Rules and regulations

Angling on the coast of Denmark and in Limfjorden is straight forward. It is available for everyone, but there are certain rules you need to be aware of.

Fishing license
If you are between 18-65, you need to have a fishing license in order to fish with a rod or other equipment in Denmark. You can buy the license from your smartphone or on www.fisketegn.dk and at many tourist agencies and campgrounds. Remember to always carry the license with you when fishing.

Minimum length
Most of the fish have a set minimum length. In Denmark, the minimum length for a seatrout is 40 cm. For the other species in the Limfjord, we refer you to www.fisketegn.dk.

Any trout caught which is below the minimum length must be released back into the water as quickly and gently as possible. Make your hands wet before touching the fish, in order to not harm its protective coating. A plier for loosening the hook is good to have nearby to do it as fast as possible.

Protection season
In the sea, you are allowed to fish for trouts all year-round, but fish in spawning dress and colored fish are protected from 16th of November till 15th of January and must be released back into the water. You must therefore only bring home trouts with shiny and loose scales.

Release back into the water
Fish that measure under the minimum length or protected fish must be released back into the water, regardless of the condition of the fish – even if it is hurt or dead. It is under NO circumstances allowed to keep, transport, or store fish that measure under the minimum length.
The release of the fish is done in the best manner by de-hooking the fish under water. If the fish is above water, it will be more likely to lose its scales and its slimy exterior might be damaged, which will enhance the risk of the fish dying after the replacement.

Sales ban
Anglers are only allowed to bring home the fish for personal use. It is not allowed to sell the fish you catch. There is no limit to how many fish you are allowed to catch and bring home, however, if you run into a good shoal, it is polite to only bring home one or two, and then release the rest.

Protection belts
The area around the outlet of many streams, inland waters, and brooks are protected areas, in order to make sure that the seatrouts are free to migrate in connection with their spawning. The protection belt usually stretches 500 meters around the outlet into the fjord or sea. If the stream is wider than 2 meters, the protection applies all year-round. Whereas if the stream is less than 2 meters wide, the protection is valid from 16th of September till the 15th of March, both days included.
Besides the 6 month and year-round protections, there are several places in the Limfjord with a special protection. On the maps in the guide, all the protections are drawn, but as an angler, you always need to be aware of possible newly protected areas. You can keep yourself updated on www.fisketegn.dk or www.havorredlimfjorden.dk

Show respect
Everyone has the right to be in nature, but remember to show respect for both the animals, plants, private landowners, farmers, forests owners, and other guests. Therefore, follow the rules which apply for moving around in nature and always pay attention. We have gathered a number of general guidelines which are particularly relevant for anglers. At the end of this section, you will find references to additional information regarding your access to nature.

Parking

Parking is recommended at public parking lots, which are shown for the fishing spots in the guidebook.
You are not allowed to stop or park your car where it will be in the way, or could cause harm or inconvenience for other traffic.
Park in regard to the current laws and keep an eye out for the road signs.

Access to and along the coast

You are allowed to walk on the beach where there is sand or beach vegetation.
You are allowed to walk or bike on roads and trails in the open land. However, the owner of said land is allowed to forbid all traffic if it hinders or bothers: their private life; their production; or animal- or plant life.
There is also access to fenced, cultivated areas, if: there is no grazing livestock; if you can come in through the gates, stents, and the like; and if there is no signs forbidding access.
In public forests and on publicly owned, uncultivated areas, you are allowed to walk on foot 24/7.
In privately owned forests and on uncultivated areas, which are not fenced in, you are allowed to walk from 6 a.m. till sunset, but only on roads and trails. Furthermore, you are not allowed to settle down for a break unless you are at least 150 meters away from the nearest building.

Residing near the coast

It is prohibited to set up a tent in public places, here amongst the beach. You are however allowed to create shelter and sleep for one night, as long as it does not resemble a tent. You are only allowed to sleep in the same spot for one night.
On private areas, you always need permission from the landowner before you can stay the night.
Rule of thumb, you are not allowed to light a fire or use cooking appliances in the Danish nature. You can seek permission from the land owner. It is however allowed on beach shores without any vegetation.
It is allowed to have a boat without a motor lying on the beach temporarily.
On www.udinaturen.dk and www.friluftsguiden.dk you will find an overview of shelters and primitive camp sites in Denmark. For some of the shelters and camp sites, you will find additional information on the website of the given municipality.

Environmental accidents – what you need to do
In case of acute pollution, you need to call +45 112 whilst non-acute pollutions need to be reported to the municipality. Some municipalities have an environmental protection that automatically will be advised about pollution if you call +45 112. It can be difficult to assess when a pollution is acute. If you are in doubt, you should alert the authorities, so professionals can help assess the situation. It concerns the protection of our environment, so please call to be on the safe side.

Disinfection of the fishing equipment
Currently in Denmark, it is not required to disinfect your fishing gear, as it is in other countries. The Food Administration does however recommend that you disinfect each time you fish in another water, in order to hinder any spread of infections. This is especially relevant if the gear has been used abroad or in streams with fish farming. Both the rod, the fishing reel, the fishing line, the hooks, lures, flies, fishing boots, and other gear.
You can read more about disinfection and spread of infections on The Food Administration’s website www.foedevarestyrelsen.dk

Additional information

The latch and fences need to be left the way you found them, and trash is of course highly forbidden to leave behind.
All traffic in nature will happen at your own risk.

Read more

The rules for accessing nature is regulated preferably through Nature Protection Act and Order and Announcement of the public access to nature.
At the Nature Agency’s website you can also read about your access to nature.