Fishing in Borne Sulinowo: the best lakes, fish species and tips

Borne Sulinowo and the surrounding area are a great choice for anyone who loves fishing — or has long wanted to try it for the first time. You'll find large, deep lakes, quieter waters hidden in the forest and the Piława river, which combines beautiful scenery with plenty of outdoor activities.

The local waters hold pike, perch, bream, roach, tench, eel and other species. Some lakes suit spin anglers, others are better for float or bottom fishing. And for experienced carp anglers, there are specialist fisheries nearby.

In this article we cover where to fish near Borne Sulinowo, what you can catch, when to plan your trip and what you need to know before your first cast.

What makes fishing around Borne Sulinowo special

The Borne Sulinowo municipality lies in the lake district of Western Pomerania. According to the local angling club, there are 57 bodies of water larger than one hectare here, and lakes cover a large part of the municipality.

That means you aren't limited to one popular spot. You can choose a big lake with varied depths, look for a quiet stretch of shoreline, or plan a separate trip to another lake if the first one doesn't live up to expectations.

Another advantage is the setting. Forests, bays, an uneven lake bed and long shorelines create very different fishing conditions. At the same time, not every spot is easy to reach from the bank, and some lakes have special rules on boats, groundbait and fishing methods.

What fish can you catch?

The fish you'll find depend on the lake, the season, the depth and your chosen method. Species worth looking out for around Borne Sulinowo include:

• Pike — a popular predator for spin fishing. Look for it near weed beds, underwater cover and drop-offs.
• Perch — fun for beginners and experienced anglers alike. Small soft plastics, spinners and other light lures work well.
• Bream — a common target for bottom and feeder fishing. Anglers usually look for it over the right kind of lake bed and depth.
• Roach — a good choice if you want to try float fishing. Simple tackle and small baits are often enough.
• Tench — worth looking for near vegetation and in calmer parts of the water.
• Eel — found in local waters; before fishing for it, always check the current rules, restrictions and its protected status.
• Whitefish and vendace — species typical of Lake Pile that add to its variety of fish.

None of this guarantees a catch on every lake. Before your trip, check the description of the specific fishery or the latest updates from the local angling club.

The best lakes for fishing

1. Lake Pile (Jezioro Pile) — plenty of options

Pile is one of the best-known lakes near Borne Sulinowo. It covers about 1,000 hectares, and according to the regional tourist portal its maximum depth reaches around 40 metres. The lake has a long shoreline, bays, peninsulas and sharp changes in depth.

The main species mentioned here are pike, perch, eel, roach, bream, tench, whitefish and vendace.

Best for: spin anglers, those who want to fish from a boat, and anyone who enjoys relaxed fishing from the bank. Given the lake's size and depth, success depends a lot on choosing the right spot and understanding the conditions.

For a first try, start from an easily accessible stretch of shore and don't rush to buy advanced gear. If you plan to fish from a boat, check the rules for boat use and where you can launch beforehand.

2. Lake Śmiadowo (Jezioro Śmiadowo) — perch, roach and pike

Śmiadowo lies close to the road towards Czaplinek. The lake covers about 132 hectares, with a maximum depth of around 15 metres.

The local angling club highlights perch and roach here, along with the chance of a big bream or pike. The lake bed is quite varied, which can make it interesting for anglers fishing from a boat.

Best for: spin, float and bottom anglers, and those with some experience who want to try different parts of the lake.

Important: Śmiadowo has its own rules and permit system. Before you go, check the current conditions on the municipality's official website — don't assume the rules for Lake Pile apply here too.

3. Lake Ciemino (Jezioro Ciemino) — for quieter fishing

Ciemino is another lake worth considering on a fishing trip around Borne Sulinowo. In the Polish Angling Association (PZW) list of fisheries, it covers around 242 hectares.

Stocking records mention tench, pike and eel. Other angling guides also list species typical of lakes in this region, but the actual fish population may differ.

Best for: anyone who wants to spend a few hours in nature, and anglers looking for a lake for spin or bottom fishing.

Petrol and diesel engines are banned on the lake. According to the fishery rules, groundbait is limited to 2.5 kg, and you must keep at least 10 m away from the bogs of the Bagno Ciemino nature reserve while fishing. Check the current PZW regulations (in Polish) before you go.

4. Nadarzyce Reservoirs (Zalewy Nadarzyckie) — river scenery and varied conditions

The Nadarzyce Reservoirs are linked to the Piława river and a historic system of water obstacles. The area appeals not only to anglers but also to wildlife lovers and anyone looking for a quiet trip out of town.

Angling descriptions of this water mention pike, zander, perch, wels catfish, carp and bream. However, access rules, the status of the water and permit requirements should be checked directly with whoever manages it — don't assume one permit covers every water in the region.

Best for: those who want to try fishing in a different natural setting, and more experienced anglers who can read the lake bed and find fish in river-type waters.

5. Lake Lipowe (Jezioro Lipowe) — for carp anglers

If carp are the main goal of your trip, take a look at the specialist carp fishery Lake Lipowe, also known as Jezioro Dudylany. It lies not far from Borne Sulinowo.

According to the fishery operator, the lake has separate fishing pegs with wooden platforms. The focus is on carp, and grass carp are also mentioned among other species.

This is a different kind of trip from a short session on the bank: it's better suited to a longer session with the right equipment. Before booking, ask the operator about available pegs, rules, prices and tackle requirements.

When is the best time to go fishing?

You can fish in every season, but fish activity and permitted methods depend on the time of year, the species and the specific lake.

Spring. A good time for your first trips after winter. The water slowly warms up, but you need to take spawning periods and closed seasons for certain species into account. Don't plan your trip by the calendar alone — check the current restrictions first.

Summer. A good season for early-morning and evening fishing. On hot days fish can be less active around midday, so it's worth starting early or coming back to the water towards evening. Popular shorelines may also be busier with holidaymakers.

Autumn. A favourite time for spin anglers, especially those after predators. The weather changes quickly, so bring warm clothes, allow extra time and keep an eye on conditions on the water.

Winter. Some anglers go ice fishing, but stepping onto the ice carries serious risk. Ice thickness can be uneven, especially near currents, inflows and outflows. Even the right equipment doesn't make ice safe — don't go onto it unless its safety has been confirmed by the relevant local services.

For your first fishing trip, the easiest choice is a warm day with settled weather, an accessible shoreline and a short morning or evening outing.

What anglers say — and what to expect

Anglers who fish the region often praise the beauty of the lakes, the forest setting and the chance to get away from city noise. However, there aren't enough public catch reports to honestly name one lake as the best for the number of bites or the size of the fish.

The local PZW club describes Śmiadowo as a lake where big perch, roach, bream and pike turn up. Tourist information about Pile lists a wide range of species. These are useful pointers, but no guarantee of a catch on any given day.

If you want to know where the fish are biting right now, the best thing to do before your trip is ask the local angling club, the fishery manager or a tackle shop. Don't just ask about "the best spot" — ask about current water levels, bank access, boat rules and which methods are currently allowed.

Do you need a fishing permit in Poland?

Yes. Before you cast a line, find out who manages the water and which permit you need. Lakes in the region belong to different fisheries, so there's no single rule that covers them all.

On waters managed by the Polish Angling Association (PZW), you usually need the right permit and must follow the regulations of the regional district. The PZW Koszalin district publishes its list of fisheries, fishing regulations and current 2026 fees. Some permits can be bought online.

Lake Śmiadowo has its own permit system, published by the Borne Sulinowo municipality. Specialist and private fisheries, including carp lakes, may have their own conditions.

Before your trip, check:

• whether your chosen lake is on the relevant list;
• which permit you need and for which dates;
• whether you need a Polish fishing card in your situation (foreigners staying in Poland temporarily may be exempt, but a fishing permit is still required);
• permitted methods and the number of rods;
• minimum sizes, daily limits and closed seasons;
• rules for boats, engines and groundbait;
• whether you need to keep a catch record.

Current rules and permits: PZW Koszalin — list of fisheries, PZW Koszalin online permits and municipal information on Lake Śmiadowo (all in Polish).

Your first fishing trip: what to bring

If you've never fished before, or have only done it a few times, you don't need to buy lots of gear straight away.

For a simple start, you'll need:

• A rod and reel. A basic set is fine for a first try — borrow one, or buy one after getting advice in a tackle shop.
• Line, hooks and floats — if you're planning to float fish.
• Lures or bait. The choice depends on the species and method; ask for advice about the specific lake.
• A landing net and a measuring tape. They help you handle fish more safely and check their size.
• A bait box or other accessories your chosen method needs.
• Clothes for the weather, water, a snack and insect repellent. This matters especially by forest lakes.
• A rubbish bag. Take home everything you brought with you.

If you don't have any gear, start with a short session on the bank. Before hiring a boat or buying an expensive set, it's worth finding out which style of fishing you really enjoy.

Boat or bank?

From the bank — the simplest option for beginners. There's no need to launch a boat or pay to hire one. The key is to find an accessible spot where fishing is allowed, and not to disturb other people enjoying the lake.

From a boat — more chances to explore deep water, bays and remote spots. This is especially interesting on the large Lake Pile, but you need to consider the lake's rules, the weather, safety and permitted engine types.

Carp fishing may require specialist equipment, a longer stay on the bank and booking a peg in advance. If you're just getting to know fishing, it's better to start with a simpler technique.

Fishing and relaxing at Slow Life Apartment

A fishing trip can be a great part of a weekend in Borne Sulinowo. Spend a few hours by the water in the morning, explore the forest trails or the town itself during the day, and come back for a quiet evening.

If you're planning a few days exploring the local lakes, the Piława river and the region's historic sites, Slow Life Apartment makes a convenient base. Discover Slow Life Apartment or check the details on Airbnb.

Fishing near Borne Sulinowo is about more than the catch

The local waters let you try different styles of fishing: from a simple float rig on the bank to spin fishing on a big lake or a long carp session.

For experienced anglers, it's a chance to explore new waters; for beginners, it's a reason to spend time in nature, learn something new and discover a slower pace of holiday.

The best plan is to choose a lake that matches your experience, check the current rules, pack simple gear and not make the catch the only goal of your trip. Because sometimes the best part of fishing is the quiet by the water, the forest all around and a few unhurried hours.