When the ice finally withdrew after the last Ice Age - some 10.000 years ago - it left a tremendous variation in the landscape of Middle Jutland.

If you like the peace and quiet of coarse fishing, Lake Skanderborg is absolutely world class. Huge numbers of roach and bream - many of them several kilos large - made it no coincidence that three new world records were set here since 1994 - the latest boasting almost 150 kg of fish!

The huge numbers of coarse fish in the lake also make for a large population of predatory fish. Especially pikeperch thrive in the turbid waters of Lake Skanderborg. The largest of which today weigh in excess of 10 kg. Fish in the 1-3 kg range are plentiful.

The lake is varied in its topography. It is relatively shallow and filled with bays, points and small islands. This topography makes for a rich birdlife that helps in making any fishing trip to this lake a memorable one - no matter the catch!

Least recognised in Lake Skanderborg is the silvery lake trout that is fairly prolific these days. The population of trout is primarily due to stocking of small trout in late years.

Lake Skanderborg is drained by tiny River Tåning that takes the water to larger Lake Mossø. At the same time this river is kind of a highway for lake trout migrating towards Lake Mossø.

Smack in the middle of the Danish Lake District - between Lake Skanderborg to the east and the Lakes of Silkeborg to the west - lies famous Lake Mossø. Mutual characteristic of all these lakes is the fact that they were all created during the last Ice Age some 10.000 years ago.

Lake Mossø is the largest lake in Jylland and the third largest in Denmark. It spans almost 10 km with a width of close to 2 km. Total area is 16,9 km2 and mean depth is 9 m with depths up to 22 m.

Depthwise Lake Mossø is divided into two separate basins - a small and shallow basin in the west and a large and very deep basin in the east. The two basins are separated by a shallow isthmus that stretches from Emborg Odde and almost all the way across the lake to the south side. In windy weather you can see the waves breaking in the middle of the lake that you may almost cross by foot.

Today Lake Mossø is the very lake in Denmark where you may meet most different fish species. No less that 19 fish species swim around in this large lake whose fishing - unfortunately - is difficult to access for the public.

Lake Mossø drains into the River Guden near Klostermølle in the west end of the lake.

1. Lake Skanderborg

Lake Skanderborg is shallow and turbid due to previous discharge of raw sewage.

The turbid but very nutrient-rich water is the perfect setting for a colossal population of roach and bream. Unfortunately at the cost of pike and perch that rely on their eyesight when chasing prey.

On the contrary, pikeperch that has been introduced from southern Europe really thrive in Lake Skanderborg. This is due to the fact that pikeperch greatly rely on their keen sense of smell when they hunt, and prey is prolific in turbid Lake Skanderborg. Less known is the existence - despite the not so clear water - of a decent stock of lake trout in Lake Skanderborg.

Fishing takes place in beautiful surroundings - especially near the city of Skanderborg at the north end of the lake. Here we find well known spots like the youth hostel where you may fish successfully for roach and bream as well as for pike, perch and pikeperch. Occasionally even lake trout are caught here.

Outside of Skanderborghus coarse fishermen have the opportunity to make dream catches of large bream. At a place called Næsset deep water is located very close to the shoreline which attracts both pikeperch and lake trout. Vester Mølle is yet another good bet for a productive fishing trip in Lake Skanderborg.
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2. Lake Mossø

One of the largest and deepest lakes in all of Denmark with a very rich and varied stock of fish. Fisheries biologists know this lake to hold no less than 19 different species of freshwater fish. This number makes Lake Mossø the most diverse in all Denmark.

Amongst sport fishermen Lake Mossø is well known for its fine lake trout that seldom grow bigger than 3-4 kg. Most are in the 1-2 kg range. These trout originate from Lake Skanderborg (via River Tåning), from the River Guden and from the small tributaries to the lake itself.

Amongst commercial fishermen on the lake Mossø is perhaps best known for its population of usually small but often numerous pikeperch.

Unfortunately difficult access to the lake makes for a very low fishing pressure. Fishermen are so far limited to a small public stretch at the east end near Fuldbro. Or they may book a stay at the campground on Hem Odde where fishing is also offered.

Lake trout are caught all over the lake - best in March-April when the water is still cool and relatively clear and fish may be found chasing all over the lake. Throughout summer water is too warm and too turbid because of algal growth. In October the lake starts clearing again and then you may once more hook into lake trout.

Pikeperch and perch may be caught throughout summer on rocky reefs, banks and slopes. After spawning in May, June often boasts good fishing on depths of 3-6 m. Later in the year fish will be found at 6-12 m depths. When the water is really turbid, fish may be caught only using live or dead bait. Artificial bait works best during the clear water of the winter months.

Lake Mossø is not known for a large population af pike but does have a good stock of large bream. Such is this stock that it has to be decimated to keep the lake in a natural balance. These fish are competing with the eels for food. At the same time they graze the zooplanktonic organisms with such pressure that they cannot keep the population of algae down. Thus we get the turbid water in the lake.
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3. Salten Langsø (not shown)

This lake is the feeding ground of many a lake trout that belongs to the River Salten. Private area with no fishing for the public.
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