Sight fishing, clear water and one of Sweden's most technical put-and-take waters
Fishing at Norrbyströmmen is a completely different experience from classic river fishing or mountain fishing. Here it's all about stealth, precision and reading the fish, not about covering water. For those who have never been here before, it's important to understand that this isn't a water you "try on the way" – Norrbyströmmen is a carefully designed, booking-based put-and-take water for fly fishing, where every detail of the fishing matters.
The extremely clear water means you often see the fish long before you cast. At the same time, the fish sees you just as clearly. That exact balance is what makes Norrbyströmmen one of the most instructive, yet demanding, fly-fishing waters in Sweden.
Where is Norrbyströmmen located?
Norrbyströmmen is located at Nääs outside Borensberg, in Östergötland County, between Motala and Linköping. The water is drawn from Motala Ström, which in turn originates from Lake Vättern, which explains its characteristic clarity and even temperature.
The stream runs through an open cultural landscape near the Göta Canal, but once you're standing by the water, the surroundings quickly fade from focus. All attention lands on the current in front of you.
A put-and-take water built for fly fishing
Norrbyströmmen is about 700 meters long, with a drop of around five meters, divided into seven distinct pools. The average depth is roughly one meter, but the variation is significant and each pool has its own character.
This is a stocked put-and-take water, but with a setup far removed from traditional rainbow trout fishing. Fish are stocked sparingly, of high quality, and the fishing is based on selective harvest and catch-and-release. The result is fish that behave naturally, are wary and often require several attempts before the right presentation lands.
What fish are found here?
The stock consists mainly of rainbow trout, supplemented by brown trout. The fish are generally of high quality, both in condition and behavior. It's not unusual to see fish follow the fly without taking it, or refuse several different patterns before possibly rising.
This is fishing where patience and discipline are rewarded more than constant activity.
How to fish Norrbyströmmen
Fly fishing and sight fishing
Only fly fishing is allowed at Norrbyströmmen. Wading is not permitted, meaning all fishing is done from the shore. That also makes positioning and light crucial. Shadows over the water, quick movements or the wrong angle to the sun will give you away instantly.
It often pays to:
- stop and observe
- identify active fish
- plan the cast before you make it
Nymph fishing is often the most consistent, but under the right conditions dry flies also work. Streamers can be effective during higher activity, but presentation always matters more than fly choice.
An effective way to fish here is to be two people: one who observes the fish and one who casts. This often produces completely different results than fishing alone.
Rules you need to know
Norrbyströmmen has clear rules, and they're a prerequisite for the fishing to work:
- Fly fishing only
- Barbless or pinched-down barb hooks
- No wading
- Limited harvest – usually one fish per day
- Fish that are released must be handled gently in the water
Forceps are mandatory gear, and you're expected to be comfortable unhooking fish quickly and gently.
You can't fish on a whim – here's how booking works
An important thing to know is that Norrbyströmmen isn't open for spontaneous fishing. Fishing mainly takes place through booking, often as a rental arrangement where the whole stream is included.
There are two main setups:
- Rental fishing, where a group books the entire facility
- Day-ticket fishing on certain selected days and during the month of July
Booking is done via their website, where you'll also find the calendar, prices and terms:
👉 Book fishing at Norrbyströmmen
Accommodation right by the water
A big part of the experience is the option to stay right by the stream. There's accommodation near the water, with shared spaces and a kitchen, making Norrbyströmmen perfect for smaller groups who want to focus entirely on the fishing for one or more days.
Being able to fish in the morning, rest in the middle of the day, and then step straight down to the evening fishing is a big part of the overall experience.
Is Norrbyströmmen right for you?
Norrbyströmmen suits you if you:
- want to develop as a fly angler
- appreciate technical fishing
- like sight fishing and clear structure
- don't need large areas or variety
For families with children, it works best with older kids who are already comfortable around water and fishing. For more ideas on nature experiences, you can read about child-friendly activities in nature.
More similar fishing experiences
For those looking for more put-and-take waters focused on experience and quality, there are several excellent alternatives around Sweden.
Fishing at Baltak offers stocked rainbow trout in Tidan, where you fish in a real river with rushing stretches, deeper pools and natural variation. It's an excellent choice for anyone who wants to combine put-and-take with the feel of classic river fishing in flowing water.
Sunnedamm sportfiske is a more concentrated put-and-take fishery in a custom-built stream, where the fish are often eager to bite and active. The stream flows into a larger pond, creating variety in the fishing and the chance to adapt your method to conditions.
Harasjömåla Sport Fishing is one of Sweden's most established put-and-take facilities, with several lakes and a custom-built fly-fishing stream. The area is well suited for both beginners and more experienced anglers who want access to varied fishing within the same facility.
Summary
Norrbyströmmen fly fishing is a concentrated, technical and highly instructive put-and-take water in Östergötland. Here it's not the number of casts that counts, but how well you read the water, the fish and the situation.
For those who want to fish with focus, discipline and respect – and who want to experience fly fishing at a level where every detail counts – Norrbyströmmen is an obvious choice.
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