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Copenhagen · Fishing

Fishing near Copenhagen

4 waters within reach, 6 species, and the rules a visitor needs to know — from official sources.

26 km51 km Copenhagen Amager StrandparkØresundNorth Zealand
Direction and straight-line distance from the city centre. Not a travel time.

By ReasonStay editorial team · Updated · How we verify

In short

Sea trout is the main coastal target around Copenhagen, best in spring and then autumn; anglers aged 18 to state-pension age need a Danish fishing licence (2026: DKK 46/day, 150/week, 214/year). The waters with mapped locations lie 5.7 km to 51 km from the city centre. Denmark: a 'lystfiskertegn' (recreational fishing licence) is required from age 18 until state-pension age, for rod fishing in salt and fresh water.

Fishing

Where to fish

  1. North Zealand / Øresund coast (Gilleleje, Nivå, Spodsbjerg lighthouse)

    sea51 km from the city centre

    Fished for: sea trout, garfish.

  2. Amager Strandpark

    sea5.7 km from the city centre

    Fished for: sea trout, garfish, flatfish.

    About 15 minutes by bicycle from the centre.

  3. Øresund (boat)

    sea14 km from the city centre

    Fished for: cod, mackerel.

    Cod is rare in the harbour and on beaches; usually fished from charter boats.

  4. Copenhagen harbour

    sea

    Fished for: perch, sea trout, mullet.

    Harbour fish should not be eaten (old bottom pollution).

Getting there: Amager Strandpark: about 15 minutes by bicycle from the city centre (Wikipedia).

Seasons

What you can catch, and when

SpeciesSeasonNotes
Sea troutYear-round in open water; best in spring, then autumn; October strongMinimum 40 cm. Coloured (spawning) sea trout protected — dates differ between sources: 16 November–15 January (Visit North Zealand) vs 1 November–16 January (Fishing in Denmark).
GarfishMay, and late August–September—
CodCharter trips peak in DecemberMainly from boats in the Øresund.
Thick-lipped mulletJuly–OctoberOften around marinas.
PikeProtected in April; November a strong month for lake pikeMostly in lakes near Copenhagen.
Perch—Harbour and most lakes.

Best time: March–May (sea trout) · May (garfish) · September–October (sea trout, garfish) · December (Øresund cod charters)

Rules

Do you need a permit?

Denmark: a 'lystfiskertegn' (recreational fishing licence) is required from age 18 until state-pension age, for rod fishing in salt and fresh water. Fishing in lakes and streams additionally needs the owner's/club's permission; stream licences are generally not sold by the day. Buy the licence at fisketegn.dk.

Cost: 2026: DKK 46/day, DKK 150/week, DKK 214/year (borger.dk).

Authority: Danish state fishing licence (borger.dk; sold via fisketegn.dk) — borger.dk

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Frequently asked

Do you need a fishing permit near Copenhagen?

Denmark: a 'lystfiskertegn' (recreational fishing licence) is required from age 18 until state-pension age, for rod fishing in salt and fresh water. Fishing in lakes and streams additionally needs the owner's/club's permission; stream licences are generally not sold by the day. Buy the licence at fisketegn.dk.

What can you catch near Copenhagen?

Sea trout, Garfish, Cod, Thick-lipped mullet, Pike, Perch. Seasons and limits differ by species — see the table on this page.

When is the best time for fishing near Copenhagen?

March–May (sea trout); May (garfish); September–October (sea trout, garfish); December (Øresund cod charters).

How far are the waters from Copenhagen?

Amager Strandpark: 5.7 km; Øresund (boat): 14 km; North Zealand / Øresund coast (Gilleleje, Nivå, Spodsbjerg lighthouse): 51 km (straight-line distance from the city centre).

Base yourself in Copenhagen

Where to stay in Copenhagen

Nyhavn's vibrant waterfront and boats reflected at dusk in Copenhagen, Denmark. Copenhagen city guide Every neighbourhood compared — distances, stations, who each area suits. Fishing across Europe All 14 cities with a researched fishing guide.

Sources