Grayling fishing in Storsjön – best spots in central Östersund

As a kid we fished for grayling here almost every autumn. We landed fish well over a kilo, and once lost one estimated at around two kilos in front of a whole crowd. It's a heavily underrated fishery, and the chance of a really big grayling is genuinely still there.

Best spot: the footbridges between Badhusparken and Frösön

This is the place I remember best. Between Badhusparken and Frösön the footbridges span the water, and natural currents form beneath them. That's exactly where the grayling like to sit.

We fished almost entirely from the bridges. You stay dry and just drop the fly down to the surface. Weather barely mattered – rain or sun, the grayling took anyway.

Practical tips:

• Bring a landing net. It makes landing the fish much easier.
• The stones by the bridge footings get slippery when you're landing a fish – watch your step.
• Expect an audience. Locals stop to watch. It's part of the experience.

The walk from Hotel Emma takes just 7–8 minutes. You're on the spot in no time.

Other good spots on Frösön

The stone shore between Viltstråket 9 and 13. You can pull on waders and cast to rising fish here when conditions allow. For some reason grayling like it just there.

The public jetty at the start of Båtplatsvägen. Occasionally really big grayling show up here. Not every time, but when they're around they're big.

No boat needed at any of these spots. You can fish everything from land or the bridges.

Brown trout are here too – but harder

Trout swim in the same water. They're much fussier on the dry fly. We had clearly better results with them on bottom bait or a spinner.

Catch and release – strongly recommended

We recommend releasing the fish. The County Administrative Board and Östersund municipality have clear dietary advice on environmental toxins in fish from Storsjön, Lillsjön and the Indalsälven. Easy to do the right thing – photograph, weigh if you like, and release.

Staying at Hotel Emma?

Then you've got a perfect base. Under ten minutes to walk to the best spots, and we're happy to share more tips. We can also hold rods safely at reception while you're out doing other things during the day.

Summary

Grayling fishing in the centre of Östersund is one of the most underrated fishing adventures in Jämtland. The footbridges by Badhusparken are the absolute favourite, but there are more spots on Frösön that deliver too. August through early October, dry fly or nymph, and a bit of patience. That's all you need.