Treasures of Lake Vättern – Fishing, Nature and the Rhythm of Life

“You never know what you’ll get – and that’s the charm of fishing,” says Anders with a smile as he loosens the mooring ropes.
For Anders, it all began in childhood, sitting in his grandfather’s old wooden boat out in the northern archipelago of Lake Vättern. He still remembers the thrill when the line tightened, and the joy when they caught something.
“It’s in the blood,” he says, casting his line into the water.

Anders and Lena live year-round in their cottage by the lake, and they’ve seen Vättern in all its moods — shimmering and still on summer evenings, wild and dramatic in stormy weather, and enchantingly beautiful in winter’s icy light.

“We live with the lake and its rhythm,” says Lena, gazing out over the water.

In summer, they often head out to the islands of Stora and Lilla Röknen.

"The islands are our favorites,” says Lena, describing how they like to go ashore to wander the trails, pick berries and mushrooms, and simply enjoy the peace of nature.
They used to stay overnight on the islands, but these days they prefer the comfort of their cottage.

“Still, an evening fishing trip is always tempting,” laughs Anders.

Evening fishing often takes them close to the reeds, hoping for perch — or perhaps a big pike. Anders remembers one time they reeled in a five- or six-kilo pike that had just tried to swallow an Arctic char, which was still sticking out of its mouth.

“Nature has its own surprises,” he says with a shake of his head and a laugh.

In earlier days, when winters were colder, they often went ice fishing for burbot.

“We’d sit in the little ice huts, listening to the lake crack and rumble,” Anders recalls, his eyes sparkling. Nowadays, the ice doesn’t settle as often, and the huts mostly stand on shore, waiting for a proper winter.

They fish all year round, and every season has its charm. In summer, they fish in deeper waters for char and trout, while in winter they prefer to troll closer to the surface.

“Fish follow their own calendar,” explains Anders, describing how Arctic char and trout are native to Vättern, while salmon are stocked annually. His respect and care for the lake are clear when he talks about fishing regulations and the importance of knowing and following them.

Anders and Lena are also committed to protecting the lake’s natural environment. They help clear spawning grounds in nearby streams so that fish can migrate and reproduce.

“It feels good to give something back,” says Lena. In autumn, she prepares for the annual crayfish fishing season, making sure all the traps are ready.

“Our fishing spots are, of course, a bit of a secret,” she adds with a mischievous smile.

When they’re not out fishing, they love to cook their catch.

“Fried perch is a favorite,” says Lena, though she’s less fond of burbot and pike than Anders. His parents are also passionate fishers, and his mother makes wonderful fish patties with pike and crayfish, topped with horseradish cream.

“And for anyone fishing for pike — winter and spring are the best seasons. That’s when the flavor’s at its peak,” Anders adds helpfully.

Their children and grandchildren often join them on the lake.

“They love being out on the water,” says Lena, showing pictures of small hands proudly holding up freshly caught fish. But there’s also something special about going out alone, just the two of them.

“It’s so peaceful,” says Anders.

But Lake Vättern can be unpredictable.

“You have to respect the lake,” says Anders seriously. “It can change in an instant.” Lena nods, recalling dark clouds that swept in faster than they expected.

“When that happens, you need a plan and make sure to reach the shore in time.”

The clear water, the rich natural surroundings, and the excitement of the catch mean they never tire of it.

“We’ve fished here all our lives, and there’s always something new to experience,” says Lena.

And if they had to describe fishing on Lake Vättern in just three words? They share a smile before Anders answers:

“Excitement. Nature’s beauty all year round. Peace and tranquility.”

And with that, he casts his line again — out into the deep, clear water.