Hälsen

Character of the water

Hälsen lies in central Sweden — a clear oligotrophic deep lake. The water is crystal-clear and the fish skittish in the sharp light. In summer a thermocline settles around 8 m and splits the lake into two worlds.

The surroundings

The lake lies remote, ringed by forest and bog far from any road. Few find their way here — the water is untouched and the stock undisturbed.

Large and deep (38 m): a central basin ringed by drop-offs and shallow bays around the edges — varied bottom with many spots to read.

Permits & rules

Fishing permit required — Hälsen FVOF. Day permit ~100 kr · annual permit ~500 kr.

• Trout & Arctic char: protected during the autumn spawn · catch-and-release on certain stretches.
• Handheld tackle only. Respect the protected zones at the inlets and outlets.

Fishing Hälsen

perch, burbot and trout sit at the top of the food chain in Hälsen. The clearer water makes the fish wary — and rewards a careful presentation.

The fishing here follows the water's own rhythm: dawn and dusk have their windows, fronts close and open them, and the season moves the fish. No two sessions at Hälsen are alike.

General rules of thumb for this kind of water

• Clear water makes fish light-shy — dawn, dusk and night are usually best.
• In deep, oxygenated lakes the predators seek cool depth in summer, shallower in spring and autumn.