What is the fishing pressure in Icelandic salmon rivers? What percentage of the salmon that migrates the rivers is caught? What is this ratio?
Fisheries scientist Sigurður Már Einarsson’s research shows that fishing pressure in numerous rivers in West Iceland has notably decreased. He mentions that by introducing fish counters in rivers, it has become possible to examine this ratio more closely. In a 2007 assessment, it was found that 50% of grilse and 60-70% of two- and three-sea-winter salmon were caught. Sigurður explains that this resulted in a significant impact on the salmon stock.
The higher catch rate of two and three sea winter salmon is due to their earlier arrival in the river, allowing them to be caught for a longer period compared to grilse, which typically arrive later.
There has been a significant change affecting the following rivers in western Iceland: Elliðaár, Norðurá above the Glanni waterfall, upper Langá, Gljúfurá, Krossá, and Búðardalsá. The fishing pressure in these rivers peaked at around 60% but has now decreased to about 30%. What caused this decline?
“I believe the main reason for this is the increasing popularity of using flies as bait, with many rivers allowing only flies as bait. This practice is prevalent in most major rivers.I interpret this as meaning that the fly is more effective than mixed bait. It appears that using flies exclusively for fishing could lead to more fish remaining in the rivers,” Sigurður explains.
What about factors like a shift in mindset and decreased daily fishing time? Before 2007, it was common for banks, oil companies, airlines, and wealthy individuals in Iceland to fish in the rivers for many years. These were usually energetic individuals who enjoyed fishing and often invited foreign anglers. However, in 2008, the bank collapsed. Consequently, the Icelandic krona depreciated, making it more feasible for foreign anglers to visit Iceland again and fish. These foreign anglers had a different approach, using only flies, practicing catch and release, and catching one to two salmon a day was sufficient for them. They also started fishing later in the morning and returned earlier in the evening, which altered the fishing pressure.
Image/A nice salmon from river Elliðaár
Summary mainly prepared from news created by mbl.is; Sporðaköst. The last article is speculation from us at Veiðiheimar.