The Gray Sky and the Magic of Rainbow Trout Fishing in Hökensås
The sky is gray, and the car’s thermometer shows a few degrees above freezing. Today, an extra fleece sweater is essential to ward off the damp chill. As I round the bay and cross the small bridge over the lake’s inlet, a vivid blue streak shoots past and out over the water. The small blue kingfisher that often makes an appearance here in late autumn didn’t appreciate my company and quickly disappeared to the far side.
By Håkan Karsnäser
At the point, the water surface lies calm, smooth, and dark. Carefully, I step into the chilly autumn lake and pull some line off the reel. On the leader, I’ve tied a small brown mayfly nymph—a reliable choice this time of year, even though its natural counterpart stopped hatching long ago. I let the fly sink for a few seconds before starting a slow hand-twist retrieve.
Despite having noticed a few cautious rises farther out, the take still surprises me. It’s gentle at first, but based on prior experience, I don’t lift the rod immediately. Instead, I release the line, which shoots out across the water’s surface. About 30 meters away, the rainbow trout leaps spectacularly into the air. After a few more long runs, the fish begins to tire and comes closer with each circle. Finally, I guide it into the net and lift it to safety.
A silver beauty, adorned with black speckles and a faint pink stripe along its side, it has perfect fins and weighs just over 2 kilograms. This one is destined to become gravlax for the Christmas table in a little over a month.
Hökensås: A Hidden Gem
Hökensås is a breathtaking area filled with wild nature and beautiful lakes. Put-and-take fishing has been practiced here for over 60 years, making it one of Sweden’s most visited fishing destinations. Despite its proximity to Jönköping, Hjo, and Tidaholm, the area feels far removed from civilization once you’re there. Dense forests and wetlands merge seamlessly with lakes of all shapes and sizes.
Hökensås Sportfiske oversees fishing in more than 30 of the area’s lakes. Day permits are available for about 20 of them, while the rest are quota-restricted or private rental lakes. For fly-fishing enthusiasts, six lakes are designated exclusively for fly fishing. In addition, there are four quota-restricted lakes also reserved for fly fishing:
Bastusjön, where float-tube fishing is allowed.
Abborragölen, accessible during the spring Vulgata season.
Kvarkasjön, stocked exclusively with trout.
Strandgölen, where trophy fish are more common due to higher average weights compared to other lakes.
Beyond Lakes: Stream Fishing
Complementing the lakes, Hökensås also offers stream fishing in a section of the Tidan River near Baltak, just outside Tidaholm. This stretch is regularly stocked with rainbow trout and brown trout, and fly fishing is the only permitted method. The river offers a wonderful variety, with faster currents and calmer runs, perfect for both Czech nymphing and dry fly fishing for selective trout.
High-Quality Stocked Fish
The stocked fish in the area are predominantly rainbow trout, bred at two local fish farms. Over the years, focused breeding has shifted the emphasis from food fish to sport fish. The results are impressive: sleek, muscular trout with intact fins that provide a thrilling challenge for fly anglers. Even smaller fish put up a good fight.
Seasonal Highlights
Starting in mid-May, the Vulgata mayfly hatch is a seasonal highlight. Several lakes experience massive hatches of these large mayflies, offering a remarkable experience as fish rise dramatically to feed. The rest of the year, the fish primarily feed on chironomids and damselflies:
Chironomids hatch from ice-off to ice-on, and during periods without other active insects, fish focus entirely on sipping these tiny midges.
Damselflies become active in May, swimming toward shore to emerge as adults. Imitations of damselfly nymphs are essential in any fly box.
In early June, the first caddisflies appear, including the region’s largest species, Phryganea grandis. For this, large imitations are a must; otherwise, you risk missing out on the lakes’ giants. Caddis pupae patterns are also essential, especially the locally renowned Busen fly, designed by Johan Klingberg. It’s simple to tie but highly effective. Soft-hackle flies like Black & Peacock Spider also perform exceptionally well.
The Busen tied by Håkan Karsnäser. On the Ahrex Youtube Channel you can find lots of other tying videoes with flies for the troutfishing in Hökensås.
Essential Gear and Patterns
At times, fishing with sinking lines and booby flies is highly effective, so it’s wise to bring a rod rigged with a sinking line. Recommended color combinations include white/chartreuse, orange, black/olive, and pink. Be sure to carry some smaller versions tied on size 18 hooks for extra cautious fish. Woolly Buggers in black and brown are also great, especially an all-black version with an orange head for late autumn.
Local Resources
The area features a well-stocked fishing shop with knowledgeable staff who can advise you on current hatches and the best techniques for success. Adjacent to the shop, there’s a campsite with 150 spaces for tents, caravans, and motorhomes, as well as about 50 rental cabins.
A Fishing Paradise Close to Home
If you’re eager to experience wilderness fishing in a stunning setting with top-quality fish but don’t want to travel to northern Sweden, take a trip to Hökensås. You won’t be disappointed.
You will find more info about Hökensås Sportfiske right here:
