Fishing on Usedom

A harbor with a fishing boat at a wooden dock — Andreas Dumke ©

Fishing Vacation on Usedom

Usedom offers a variety of fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea, the Achterwasser, the Peenestrom, and other bodies of water on the island. Depending on the fishing area, you may catch pike, zander, perch, eel, garfish, and herring, among other species. Before your fishing trip, be sure to check the requirements for a fishing license, fishing permits, and the regulations in effect for the specific body of water.

Fishing with a Long Tradition

Fishing has a long tradition on the sunny island of Usedom. Until German reunification, there were hundreds of full-time fishermen on Germany’s second-largest island. The many wooden fishing boats along the Baltic Sea coast still bear witness to that era today. And even today, schools of fish in both fresh and saltwater continue to attract not only professional fishermen but also enthusiastic leisure fisherman.

What kinds of fish can you catch on Usedom?

The fishing season begins in February with the hunt for sea trout. Starting in March, herring arrive in swarms along the coast to spawn. But be aware: in 2022, the herring catch quota was reduced by half. Salmon trolling is in full swing in April, as are the garfish fishing tournaments. Flatfish are a sought-after catch in May. And when the two-month pike closed season in the Bodden waters ends, it’s time to go after the really big fish.

Fishing nets and a fishing boat — Filmmakers in Germany ©

Deep-sea fishing on Usedom

If you’d rather not cast your line from the shore, you can take a guided fishing tour by boat out onto the open water on Usedom. If you'd rather take the wheel yourself, you can easily rent a small boat or go with a fishing guide. To fish, you’ll need a valid fishing license and the appropriate fishing map. Vacationers can purchase a temporary tourist fishing license in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

Fishing License for Fishing on Usedom

If you do not yet have a fishing license, you can request that a tourist fishing license be issued to you by any local authority on the island of Usedom before your vacation there. Return the application to the authority, along with a copy of your ID, at least 14 days before your desired fishing date.

Tourist Fishing License for Usedom

Please also refer to the brochure “The Temporary Fishing License in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.” The cost of the informational material is included in the 24 euros fee for issuing the tourist fishing license. The license is valid for 28 days. If you wish to extend your tourist fishing license, you can do so for an additional 13 euros each time.

Children 14 years of age and younger do not need a fishing license

Once you have obtained your leisure fishing license and acquired the necessary knowledge about fishing, you can purchase your fishing permit at any tourist information office or fishing store. The fishing permit allows you to fish in various areas of Usedom. The price ranges from 6 euros to 12 euros. Children under the age of 14 only need the fishing permit and do not need a fishing license.

A child is fishing from a dock — Shutterstock ©

Tips for Fishing Trips

The Zecherin marina is located in the heart of the reed beds surrounding the island of Usedom on the Peene Estuary. Guided fishing trips here become your very own personal adventure. Go fishing for the feisty little Baltic Sea marlin off the island of Ruden. Experience trolling for salmon and sea trout in the Baltic Sea. Or break the “meter mark” while fishing for pike on the Bodden, a destination that attracts pike specialists from all over Europe.

Set sail from Wolgast on the former beach cutter “Möwe” for a fishing trip. This fishing adventure for the whole family is especially popular with children: The four-hour trip takes you through the calm waters of the Peenestrom and the Krumminer Wiek. On board, there are fishing rods and life jackets available for rent, specially designed for children. Bait can be arranged in advance.

The boats from Wassersport Lassan are moored right in the Lassan city harbor, in the heart of the Achterwasser and Peenestrom fishing grounds. You can reach the first fishing spots in just a few minutes. The fishing area is suitable for everyone—whether you’re a beginner or a pro. Target species include zander, pike, perch, and eel. Further downstream on the Peenestrom, garfish, flounder, and sea trout await in the Bodden waters, surrounded by a uniquely beautiful landscape.