it runs in
to Randers fjord. For grayling I like to fish from Torring up
to Braedstrup. If you are not familiar with the area have a
look at Gudenå Camping at Breadstrup. It is directly located
at the river and has a very nice fly-only stretch to try.
FINELY THE BROOKS
 To fish the brooks of Denmark successfully you need a lot of
patient, long walks and a little skill. The high banks, trees,
grass, plants and much clearer water makes fly fishing more
difficult but also more defiant. In my voyage to discover the
smallest brooks and streams I found some wonderful waters.
Streams and brooks like the Vorgod Å, Gels Å, Vejen Å,
Fjederholt Å, and Grindsted Å are my most favorites.
EQUIPMENT FOR RIVER FISHING
Rods rate 3-5 up to 9 ft and floating line will do the work
perfectly. Chest waders are not necessary. Most favorite are
weighted nymphs size 10 like the Leadhead, Peeping Caddis and
Caseless Caddis in sandy colors. Shrimps are abounded in many
rivers and rusty colors are the best imitations. Dry flies,
such as parachute Ants (size 16), Baetis imitations (size
14-16) and small parachutes work great. The Klinkhåmer (size
12-14) is highly recommended. During the summer large sedge
imitations are excellent. You don't need chest waders for
river fishing. The banks usually are high and the water can be
very deep. You also will leave a trace of mud behind what can
be reducing the fish's taking mood.
THE RULES
Limited sizes Trout 30cm, Sea trout 40cm, Grayling 33cm and
salmon 60cm. Most rivers and streams open at the first of
March and close at the end of October. The closed season for
Grayling is between 15 March and 15 May. There is no closed
season for Rainbows. Danish fly fishers are fanatic when it
come to catch and release.
Information about Denmark visit:
http://www.visitdenmark.com/
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