Culture and history
The Tana River is one of Europe's most legendary salmon rivers – not only because of its size and catches, but because for centuries the river has been the lifeblood of the people who live here.
Salmon fishing traditions dating back thousands of years
In Tana, Sami, Norwegian and Kven families have developed local fishing methods, adapted to the large river. Traditional techniques such as driftnets and fences was used in the river with great knowledge and respect for nature. In the fjord there has been active fishing with hook and line nets and seines.
For people in the Tanadalen and the fjord, salmon has been more than a resource – it has been language, culture, identity and livelihood. Salmon was eaten, traded and sold, and the river connected local communities on both sides of the Norwegian-Finnish border.
In the 20th century, the Tana River also became known outside the region. Anglers from all over Europe came to experience the large salmon. This led to new regulations and greater pressure on the stock – and eventually important discussions about who has the right to fish in the river, and in what way.
Driftnet fishing
Is a typical spring fishery early in the season when the river is large. Due to failure to achieve spawning stock targets, driftnet fishing has been closed since 2021.
Stubble fishing
Is a typical midsummer fishery with lower water levels. Due to failure to achieve spawning stock targets, the fence fishery has been closed since 2021.