herring

The island of Rügen, Germany's largest Baltic Sea island, is a paradise for anglers – especially during herring season. Between March and May, countless amateur and professional anglers flock to the coast to pursue the "silver of the sea." Herring migrate in huge shoals to the Bodden waters, offering excellent fishing opportunities. Here you'll learn everything you need to know about herring fishing on Rügen.

When is the best time to fish for herring?

The main herring season on Rügen begins in spring, typically in March, and usually lasts until the end of April or early May. The exact timing depends heavily on the water temperature – as soon as it reaches around 7 to 10°C, the herring spawning migration begins.

Popular Fishing Spots on Rügen

Some of the top herring fishing spots on Rügen are:

• Sassnitz Pier: Very popular with shore anglers. Good infrastructure and usually plenty of herring during the season.

• Mukran Harbor: Right next to Sassnitz – ideal for larger schools of fish and plenty of space for fishing.

• Strelasund near Stralsund: Especially popular with boat anglers, but also good for fishing from bridges or piers.

• Glewitzer Wiek and Zudar: Less frequented, but often quieter and more relaxed.

Equipment & Technique

You don't need high-end gear for herring fishing. Here's an overview:

• Rod: Light to medium spinning rod (2.40–3.00 m)

• Reel: 2500–4000 size spinning reel

• Line: Monofilament (0.20 mm–0.25 mm) to prevent the hook from slipping out of the herring's soft mouth

• Herring Paternoster: The classic rig with several small hooks and fish skin

• Lead: Depending on the current, 40–80 g to bring the rig to depth

Tip: In heavily frequented areas, a shorter rig is often more effective, as the herring are found in the middle water layer.

To fish on Rügen, you need:

- A valid fishing license

- The coastal waters fishing license for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

(Day, week, or annual license)

- You can get both licenses here:

- Purchase a fishing license & fishing permit

There are no closed seasons for herring, as they are a schooling fish with a short lifespan. However, it is recommended to check the local regulations.

Please be careful not to catch more herring than you can use. The fish is highly perishable – so it's better to catch small quantities more often than to waste large catches. Trash, leftover line, and hooks have no place in nature!

Herring fishing on Rügen is not only effective but also a sociable experience. Whether alone, with friends, or family – fishing for the silver of the sea is one of the highlights of the fishing season. Good preparation, respect for nature, and the right technique will make your fishing trip a success.