Trout Safari for Groups

About troursafari

Trout safari has been a cherished autumn activity in Hjo for over 20 years. A moment when you put on your rubber boots, grab your flashlight, and embark on a genuine evening adventure!

You'll share this adventure with the evening's guides, who will take you along the river to observe the trout in full action.

For groups

Groups and larger parties can book exclusive tours any day of the week during the period from mid-October to mid-November. Contact Hjo Tourist Information with your booking request >>.

Bookings in english

For guided tours in English, please contact Hjo Tourist Information >>.

Work regarding trout spawning

The purpose of safari tours is both to enlighten and inform about the existence of trout and to illustrate its significant value economically and environmentally.

About trout spawning 

In the shelter of autumn's darkness, the trout migrates upstream along Hjoån to reproduce. The migration begins in September, but spawning usually starts in early October and ends in mid-November. During the spawning period, the trout loses its silver color and instead becomes yellow-brown to blend into the stream environment.

During spawning, the female digs a deep pit in the bottom gravel where she lays her roe, which the male then fertilizes with its milt. The eggs remain buried in the bottom material throughout the winter and hatch the following spring.

For the first month, the fry live in the spawning pit and feed on the yolk sac in the egg. When it is depleted, the fry move downstream and shift to a diet mostly consisting of insects. After two or three years, they leave the stream to migrate into Lake Vättern, where they begin their adult lives.

After a few years, having grown large and fat, they return to the stream to spawn - completing the cycle!

About the nature reserve of Hjoåns dalgång 

Hjoån's valley is a nature reserve in the middle of town. An oasis that offers wonderful nature experiences all year round. In spring, the valley is covered with wood anemones, followed by lily of the valley, lungwort, as well as yellow and blue anemones. By midsummer, the wild meadow rue blooms, covering the ground like a lace blanket. Another characteristic plant in the valley is pale jewelweed, which grows alongside pearl barley and Himalayan balsam.

Large oaks with wide crowns testify that the area was once grazed. Birdlife is also varied with around fifty nesting birds and as many migrating species. The valley also boasts many old cultural remnants since it was once the cradle of the city's industry.