The Vättern trout in river Hjoån

Autumn Spawning of the Brown Trout

The Vättern trout (Vätteröring) lives its adult life in Lake Vättern but depends on running water to spawn. From October to November, the trout returns to the very stream where it was born.
There, it deposits its eggs in gravel beds, where they remain over winter and hatch in the spring.

For about a month, the young trout stay near the spawning grounds. They then move to parts of the river with stony bottoms, boulders and fallen wood – ideal for insects, insect larvae and hiding places. Trees and bushes along the riverbank provide shade and protection from predators.

Join a Trout Safari in Autumn

In autumn, when the trout are spawning, you can join a trout safari along the Hjo River! These safaris take place in the evening between mid-October and mid-November, starting at Grebbans Mill.

For more information and to book your spot:
🌐 Visit us at www.visithjo.se
📞 Or contact Hjo Tourist Information at +46 (0)503-352 55 for assistance.

The Journey Back to Lake Vättern

After spending 2–3 years in the river, the young trout – now called smolt – migrate out into Lake Vättern. At this point, they are around 12–15 cm long.
They begin their lake life close to shore, feeding on insects, and gradually shift to a diet of fish such as bleak and smelt, moving further into the open lake.

Quick Facts

• Species: Brown trout (Salmo trutta)

• Max weight: 10–12 kg

• Eggs: A female lays approx. 1,000 eggs per kilo of body weight

• Size after first summer: ~5 cm

• Highly valued as a sport fish

• Important to commercial fishing in Lake Vättern

Follow the Nature Trail

The nature reserve is a green oasis in the heart of the town, offering wonderful outdoor experiences all year round. Follow the Nature Trail along the Hjo River, from Hjo Harbour all the way up to the small lake Mullsjön, just west of the town.
This lush and leafy path takes you on a historic walk through wild landscapes, rich in birdlife – right in the middle of Hjo.

You can easily find the trail by following the wooden signs marked “NATURSTIGEN” along the river.
The full walk is approximately 4 km, from Hjo Harbour to Stämmorna at Lake Mullsjön.

Trail Information

• Waymarking: Clearly marked nature trail with wooden signs: "NATURSTIG"

• Length: Approx. 4 kilometres

• Food along the trail: YES – restaurant Stampens Kvarn

• Toilets: Dry toilet at Stämmorna, Mullsjön

• Open: Year-round

• Managed by: Hjo Municipality

• Protected area: Part of the EU’s ecological network of protected areas, Natura 2000