Fly Fishing for European Flounder
25 May 2025
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Fly Fishing for European Flounder
European Flounder
Platichthys flesus
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.
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..."
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