Byske (river)

The Byske River is a 215km long undeveloped wild salmon river located in the area of Northern Sweden formerly known as the Norrland County.[3] It stretches 134 miles from the Gulf of Bothnia to the Kilver in Arvidsjaur Municipality, passing through the current counties of Västerbotten and Norrbotten.[4][5] The river is largely surrounded by dense forests and marshland. It is one of the few rivers in Sweden that still possesses its original strain of Baltic Salmon.[6][7][8] It is a common fishing location known for its large salmon and trout populations and fishery conservation area.[9][3][5] The river offers multiple fishing sites with widths ranging between 40 and 80 meters and an average flow velocity of approximately 41m3/s.[10][8] Approximately 40km of the river contains rapids and/or currents which can be quite powerful.[8] [7]

The Byske River, also called Byskealyen, gets its name from the word Byskio which means "the swelling".[6] The use of the Byske River for log driving during the 20th century greatly impacted the river's biology and led to the implementation of several restoration measures including strict regulations by the European Union protecting the water environment and freshwater mussels.[5] A few power stations once operated in localities near the Byske, such as Fällfors and Åselet im Västerbotten but these stations have since been demolished and a hydroelectric ban put in place.[6][5] In December 1989, the Västerbotten portion of the Byske River's Fishery Conservation Area, the largest of its type in Sweden, was completed.[9][6] This area extended from the mouth of the Byske River in the Gulf of Bothnia to Norrbotten County's border and allowed the public to fish on this entire stretch of river with just one fishing license.[6] Prior to 2011, Skellefteå Municipality carried out multiple river restoration projects on and around the Byske in hopes of improving fishing tourism including biological restoration in rivers and streams, the development of a fish ladder, salmon observatory and bridge, and a fish migration fish migration monitor.[5] As a result, between the years of 2011 to 2015, the number of salmon caught increased significantly.[7][5] Currently, the Byskeälven fishing conservation area has five lakes where fish are regularly placed. These lakes are Perch Iron, Blanktrasket, Vastra Skalietjarnen, and Ostra Skaljetjarmen. [9]

The Byske River is home to freshwater mussels and several different species of fish.[9][6] Some fish species found in the Byske River include Baltic Salmon, Brown trout, Rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, Perch, Arctic char, Esox, Freshwater whitefish, Sea trout, Ide (fish), and Burbot.[6] Some species, such as the Chinese mitten crab, are invasive and should not be released back into the wild if caught.[9] Other animals that can be found within the section of Northern Sweden that the Byske River flows through include Moose, Bear, Arctic fox, Lynx, Otter, and Hare.[11] Insects such as the Mosquito and Gnat are common during the summer season around the Byske River.  [8]

Fishers interested in the Byske River can find information on rules, regulations, and/or procedures surrounding fishing, fishing licensing, and permanent fishing bans and closures below.

Byske River generally experiences temperatures of between 0-10 degrees Celsius at night and 15-25 degrees Celsius during the day throughout fishing season. Rain can occur as often as every week.[9] [8]

Nearby tourist locations for visitors to the Byske river include the Byske Havsbad, Discgolf Terminalen, and the Guide Natura.[4] The Byske Haysbad is a four-star resort located near the city of Byske and where the Byske River connects to the Gulf of Bothnia.[12] It offers free Wi-Fi, a swimming pull, room service, and is pet friendly among many other amenities.[12] Also boasting four stars is the Discgolf Terminalen. The Discgolf Terminalen is a sports and entertainment facility located near the Byske River. It features a forest themed training course wherein multiple competitions, including a regional competition, have been held by the Skelleftea Discgolf Association.[13] The Guide Natura is a certified eco-tourism company in Pitea. The company offers tours within and around the gulf of Bosnia including near the Byske River. Other amenities of the Guide Natura include island rental cottages, boat and charter tours, skis, kayaks and canoes, and guided hiking/tours.[14] Finally, the Byske Gastgivargard is a restaurant near the Byske river, approximately 30km from Skelleftea, that specializes in fish. This location can also serve as a hostel/annex for tourists.[15] [16]