Session: "Bornholm, Bornholm, Bornholm!"

Bornholm is known by fly fishermen as the perfect environment to hunt for those elusive 10-pound silver bars. The relatively small island’s geographical location in the middle of the Baltic Sea and the low salinity levels make it the ideal place for sea-run brown trout (Salmo Trutta) to overwinter. Here, they forage on gammarus, shrimp, and other prey items that secure a good layer of fat throughout the winter months.

By EMIL LA BEET Photos FREDERIK LAKS LORENTZEN and LUKAS LUND MSISKA

Imagine being in one of the best places on earth when it comes to targeting coastal sea trout with a fly rod – and being there with a big bunch of like-minded fly fishermen. Throw in Bornholm’s stunning landscape, huge sea trout, and social gatherings with amazing food from local sources, funny fly fishing related events and a hefty pool party and you’ve got “Bornholm Session”.

Session – A Fly Fishing Rendezvous

Bornholm Session is a concept created by Gordon P Henriksen and Frederik Lorentzen. Their idea was to get off the grid and - instead of mainly socializing online, to have a real-life get-together. All things considered, it’s quite hard to do fly fishing in front of a screen…

Their main goal was to gather people with a passion for fly fishing and everything that comes with it. March 2018 marked the second year for the event on Bornholm. Again, the event showed its potential by being one of the best fly fishing-related events I’ve ever participated in. To be around like-minded people for a week is an indescribable feeling. Normally feeling somewhat alienated by society, Bornholm Session is a holy sanctuary for fly fishermen, regardless of age, gender or level of experience.

Gordon and Frederik do everything to embrace all aspects of fly fishing. Every year, they execute a carefully composed event, including a food truck by the sea, fly tying sessions, video screenings and premieres, BBQ’s by the local harbour and the infamous pool party. All your needs fulfilled, right there. Additionally, Gordon and Frederik have managed to involve some of the locals: Mainly wise men in their best years. They truly add a special feel to the social aspect with fairy talelike stories about the amazing fishery Bornholm can deliver.

During winter, fishing in Denmark is often quite slow. Therefore, this time of the year is often considered off season. After long winter nights tying flies, preparing gear and planning the upcoming season’s adventures, Bornholm Session is the perfect kick-off. It is scheduled in week 10, in the beginning of March. Is there a better way to start the season?

A Home-Coming

For the last two years while participating in Bornholm Session, I’ve had the feeling of coming home. It might seem hard to understand for non-fishermen, but – believe me - the welcoming atmosphere at this event will become etched into your heart, should you ever choose to participate.

You will get the feeling of being a part of something bigger than yourself. It’s like a state of genuine freedom to be around people who are as eager as yourself when it comes to discussing the quality of spey hackles, debate political environmental issues, talk shit about farmed salmon and just generally praise life as fly fishermen. Session Bornholm accommodates it all.

Winter Fishing for Sea-Run Brown Trout

Fishing during the cold winter- and early spring months in Denmark can be a real challenge – and it’s hard work. Cold fingers, icy guides and frozen feet comprise the harsh realities of this fishery. However, due to the low salinity levels around Bornholm, the fishing here can be very accommodating.

Anadromous salmonids are dependent on a permille of salt in their bodies. To save energy during winter, the fish travel far to reach waters with a relatively low permille of salt. Many of the local fishermen often start fishing as early as December and it’s kind of a tradition to kick off the season when the conservation period for the spawning fish ceases on January 16th.

As with any other fishery, the peaks of the season depend on the weather. When the water temperatures decline, and the water temperatures reach 3 degrees Celsius or less, the sea trout’s metabolism is so slow that their feeding periods during the day become very short – and the fish can therefore be tricky to catch. However, during warmer periods throughout winter and early spring, you can get lucky and experience amazing fishery for powerful, chrome and well-nourished sea trout.

Spring Sensation

During March, the days gradually get longer, and daylight gets brighter and brighter. The water temperatures climb every day and the sea trout become more and more active. In March, there are good chances of experiencing some of the most incredible fishing on Bornholm. Besides Bornholm’s outstanding nature with rough coastlines made up of cliffs and huge rocks, the island also offers long, mesmerizing sand beaches full of reefs that provide the sea trout with the perfect feeding habitat.

In my opinion, Bornholm offers a very unique kind of fishing. What sets Bornholm apart from my home waters, is the possibility to successfully fish in swells and huge waves. You need to prepare yourself to get wet, however - Very wet! Due to the rocky bottom, the lack of clay and chalk - and the rich occurrences of seaweed, the waters surrounding Bornholm often stay clear, and the sea trout, of course, are aware of this.

It might seem counterintuitive, but the sea trout save a lot of energy by hunting in the surf.

All their preferred prey items get knocked out of their hiding places and due to the sea trout’s excellent hunting skills, the surf provides the perfect hunting grounds.

Everyone Is Welcome

Session Bornholm is a social event that accommodates all your fly fishing needs regardless of your preferences. It doesn’t matter if you’re in it for the hardcore fishing or for drinking beer, eating great food and spending time with friends and like-minded people - Session Bornholm is for you.

As is often the case, pictures tell a much more elaborate story than words. Gordon and Frederik collaborated with Niels Vestergaard, Jacob Gruwier Vinjegaard and the young, talented guys from @finfollowers and did a short philosophical movie showing what Bornholm Session is all about.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qr432WvUPW4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeAkSlhASVA

Bornholm is easily accessible by car from Denmark and Sweden and has plenty of daily flight connections. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that the island can easily get covered in snow within hours, so winter tyres and snow chains are mandatory. Otherwise the island is easily covered by a normal vehicle and there are plenty of brilliant spots to be fished.

Fly Fishing on Bornholm – What to Bring?

For fishing on Bornholm, it is important to be well equipped. The rough conditions put your gear to the test. Proper wading boots with studs and a wading staff are recommended.

The locals normally equip themselves with a fast 6 or 7-weight single handed rod, combined with an intermediate shooting head to keep track of the fly in the swells and to get down to the fish when the water is still cold.

For most people, a stripping basket is a God-given tool for fishing in harsh winds and big swells but, nonetheless, some manage without. A normal selection of flies for coastal sea trout is more than enough but remember to bring plenty of smaller flies. As mentioned above; the water keeps clear.

If you ever consider joining Bornholm Session, you can follow the Facebook page for more information. www.facebook.com/flyfishersrendezvous

Don’t hesitate, there will be tons of opportunities to get priceless advice from the local guys and from some of the usual trout bums who’ve been fishing on Bornholm for years.

Tight lines and see you in week 10 on Bornholm!