Stora Kroktjarn

A Forest Lake for Fly Fishing

Stora Kroktjärn is a slender, clear-water forest lake, roughly eighteen hectares in area, set in the hilly terrain of western Västmanland. The deepest point — about twelve metres — lies below a rocky cliff along one shore, while submerged fallen trees create holding spots for fish near the edges. Because the lake is narrow, fish tend to swim close to shore, making casting from the bank rewarding even for those who prefer not to wade or take a boat.↗↗

The fishing here is a put-and-take system: rainbow trout and brown trout are regularly stocked by the cooperative, so anglers can expect action during the season. Only fly fishing is the recommended method, and the short casting distances needed make it approachable for beginners and families as well as experienced practitioners.↗↗

What You'll Find at the Shore

The lake has been thoughtfully developed for anglers: a network of boardwalks and casting platforms (kastbryggor) runs around the shore, making it easy to walk between fishing spots and providing stable casting lanes in several directions. There are wind shelters at a few sites, a designated grill area, a fish-cleaning station, and an outdoor toilet — simple but practical facilities that make it comfortable to spend a full day out here.↗

The shore path is relatively flat and well-defined. Where overhand casting is awkward due to tree cover near the platforms, the fish are close enough to shore that short presentations work well. A parking area is located at the near end of the lake, and the far end — away from the car park — is where anglers report several fish holding.↗

The Wider Malingsbo-Kloten Landscape

Stora Kroktjärn is one of many fishing waters in the Malingsbo-Kloten area, a vast stretch of conifer forest and highland terrain shared between Sveaskog (the Swedish state forest company) and local fishing cooperatives. The area spans parts of three counties — Dalarna, Västmanland, and Örebro — and is reached most easily via Road 233 between Skinnskatteberg and Kopparberg.↗

Beyond fishing, the region is home to Malingsbo-Kloten, one of Sweden's largest protected natural areas outside the mountain region at roughly 50,000 hectares, and the starting point of the Bergslagsleden — a 280-kilometre long-distance trail running south to Lake Vättern and Tiveden. The nearby town of Kopparberg itself has a centuries-old mining heritage and a well-known craft brewery.↗

Practical Information

A valid fishing licence is required and can be purchased through the hyrfiske.se rental-fishing service or via the Sveaskog/ifiske.se platform. There is a fixed daily cost per water plus a per-person fee; only one rod per person is allowed, and all fish caught during your rental period may be kept. Fire and grilling are permitted only at designated sites, and are prohibited during fire bans.↗↗

The nearest town is Kopparberg (Ljusnarsberg municipality), roughly a few kilometres to the south. There is no admission fee to the forest area itself, but fishing and any overnight stay near the lake require the appropriate licence.↗

Best Time to Visit

The fishing season in Malingsbo-Kloten typically runs from May through September. Early summer brings long days and active fish near the surface; autumn offers cooler water and fewer visitors. Winter access is limited — there is no ice-fishing licence at this particular water, though the surrounding forest is walkable year-round.↗