Tornio River salmon fishing limited to two fish per angler again this summer

Finnish and Swedish authorities will maintain strict salmon fishing quotas on the Tornio River for the 2025 season, limiting anglers to a maximum of two fish per person for the entire season, public broadcaster Yle reports.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announced the restrictions in a statement, applying them to all fishing methods used in the river. Once an angler has caught two salmon, they must cease salmon fishing for the remainder of the season.

The regulations, initially tightened last year, are based on a joint report by Finland’s Natural Resources Institute and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) assessing the river’s fish stocks. The restrictions aim to support salmon reproduction in the Tornio River while ensuring sustainable fishing practices.

The salmon fishing season opens on 8 June at 19:00 and runs until 15 August, with a subsequent catch-and-release period until 25 August. During this later phase, anglers may only use lures with barbless hooks, and all salmon over 65 cm must be immediately released. Authorities state this measure balances conservation with the operational needs of local fishing tourism businesses, as salmon handle stress better in late summer.

Additional rules include a four-trap limit per boat and a continued ban on gaff hooks, though exemptions may be granted for individuals with mobility restrictions. These measures are designed to protect salmon, trout, and grayling populations.

Negotiations between Finland and Sweden on the regulations occur annually to align fishing rules with current fish stock conditions.