A magical trip along the River Skjern

At first glance, Skjern Å didn't look like much according to Sarah and her boyfriend Tobias, but once they had taken a walk along the river with their fishing gear, backpack and camera, she was completely sold. If it's your first time visiting the area, she also has a specific recommendation.

"Get up early and drive down to Albæk bog and watch the morning mist lift from the river while you drink your morning coffee. Listen to the birds chirping and watch the semi-wild stallions frolicking in the meadow. I'm almost certain that you'll want to stay another day. Because Skjern Å and its nature and wildlife will quickly get under your skin." 

This is how Sarah opens her story, and you can even imagine how her big smile reveals a genuine joy in simply articulating the area. If you've met Sarah, you know she's the real deal. A die-hard enthusiastic angler who has seen and travelled in many parts of the world and doesn't fish and camp just anywhere, but actively chooses places that have unique and remote nature, rich birdlife and, not least, the best conditions for fishing. 

"My passion for fly fishing, nature and photography blend together as the perfect cocktail of all my favourite things. Connecting with nature is essential to my mental health and I think in recent years, especially in the wake of a devastating pandemic, many people have realised that nature is healing and that we need to get back in touch."

Free as a bird

If you're interested in birds, bring your binoculars or camera! There's a chance of seeing both white-tailed eagles and ospreys, spoonbills, among many others. Just watching the lark's wings against the low sun is a beautiful sight.

"At Skjern Enge there are bird towers you can access. But I would recommend a different approach. We've had the wildest birding experiences just by being by the river and looking up. Pack a packed lunch, get out your good walking shoes, start at Kong Hans Bridge and walk out over the meadow, and suddenly you have ospreys soaring overhead, geese in their thousands migrating across the meadows and spoonbills flying past you. This spring I was lucky enough to experience a small black sun with thousands of starlings gathering in the most beautiful formations."

Anyone can catch salmon

"In the period 1999-2003, the lower 22 km of the river was remeandered after having been straightened in favour of agriculture in the 1960s, making it the largest restoration project in Northern Europe at the time. The salmon population has since increased steadily and is now one of the only places in the world where the salmon population is on the rise. This would not have happened without the dedicated faith and hard work of many enthusiasts, and the history of Skjern Å adds something special. There is culture along the river with many invested people. The most beautiful thing about it all is that everyone can join in! Everyone can afford to try their luck and catch salmon. Find practical information and inspiration at Laksens Hus."

"If you've been toying with the idea and want to have the chance to catch a salmon of potentially 25kg, then I think you should go to Skjern Å! There's something very special, indeed unrivalled, about sharing moments like catching a salmon. It's a culmination of euphoria, adrenaline and joy that brings people together across ages, genders and professions."

"I myself have spent several months along the river over several years and I will keep coming back. The season runs from 16 April to 15 October and the further you get into the season, the more salmon there are in the river and the better your chances! If you're new to fishing, spinner fishing may be the easiest to access, but I would always recommend fly fishing. There is a 'risk' that it will lead you on a lifelong journey and give you an almost obsessive passion, but above all, you will have the opportunity to catch a salmon - in my opinion - in the noblest way."

Remember to familiarise yourself with the quotas, regulations and rules on the River Skjern. You can find more information about fishing licences, tips and tricks on the River Skjern on the Laksens Hus website "Riverfisher".

Eat what you catch and find

If you like foraging, you can find all kinds of plants, flowers, berries and fruits. Large wild blackberry hedges, gooseberries, rosehips, rose hips, mint, cowslips and ramsons. There are wild elderflower trees and lilac bushes. Find water mint along the river, scent your way and pick for a cup of tea or a mojito by the fire in the evening.

"Try your hand at making a water mint syrup to enjoy in juice or on your breakfast. If you're planning a trip in early spring, you can find wild garlic - pick a handful and make pesto for dinner. It's so great to eat food that you've caught yourself, and if you're lucky, you'll have plenty of opportunities to do so by the river Skjern Å."

Many people may feel that cooking over a campfire is cumbersome and laborious. Perhaps hard to know how to cook a fish in the open air. But should you be lucky enough to catch salmon and find wild garlic, Sarah has developed a simple but delicious and easy campfire dish over the years.

WHAT YOU NEED

A lit fire, a freshly caught salmon, a fresh lemon, salt, pepper, a handful of wild garlic, a loaf of bread, olive oil. Possibly some wild herbs and spices.
 

HOW TO DO IT

1. Start by lighting a good fire and place the grate on it.

2. Cut the salmon into large chunks and salt it.

3. Grill it hard on the skin side for so long that you can see the flesh lighten in the centre.

4. Turn it over to the other side and grill for one minute. When the skin comes off, it has had the perfect amount of time.

5. Finally, squeeze lemon and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Garnish with herbs and wrap in cling film.

6. Grind your wild garlic or chop it very finely in a separate bowl.

7. Add salt, oil and lemon and stir well.

8. Toast the bread over the fire if you like.

Enjoy.

"There are several shelter sites along the Skjern River, but my favourite is the one where you can see the river while still in your sleeping bag. You might hear a salmon leaping or see the sea eagle fly by. They're deep, so there's shelter from the rain and wind. There are benches, tables and a fire pit, and you can easily sleep two and, with a bit of good will, three. The locals call it "The shelter site by the gravel gift". Here you'll also find a fire pit, tables and benches so you can enjoy your evening meal by the river. The morning sun will hit you right in the face when you're lying in these fantastic shelters."

"SO. If you're looking for nature experiences and a culture in nature, you'll find it along the river Skjern Å. I'm sure that if fishing or birdlife is your thing, you'll fall in love with Skjern Å and its surroundings and want to go back! The Jutland moors have something special to offer."

A big thank you to Sarah Rønholt and her boyfriend Tobias Park for visiting Skjern Å. If you want to follow Sarah's journey, you can follow her on Instagram here.
For more information about fishing in our destination, you can find more inspiring articles and tips here.