Mörrum's 2010 record salmon caught by a Skåne angler

Saturday 9 October saw the close of this year's Mörrums Kronolaxfiske season in Blekinge. This meant that the largest salmon for the season could be announced. It was caught by Mikael Andersson from Skåne, and it weighed 17.22 kilo.

The Mörrum season ended on 9 October this year and not 30 September as is usually the case.

"We made an application to the county council to lengthen the season by a few days into October, and they were not opposed to this in any way," say Percy Assarson, site manager for Mörrums Kronolaxfiske.

A successful season

With respect to catches, the season has been a good one, despite poor salmon migration. When it comes to sea trout, 2010 will be seen as one of the best in Mörrums Kronolaxfiske's 70-year history. In March and April alone, more than 1 200 sea trout were caught along the 15 km long fishing stretch. This excellent result shows that the long term fish conservation measures taken in Mörrum River are now starting to give results.

Otherwise, the disappointing salmon migration has been the talking point of the season among anglers. The decline has not only affected Mörrum River, but also many other waters along the Norrland coast.

"It is extra alarming when such an exceptional decrease occurs and no direct cause can be found," says Percy Assarson.

Up until 30 September 860 fish were weighed in. In addition to these, 1 634 were put back. This is to say that a total of 2 494 fish were caught in Mörrum this season. The largest fish caught was a 17.22 kilo salmon.

Providing the coming winter does not cause more problems than the last one, the 2011 Mörrum season will open on Friday, 25 March.