Jonsvatnet – Lake, Fishing and Winter Landscape

Jonsvatnet lies in the eastern part of Trondheim municipality and is by far the largest and deepest lake in the area. The lake district comprises three almost separate basins: Litjvatnet, Storvatnet and Kilvatnet. Its highly indented shoreline, with many bays and islands, gives the lake a varied shape. When planning your trip, you can therefore focus on different aspects: the individual lake basins, activities on the water and the outdoor recreation area around the lake.

Fishing in Jonsvannsområdet

Jonsvatnet is the central lake in the Jonsvannsområdet fishing permit area. Sport fishing is possible in 28 lakes and ponds in this area. At Jonsvatnet, fishing with a rod is permitted from the shore or from a boat. Storvatnet has a very large population of Arctic char. This means that the fishing opportunities on the lake and the especially large char population in one of its basins are two distinct points of interest for anglers.

The fishing waters of Haukås Statsallmenning are also part of the Jonsvannsområdet fishing permit area; Haukås Statsallmenning is located by Jonsvatnet. To fish for crayfish in Jonsvatnet, Litjvatnet and Kilvatnet, you need a fishing permit as well as permission from the relevant landowner. Check the current local rules and permits before fishing.

Winter on the lake and in the surrounding area

Turskøyting, or touring on skates on the lake, is a popular activity and offers nature experiences. The bays and different areas of Jonsvatnet often freeze over at different times because of the lake’s hydromorphological conditions. Therefore, check local ice conditions before skating; the time of year alone does not indicate when the different areas will freeze over.

For a different winter activity, there are groomed ski trails in the large outdoor recreation area around Jonsvatnet. This distinguishes two different winter activities: touring on skates takes place on the lake, while the trails are in the surrounding outdoor recreation area. Which option interests you depends on whether you want to focus on the lake itself or the area around it.

Water landscape and cultural history

Jonsvatnet is centrally located in the Vikelva water system, which is important for outdoor recreation. The Vikelva flows north from Litlevatnet to its mouth at Ranheim. This connection extends the view beyond the lake’s three basins to the wider watercourse.

The farms of Øvre Jervan are also part of the area’s history: they are among the outstanding examples of the former agricultural culture in the area around Jonsvatnet. For travelers interested in historical farming as well as the landscape, this offers a different perspective on the lake district.

Getting there and visitor rules

From Trondheim, the road route follows the exit from the E6 onto Omkjøringsveien at Moholt, then continues onto Jonsvannssveien. From there, continue to Jonsvatnet and on to the southeastern end of the lake. Check current road conditions before setting out. The road around Jonsvatnet is also used for cycling training rides.

Jonsvatnet is the main source of water for the municipalities of Trondheim and Malvik and a reserve water source for Melhus. Observe the related restrictions at the lake: camping and staying overnight within a zone of 100 metres around Jonsvatnet is prohibited. This also applies to the islands in the lake.

Discover more destinations: Trondheim, Heimdal.

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