Count down to Mörrum fishing premiere

Every year, the river Mörrumsån attracts some 20 000 anglers. This year's premiere is on 25 March and is the 71st in succession.

Mörrumsån is one of the most renowned fishing waters in the country. Salmon has been fished here since the 13th century, probably earlier, and participation in the premier is as popular as ever. 

On Friday 25 March, 200 anglers will have stationed themselves along the 15 kilometre stretch of fishing water in Blekinge, waiting in anticipation for the shot from the start cannon, ready to do all they can to get the fish of a lifetime on their hook.

"The interest shown this year is comparable with that of previous years. However, bookings for May fishing are down somewhat. This is most probably due to the fact that the number of salmon migrating up our Baltic Sea rivers is decreasing," says Percy Assarsson, Local manager, Mörrums Kronolaxfiske.

Official letter to the EU

The problem was taken up last autumn when representatives for different Baltic Sea rivers sent a joint letter to the concerned authorities in Sweden and the EU.

"We will also be holding a seminar on 24 March, the day before the premiere, which addresses the issue of the measures necessary to save Baltic Sea salmon from total extinction," says Percy Assarsson.

Mild January raises hopes

Last winter's weather caused problems for Mörrums Kronolaxfiske. Large amounts of ice and snow created uncertainty, up to the last minute, as to whether the premiere could be held on the set date.

In December it looked as though another tough winter was probable in Mörrum, but January was milder and consequently the situation looks much more favourable now than it did at this time last year.

"It looks as though we will be able to hold the premiere as planned," says Percy Assarsson.

Several activities planned for

There are also plenty of activities surrounding premiere day for those not lucky enough to be allocated a place on the river bank. Fishing equipment companies are in place to present their products, and you can learn how to tie your own salmon fishing fly.

The Mörrums Kronolaxfiske angling office with its adjoining exhibitions also opens for the season on 25 March. Here you can learn more about Mörrumsån salmon, animal life in the river and the history of fishing. There is also a 13 metre long aquarium containing many of the river's species of fish.