Improvements of waterways

Improving waterways is a cornerstone of the work carried out by Havørred Fyn. Through stream restoration, removal of barriers, and the re-establishment of natural flow and habitats, conditions for wild sea trout reproduction are steadily improved.

Giving Rivers Back to the Sea Trout

The agreement on improving rivers and streams on Fyn, coordinated by Sea Trout Fyn, aims to restore healthy and self-sustaining sea trout populations in the island’s watercourses. All municipalities on Fyn contribute to a joint funding scheme, ensuring that restoration efforts are prioritised based on ecological potential rather than municipal boundaries.

The funds are used for targeted projects such as removing barriers, improving spawning habitats, and restoring natural stream conditions. As a result, increasing numbers of sea trout now migrate upstream to spawn. Today, trout populations in many streams are significantly higher than they were 15 years ago, and in recent years anglers have experienced more frequent catches of larger sea trout along the coasts of Fyn.

Better now, than before.

The sea trout population on Fyn is now increasing through natural reproduction. Since 1990, Sea Trout Fyn has worked systematically to strengthen sea trout populations through a combination of targeted stocking efforts and large-scale improvements to river access.

The results show that this long-term approach has been effective. More than 500 kilometres of rivers and streams have been reopened to migrating sea trout, and today sea trout are found in 25 watercourses on Fyn. At the same time, the project has helped improve knowledge of coastal sea trout fishing and strengthened the conditions for inshore angling, attracting an increasing number of active sea trout anglers — all under the shared umbrella of Sea Trout Fyn.

Continuing the Work in Rivers and Streams

These combined efforts have created the foundation for the high-quality sea trout fishing now found along the coasts of Fyn and the surrounding islands. However, important work still remains. Many rivers and streams are still partly inaccessible to migrating sea trout, and further improvements are needed to reconnect watercourses with suitable spawning and nursery habitats upstream. Planned initiatives include the construction of additional fish passages, the restoration and replenishment of spawning gravel, and the re-establishment of more natural stream morphology in sections that have been straightened or heavily modified.

This work will continue in the coming years with a clear long-term objective: to ensure that sea trout populations are strong, self-sustaining, and shaped by natural processes. Ultimately, success on the coast should depend on an angler’s skill, knowledge, and dedication rather than artificial support. The ambition is for Fyn and the neighbouring islands to support large, naturally reproducing sea trout populations in rivers, streams, and coastal waters — forming the basis for Fyn as one of Europe’s leading destinations for inshore sea trout fishing.

Follow Our Work on YouTube

Many of the restoration projects carried out by Sea Trout Fyn are documented on film. On our YouTube channel, you can follow the work in rivers and streams, gain insight into the collaboration with municipalities and volunteers, and see how concrete restoration measures help improve conditions for sea trout. The videos provide a behind-the-scenes look at the long-term efforts to restore healthy waterways and support self-sustaining sea trout populations on Fyn and the surrounding islands.

Watch more on YOUTUBE