Salmon numbers in Denmark’s Skjern Å have nearly doubled according to fall measurements by DTU Aqua, bringing relief to sport fishermen who hope for a catch quota in 2025 after missing out last year. Meanwhile, neighboring Storåen has seen its salmon population drop dramatically.
Record Recovery for Skjern Å Salmon
Sport fishermen can breathe easier after DTU Aqua’s fall measurements showed a significant increase in salmon entering the river to spawn. The estimate jumped from 2,719 salmon in 2024 to 4,227 in the recent count. Researchers reached these numbers after electrofishing selected stretches of the waterway.
Mikael Beck-Hansen, chairman of the combined sport fishing associations in Skjernå Sammenslutning, expressed optimism about the findings. He noted this represents the third or fourth highest salmon population they have measured.
Financial Impact of No-Kill Policy
The Gudena River regulations differ from those in Skjern Å, where 2025 brought strict protection measures. Last year, no sport fishermen could take salmon home, a policy designed to protect the species from disappearing. However, this conservation effort came with a steep financial cost.
Without a catch quota, roughly 900 to 1,000 fewer sport fishermen purchased fishing permits for Skjern Å. The association lost approximately 250,000 kroner. These funds typically go directly toward spawning gravel in smaller tributaries and stocking young salmon and trout.
Hope for 2025 Quota Allocation
Given the cash shortage, Beck-Hansen hopes DTU Aqua will consider the improved measurements when deciding on a salmon quota for the current year. While he has received hints that a quota might be granted, nothing has been officially promised.
Last year, fishermen caught many salmon in the river but had to release them all. Regulations even prohibit lifting salmon out of the water for photos, as removing them from their aquatic environment can damage their spines. Anglers could only photograph their catches while the fish remained in the landing net before release.
Despite the restrictions, Beck-Hansen noticed increased activity during the 2025 season. He observed much more life in the water and many salmon showing themselves, so the positive population analysis did not come as a complete surprise.
Storåen Faces Population Decline
While Skjern Å celebrates its recovery, the situation differs for its northern neighbor. Storåen’s salmon population has dropped dramatically since the last measurement in 2022, when researchers estimated 5,119 salmon. The fall count plummeted to just 1,438 fish.
This decline could reverse Storåen’s fortunes. In 2025, it received Denmark’s largest salmon quota, though authorities later banned taking salmon home during the season. Sport fishermen took home 164 salmon from Storåen in 2025 before the prohibition took effect.
Questions About Population Drop
Gunnar H. Pedersen, chairman of the sport fishing associations in Storåen, expressed surprise at the apparent drastic population decline. He acknowledged uncertainty about the cause but suggested the drop might not necessarily affect the quota allocated for this year.
Interestingly, 82 percent of registered salmon in the last two counts were wild fish. Storåen does not stock salmon fry because biologists believe the population can reproduce independently. Wild salmon appear more likely to return to their native waterways compared to stocked fish.
Other Danish Salmon Rivers
Beyond Skjern Å and Storåen, anglers can also pursue salmon in several other Danish waterways. Varde Å, Sneum Å, Kongeåen, Ribe Å, Brede Å, and Vidå all offer salmon fishing opportunities. The Gudenå has more lenient regulations since its population is not considered wild.
The upcoming season opens on April 16, and fishermen hope to capture photos similar to those from previous successful years. Whether Skjern Å receives a quota remains to be determined by DTU Aqua, but the positive population trends have generated considerable optimism among the sport fishing community.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Gudenå River: Denmark’s Longest Waterway
The Danish Dream: Best Fishing Spots in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Skjern Å er tilbage i rollen som Danmarks bedste laksevand
