Bay of Århus
It is almost incredible but still it is
absolutely true:
With more than a quarter of a million people
Århus is the second largest city in Denmark - a metropolis
albeit a small one. Still the city is surrounded by beautiful
nature and great fishing.
The Bay of Århus is defined by Sletterhage,
Samsø and Tunø. It is an area that previously received
large amounts of badly cleaned sewage. Only in 1990 things started
to turn in favour of the environment. It happened with the construction
of the hi-tech and very costly sewage treatment plant at Marselisborg.
Price: 200 million Danish crowns.
This plant treats half the total sewage
amount of Århus county - mechanically as well as biologically
and chemically. Such a 3-stage treatment is absolutely necessary
if the aquatic environment of Danish coastal waters are to improve
and stabilize. Thus the Bay of Århus is in for a better
future with this sewage treatment.
The area between Sletterhage and Samsø
was for years one of this country's best spots for cod fishing
- with a big international angling competition taking place each
year. After some very bad years it now seems that the local cod
population is on its way up again. So far mostly smaller specimens
are seen - the ones that will grow into catchable sizes in the
years to come.
When the heat of summer sets in, cod migrate
out of the bay - towards deeper and colder water. Still fish
are caught all year long in the Bay of Århus. It simply
happens closer to the shore where catches primarily consist of
silvery sea trout - the result of stocking paid by the income
from the mandatory state angling license.
Closer to shore there is no shortage of
oxygen as is the case further out in the deeper waters during
late summer and autumn. Fish like sea trout that may live and
feed in all layers of water do not have the same problems with
oxygen depletion as the bottom-living fish species. At the same
time fish like herring thrive in the nutrient rich waters of
the bay - and become prime feed for hungry sea trout!
Luckily you do not have to drive far from
the center of Århus before you are in the middle of some
beautiful nature. You may want to go for a walk and fish for
sea trout from one of the small rocky wavebreakers along Strandvejen
- right next to the marina. Or you may want to be in a more secluded
place and therefore go to the forest-clad shores at Marselisborg.
Angling hotspots
1. Kongsgårde
Dragsmur
is the name of the narrow isthmus that separates Mols from Helgenæs.
The stretch south towards Kongsgårde offers a very varied
bottom with good chances of hooking up with sea trout and - during
the season - garfish.
- [ see
map ] -
2. Begtrup Vig
Begtrup Vig is probably best known
for its great swimming beaches. Close to the locality named Rønnen
lie a few interesting spots for those not afraid of a long walk
in waders. Varied bottom with interspersed holes.
- [ see
map ] -
3. Isgård
48 meter high is Mols Hoved, overlooking
the Bay of Århus. Just west of it lies the beach at Isgård
- a locality that over the years has produced many a good sea
trout, cod and garfish. As it takes some walking to get to it,
this place is rarely crowded.
- [ see
map ] -
4. Skødshoved Flak
A spot for fishermen with access
to boats or float tubes. If you are in a float tube great care
should be taken not to get too far out and not to be taken by
the currents that may run strong here. You fish the slopes where
the shallows meet the deep - often 1 km from the shoreline. Many
garfish during May and June.
- [ see
map ] -
5. Vejlby Hage
Best known among boat fishermen
that troll around this point close to the marina. Good numbers
of large trout have been taken here over the years. If you fish
early morning or late in the evening, you also stand a good chance
wading from the shoreline. Beware of the closed zone around the
outlet of the River Egå.
- [ see
map ] -
6. Den Permanente
A much frequented place for anglers
of the metropolis. Especially during the spring months you may
have to stand in line near the swimming facility. But so do sea
trout - at times!
- [ see
map ] -
7. Ryes Flak
Less than one nautic mile away
from Risskov lies Ryes Flak. A popular spot with trolling fishermen
that have to share the place with sail boats during races. Sea
trout as well as cod are caught here.
- [ see
map ] -
8. Strandvejen
South of Marselisborg marina runs
Strandvejen (Beach Road) where small rocky wavebreakers reach
out in the bay. From these you may catch sea trout - best if
you are able to reach the innermost weed line behind the sand.
- [ see
map ] -
9. Ballehage
Ballehage is the first land point
after Hotel Marselis - a locality that offers good fishing for
spin and fly fishermen alike. Good fishing for sea trout as well
as dab that are plentiful here. Long casts are a definite advantage.
- [ see
map ] -
10. Ørnereden
Center of the annual Ørnerede
competition in September. Sandy beach with interspersed rocks
and kelp. Long casts are a definite advantage here. Good chances
of sea trout and cod during spring and autumn. Also a great place
for catching dab on a bottom line.
- [ see
map ] -
11. Moesgård Strand
Fishing here is primarily done
from the rocky land points that protrude into the Bay of Århus
south of the kiosk at Moesgård. The first point is usually
taken by fishermen - the next ones normally not. Great spring
fishing for sea trout that originate from the River Giber. Also
garfish during early summer.
- [ see
map ] -
12. Fløjstrup
Fløjstrup Strand, located
a few kilometres south of the mouth of Giber Å, regularly
produces good sea trout. A beautiful place with more space and
less fishermen than at Moesgård Strand. Bottom varies a
lot.
- [ see
map ] -
13. Kysing Næs
Classic location whose sea trout
primarily originate from the tiny River Odder in the bottom of
Norsminde Fjord. Unfortunately the reef itself has space for
but a few fishermen so be prepared to stand in line. Or proceed
south to Saksild Bugt.
- [ see
map ] -
14. Saksild Bugt
Not so well known as Kysing Næs.
Still this place is definitely worth a visit if Kysing is too
crowded. Not as many rocks as on the reef itself but instead
vast beds of eel grass make for productive sea trout fishing.
- [ see
map ] -
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