Sea trout can be caught from the Estonian coast almost all year round. But in January the fish are neither in the same place nor in the same mood as in May. Once you understand what they do in each season, you have done half the work.
Spring — time to wake up
Once the ice has gone and the sun starts warming the shallow bays, sea trout move inshore. The warmer shallow water holds more life and more food. For many anglers, spring is the high point of the season.
Look for sunny bays and inlets, rocky shoals and places where shallow water meets deeper water. On a calm day you may even see fish feeding at the surface.
Summer — nights and early mornings
When the coastal water gets too warm, sea trout move into cooler, deeper water. During the day it is harder from the shore, but at night, at dusk and early in the morning the fish come closer again.
In summer it also pays to watch the wind: when it pushes the warm surface water away and cooler water wells up along the shore, the fishing can suddenly come alive.
Autumn — the gift of cooler water
As the water cools, the coast comes alive again. Autumn is the second big season. The fish feed actively and can be in good condition.
Important: in autumn, fish that are ready to spawn move towards the rivers. In many places, closed areas and closed seasons apply near river mouths at this time. Always check them beforehand and leave fish heading to spawn alone.
Winter — cold, quiet and beautiful
You can also fish in winter when the coast is free of ice. The fish are slower in cold water, so:
- fish more slowly and let the lure run lower;
- choose places where the water is a little deeper and more stable;
- use the warmest part of the day.
In its silence and snow, the winter shore is both harsh and incredibly beautiful. Many of my most memorable photos were taken in winter.
Summary
| Season | Where to look | When |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | shallow sunny bays, rocky shoals | all day |
| Summer | edges of deeper water, currents | night, dusk, early morning |
| Autumn | coastlines, boulder-strewn areas, headlands (not closed areas!) | all day |
| Winter | spots with a stable depth | the warmer part of the day |
If you want to learn how to find fish in the current season, get in touch — the specifics of the fishing change with the seasons, and the guided day changes with them.
