Fly Fishing for European Flounder

European Flounder

Platichthys flesus

Saltwater
Fly Fishing for European Flounder

Do you want to use this image in your publication?
Please send us an email.

Flies

Clouser Minnow

Lefty's Deceiver

Magnus

Mickey Finn

Muddler Minnow


View all

Rods

AFTMA 4 to AFTMA 6

Where you can find European Flounder

On this map you see where there were observations of European Flounder around the world, to give you an idea in which continents, countries and waters you can find this fish species.

Years 2000 until now, source: GBIF

Fly fishing for European flounder is not a common practice, as this species of fish is not highly sought after. They're typically found in the coastal waters of the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, or in rivers and estuaries in these areas.

How to fly fish for European flounder

When you're wading in the tidal flats, rivers or estuaries, use an intermediate line. Even if you can see the fish in shallow water, it's still important to get the fly to the bottom and retrieve it over the bottom all the way as European Flounder are bottom feeders. An AFTMA 4 to AFTMA 6 is sufficient.

What flies work best?

When it comes to fly fishing for European flounder, the most effective flies are ones that mimic the small crustaceans and invertebrates that make up the flounder's diet. Some examples of flies that can be successful include shrimp patterns, crab patterns, and sandeel patterns.

Where to fly fish for European Flounder

In terms of where to go to catch European flounder on the fly, there are a few options. One possibility is to fish the tidal flats in the Wadden Sea (The Netherlands), which is a shallow coastal sea located in the southeastern part of the North Sea. This area is known for its rich biodiversity, and it is home to a wide variety of fish species, including European flounder.

Another option is to fish in the rivers and estuaries that flow into the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. These areas can also hold good numbers of European flounder, and they can be accessed from shore or by wading. One particularly interesting location: try the Oostvoornse Lake (Oostvoornse Meer). It provides easy access and lots of wadable water where, provided you're fishing at the right time of year, you can often sight fish for European Flounder.

Overall, fly fishing for European flounder is not a common as most fly fishers target other species. Their looks might not make you think that this is the case, but they actually can bend your AFTMA 6 further than you think...

Share the link to this fish

Save this fish in your favorites

Flies that you can use to fly fish for European Flounder

Clouser Minnow

Lefty's Deceiver

Magnus

Mickey Finn

Muddler Minnow

Sand Eel

Shrimp Pattern

Woolly Bugger

Is your favorite fly not listed? Let us know.

Locations where you can fly fish for European Flounder

The Netherlands πŸ‡³πŸ‡±

Oostvoornse Meer

Big trout in the Netherlands

Lake

Brown Trout

European Flounder

Rainbow Trout

Is your favorite location not listed? Let us know.

Countries where you can fly fish for European Flounder

πŸ‡©πŸ‡° Denmark

πŸ‡«πŸ‡· France

πŸ‡©πŸ‡ͺ Germany

πŸ‡³πŸ‡΄ Norway

πŸ‡ΈπŸ‡ͺ Sweden

πŸ‡³πŸ‡± The Netherlands

πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ United Kingdom

Is your favorite country not listed? Let us know.

Articles about european flounder from the library

Fly fishing with woolly buggers

Flies

Fly fishing with woolly buggers

In the category of flies known as streamers, the Woolly Bugger reigns supreme. Its popularity comes from its versatility β€” it can be used to catch a wide range of species.

More content in the library

Grow your fly fishing passion

Get info based on the rods your own
Save your favorite flies, fish, locations and more
Explore fish, flies, insects, locations, countries and more

Run by fly fishers and completely free!

Create account

Other fish

Arctic Char

Asp

Atlantic Bluefin Tuna

Atlantic Cod

Atlantic Halibut

Atlantic Mackerel

Atlantic Salmon

Barbel

Bonefish

Bream

Brook trout

Brown Trout

Chub

Common Carp

Cutthroat Trout

Garfish

Golden Trout

Grayling

Haddock

Ide

Largemouth Bass

Marble Trout

Musky

Perch

Pike

Pike-perch

Pollack

Rainbow Trout

Redfish

Roach

Rudd

Sea bass

Sea Trout

Smallmouth Bass

Steelhead

Striped bass

Tarpon

Tench

Twaid shad

Is your favorite fish not listed? Let us know.